Verbatim to launch Mini DVD-R DL Media

Verbatim announces the world's first Mini DVD-R Dual Layer (DL) disc. Measuring only three inches (8cm) in diameter, the new discs provide nearly a full hour of continuous video capture time or 2.66GB of storage capacity on a single side. Verbatim Mini DVD-R DL media will be available at the end of August 2006 in North America, where the new Canon DC22 Mini DVD-R DL-compatible camcorder will be launched. Shipments to other parts of the world will begin when the new Mini DVD-R DL-compatible camcorders become available locally

Featuring two recording layers on a single side, Verbatim's new Mini DVD-R DL discs provide almost twice the capacity of current mini DVD-R discs. Fully compatible with the DVD-R DL specification approved by the DVD Forum, the media can be recorded with compatible camcorders and played back with the majority of DVD players. It is ideal for applications such as recording and sharing home movies, sporting events, training videos and business presentations as well as digital audio, photos and graphics.

For added protection against the scratches and abrasion that can occur during normal camcorder and home use, the Mini DVD-R DL media features Verbatim's innovative VideoGard technology. The VideoGard protective coating on the disc surface makes irreplaceable home videos and photos 40 times more resistant to damage.

The combination of Verbatim's premium-quality media with VideoGard protection provides users with the assurance that they have the best media on the market for storing, viewing and sharing their special memories and that they'll be able to enjoy them for years to come.

"Our new Mini DVD-R Dual Layer discs deliver the convenience of longer recording times that camcorder users want without the drawbacks of double-sided DVD media," said Tim Clatterbuck, Verbatim Optical Storage Manager. "Now, they can record for up to 54 minutes* continuously without having to flip the disc. That means they won't miss important video shots when flipping the disc or waste recording capacity by removing the disc early in order to prepare the next video capture. In addition," Clatterbuck noted, "unlike the double-sided media, which doesn't have any space for writing titles, they can utilize the label area to identify their videos."

Verbatim and its parent company, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (MKM), worldwide market leaders in recordable and rewriteable CD and DVD media, have consistently been first to bring DL technology developments to market.

Availability, Pricing
Mini DVD-R DL discs in blister and jewel case 3-packs will be available in the U.S. and Canada through leading retailers, Internet resellers and distributors at the end of August. The MSRP for the 3-packs will be $24.99 US.