Imation To Roll Out Optical Media Formats

Oakdale, Minn. — Optical storage media maker Imation said it is finalizing the development of HD DVD and Blu-ray optical recordable media, with plans to utilize the company's proprietary hard-coat protective disc coating in the development of both formats.

Imation, which expects to begin shipping HD DVD and Blu-ray media early in 2006, said it will launch the BD-RE (rewritable) and BDR (recordable) 25GB single-layer and 50GB double-layer Blu-ray formats throughout next year.

Also in 2006, Imation plans to launch the HD DVD-R (recordable) and HD DVD-ReR (re-recordable) 15GB single-layer and 30GB double-layer HD DVD formats.

Dates for availability and pricing will be announced early next year, said the company.