New write-once type BD-R discs boost recording speed to 4X

Ratingen, Germany, 17, July 2007; TDK today announces it will begin shipments of two new BD-R (write-once type) Blu-ray discs, capable of recording at 4x speed. A single-side, single-layer (25GB capacity) type will be launched at the end of July 2007 and a single-side, dual-layer (50GB) type will be available from August 2007.

TDK's new 4x BD-R discs record in less than half the time of the previous 2x BD-R discs, making the high-capacity optical discs even more efficient. This reduces the time required to copy 4.7GB, equivalent to a single-sided, single-layer DVD-R, to less than five minutes. This recording speed is equivalent to a DVD-R with 16x recording (177Mpbs max. transfer rate). It takes just 22 minutes to record 25GB of user data to a 4x BD-R.

The new TDK 4xBD-R discs, like their predecessors (BD-R) with 1x - 2x capability, have a dual-layer structure. The recording layer is a copper and silicon-based alloy which is unaffected by exposure to light, giving it outstanding archivability. The new discs also adopt TDK's DURABIS2 hard-coating, cover layering technology (formed by high-precision spin coating), and other original TDK technologies, enabling the creation of high-reliability discs.

TDK was the first to market bare Blu-ray disc media – revolutionary single-sided discs that are cartridge free thanks to the unique TDK DURABIS2 protective hard-coat finish. With single-layer 25GB and dual-layer 50GB products now available, TDK is continuing to drive forward the frontiers  of next-generation media. In 2006, TDK unveiled BD prototypes with 6x recording capability and 6-layer discs boasting 200GB capacity.

The BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association) has approved the new 4x write-once type Blu-ray Discs, paving the way for their commercialisation.

About TDK

TDK Corporation is a leading global electronics company based in Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialise “ferrite,” a key material in electronics and magnetics. The company today is a leader in the development of next-generation technologies such as Blu-ray Disc recording media, an optical disc ideally suited for high-definition video recording. TDK offers a full line of recordable DVD and CD media, digital camcorder tapes, professional data storage solutions and much more.

DURABIS is a trademark of TDK Corporation.