Panasonic Announces Plans for U.S. Introduction of Blu-ray Discs
—Company to Bring Four Types of BD Discs to Market in 2006—
LAS VEGAS, NV, January 4, 2006–Panasonic, the leading brand of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., today announced plans for the 2006 introduction of blank Blu-ray(BD) discs in the United States. The new discs will be available in both 50GB and 25GB storage capacities which can be used on BD drives with 2X writing speed.
The following four models will be introduced in the U.S. market this spring:
Model Number Specification Suggested Retail Price*
-LM-BE50DE Rewritable, 50GB, Single-Sided, Dual Layer $59.99
-LM-BE25DE Rewritable, 25GB, Single-Sided, Single Layer $24.99
-LM-BR50DE Write once, 50GB, Single-Sided, Dual Layer $42.99
-LM-BR25DE Write once, 25GB, Single-Sided, Single Layer $17.99
Models LM-BE50DE and LM-BR50DE utilize a dual layer structure to realize the large capacity of 50GB–more than ten times the capacity of conventional single-sided 4.7GB DVD discs. This dual-layer technology was first introduced by Panasonic in the Japanese market in 2004 with 1X speed.
Among the main features of Panasonic’s Blu-ray discs:
Dual layer technology Achieves 50GB Capacity
A new layer stack technology allowed Panasonic to stack two recording layers, an intermediate layer, and a transparent cover layer into a thickness of only 0.1mm. A recording film technology with high sensitivity and high transmittance made it possible to achieve the dual-layer structure, and a high-precision forming technology ensured that the intermediate layer has a uniform thickness throughout. These technologies combine to produce a Panasonic BD disc that features two recording layers with a capacity of 50GB.
Spin-coated cover layer:
Panasonic BD discs also use an advanced spin coating process technology to form the cover layer with extremely uniform thickness. This is the key element for stable data recording.
A uniquely fabricated film for rewritable disc;
An originally developed, high sensitive and durable recording film used for rewritable discs further enhances the stable recording and playback characteristics, of particular importance for PC use where date is frequently rewritten.
An inorganic material film for write once disc:
An inorganic material which is unaffected by light is utilized for a recording film of the write-once disc, which ensures safe and long-term storage of the data.
Hard-coated cover layer:
Newly-developed surface-treatment technology enables a significant boost in disc resistance to scratches and abrasions, ensuring high reliability and durability even without a cartridge.
About Panasonic:
Panasonic brand Blu-ray discs will be marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.
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Specifications subject to change without notice.
* Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. All prices are in U.S. dollars.
