Imation Adds Protective Layer To CDs, DVDs

Staff On Jan 17 2005 - 8:00am

A new protective coating for CDs and DVDs from Imation provides a long-lasting “memory protection” layer designed to resist the dangers from scratches, smudges, dust and everyday wear and tear that can interfere with the enjoyment of music, photos and videos.

Called ForceField scratch resistant coating, the proprietary product allows discs to be stored in stacks and file folders and lets users slide DVDs across countertops or ride out rough handling by children.

Specifically, discs are scuff- and scratch-resistant and can withstand handling in the home or office; offer anti-static dust resistance that repels up to 100 times more dust than a standard uncoated disc, eliminating the need for extra care; and maintain smear resistance to keep fingerprints and surface smudges contained and easily wiped away.

Imation CDs and DVDs with ForceField coating are fully compatible with all CD and DVD players. These are available in assorted pack sizes of 52x CD-R, 8x DVD+R and 8x DVD-R, and will begin shipping in February with availability in jewel cases and spindles. Retails will be at a slight premium to uncoated discs, depending on pack-size configuration.

Suggested retail for the 52x CD-R five-pack jewel case is $5.99; the 10-pack jewel case is $10.99; and the 30-pack spindle is $24.99. Suggested retail for the 8x DVD+R three-pack jewel case is $6.99; the five-pack jewel case is $11.99; and the 30-pack spindle is $39.99. The 8x DVD-R three-pack jewel case is $6.99; the five-pack jewel case is $11.99; and the 30-pack spindle is $39.99.

New from the Oakdale, Minn.-based company are Lifemix digital greeting cards, interactive cards complete with a matching CD that allow consumers to personalize greetings with music, photos or a short video. Suggested retail is $3.99 per individual card and $11.99 for a five-pack.

A new line of LightScribe-compatible media allows memory keepers to burn professional-looking labels on their CDs and DVDs right from a computer using LightScribe Direct disc labeling technology. The Lightscribe-compatible media will come to market in February under a licensing agreement between Imation and Hewlett-Packard.

New inkjet and thermal optical discs from Imation can have printing go directly to the disc surfaces in order to customize CDs and DVDs with home movies, photo albums and other digital memories. The printable discs come in white, silver or gold surfaces and are available in recording speeds up to 52x for CDs and 8x for DVDs.