3DsoundSurge Press Release: Verbatim Corporation Announces 4.7GB DVD+R Write-Once Discs

Verbatim Corporation Announces 4.7GB DVD+R Write-Once Discs

Combines Proven DVD+RW High Performance and Broad Compatibility with Increased Security and Lower Storage Cost

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2002--Widely recognized for its technical expertise in advancing the optical storage industry, Verbatim® Corporation announced today its new DataLifePlus® 4.7GB DVD+R media -- a companion product to DVD+RW which was introduced in October 2001. With the announcement, Verbatim becomes the first to offer DVD+RW technology in both the ReWriteable and Write-once formats. Like Verbatim's DVD+RW media, the new DVD+R discs are certified for 2.4x recording speed (equivalent to 3.32MB/sec or 22x CD-R performance), the fastest recording speed of any current DVD format. Verbatim will begin shipping DataLifePlus DVD+R media in March.

``DVD+RW technology is an enabling technology for the convergence of PCs and home entertainment devices,'' said Tim Clatterbuck, Verbatim's director of optical storage marketing. ``People like the simplicity of using a single DVD+RW disc for computer data and consumer electronics applications, but they also want the savings, security, and compatibility that write-once media provides. Our new DVD+R media offers the best of both technologies.''

Verbatim's new DVD+R media can be used with upgraded versions of Philips' DVDR1000 recorder and the new Philips DVDR985 recorder, as well as next-generation DVD+R/+RW drives and recorders that are being rolled out by industry leaders such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard Company, Philips Electronics, Ricoh Company Ltd., and Sony Corporation.

Verbatim DVD+R discs can be played back by the vast majority of DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players in use today. Broad compatibility, a low storage cost and high-speed recording make the discs ideal for sharing computer data, home videos, photos, and music; while the write-once technology provides users with the security they need for files that must be protected from alteration or erasure.

To achieve 2.4X high-speed writing, Verbatim DVD+R media utilizes a patented Metal Azo dye as the recording layer. Key media partners in the DVD+RW Alliance, Verbatim and its parent company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC), are pioneers in Metal Azo dye development and manufacturing. Originally developed for high-speed CD-R recording, Azo dye has become the predominant dye type for write-once DVD recording media, and is a key component to higher-speed DVD recording media planned for introduction later this year. In addition, Verbatim DVD+R media exhibits high durability and light resistance, enabling long-term storage of important data.

By supporting both the random access of CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) for data storage and the sequential access of CLV (Constant Linear Velocity) for streaming video or audio, Verbatim DVD+RW and DVD+R media can be used for both data storage and audio/video applications. CAV can be used in high-speed random access applications and CLV can be used in real-time recording applications. In addition, the DVD+R/+RW format utilizes lossless linking technology to support multi-session writing, allowing users to write (and read) additional data and video segments without finalizing the sessions. This feature enhances playback compatibility, saves time, and gives users the flexibility to use low-cost, write-once DVD+R discs for backups and archiving, as well as enabling different users to add recording sessions to the same disc.

To provide its customers with a quick and easy way to distinguish between discs used for computer storage and those used to store movies and videos, Verbatim packages its high-quality +RW and +R media in standard jewel box cases and DVD video tall boxes.

Verbatim and MCC are original members of the DVD+RW Alliance that developed the DVD+RW format.

Pricing, Availability

Available through authorized resellers and the Verbatim web site, DataLifePlus DVD+R write-once media media has a street price of $9.99 for the single-sided 4.7GB discs. DataLifePlus 4.7GB DVD+RW ReWriteable media is available for $14.99. Verbatim backs the quality of its complete line of DataLifePlus DVD media with a lifetime warranty and more than 30 years of experience in developing removable storage media and production technologies.

About Verbatim

Verbatim Corporation, a Mitsubishi® Chemical Company, is currently the only firm in the world that designs, develops and manufactures high-performance, high-quality CD-Recordable, CD- ReWriteable, DVD-Recordable and ReWriteable DVD media products, and a complete family of 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch MO media, as well as magnetic media and imaging products. For complete information on Verbatim's new DVD media contact Verbatim at 1200 W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262, 800/421-4188, FAX 704/547-6609; or visit the company's Web site at www.verbatim.com.

Note to Editors: Verbatim and DataLifePlus are registered trademarks of Verbatim Corporation. Other company and product names contained herein are trademarks of their respective companies. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Contact:

     Verbatim
     Tim Clatterbuck, 704/547-6500
     tim.clatterbuck@verbatim.com
        or
     Marken Communications
     Andy Marken, 408/986-0100
     andy@markencom.com

SOURCE: Verbatim.