Verbatim Ships 8x DVD+R Media

Staff On Mar 22 2004 - 8:00am

Verbatim has begun shipping 8x speed DataLifePlus 4.7GB DVD+R media to support the widening availability of higher speed DVD multi-format burners.

At 8x speed, a 4.7GB DVD+R disc can be burned to capacity in less than 10 minutes, according to Verbatim.

DVD+R discs are compatible with BenQ DW800A, LiteOn LDW-841S, NEC ND-2100A and Plextor PX-708A 8x burners, as well as burners coming on board from Hewlett-Packard, Philips and Dell.

Low storage costs and a reduction in recording time, given compliance with the 8x DVD+R specifications, make Verbatim's 8x speed DataLifePlus DVD+R media ideal for users who need a high-quality DVD-duplication solution, the company said. Broad compatibility, low storage cost and high-speed recording should increase use of DVD discs for sharing computer data, home videos, photos and music, said Verbatim.

Verbatim DataLifePlus 8x DVD+R media retails for a suggested $3.99 and will be available in the first quarter. The product is packaged in jewel cases, multi-packs and spindles. Blank inkjet printable surface discs also will be available.

Verbatim reported it is on schedule to deliver what it calls the industry's first Double-Layer DVD+R discs. The 2.4x DataLifePlus media is said to nearly double the storage capacity on DVD+R discs from 4.7GB to 8.5GB on a single side, while maintaining compatibility with existing DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives.

Launch date is this spring to coincide with DVD+R DL hardware introductions by DVD+RW Alliance members.

The DVD+R DL discs can store up to four hours of DVD-quality video or up to 16 hours of VHS video quality on a single disc. The new media is fully compatible with the DVD+R DL standard endorsed by the DVD+RW Alliance. Suggested retail had not been set at press time.

Verbatim is also making available a DVD/CD Label Kit and a selection of Label Refill Packs. The kit allows users to secure labels to CDs and DVDs without touching the label adhesive. The kit includes 105 labels for a variety of media formats and cases, and more than 1,500 background images and clipart images.

A key component to the system is an exact-fit, multi-purpose applicator that ensures labels are centered every time. Supported formats include DVDs and CDs, digital vinyl CD-Rs, and 8cm Pocket CD-Rs.

Label kits have a suggested $19.99 retail. Refill packs are $19.99 for the 100-size of DVD/CD full-face labels, and $9.99 for the 40-pack of digital vinyl CD-R labels.