The release of the dual layer DVD-recordable will probably be the most exciting technology development in 2004 and more and more information comes available now the time of release of products using the format comes nearer and nearer. Altough expectations are that the first products for consumers will be available in the second half of this year, the technology starts to make its way to manufacturers.
Digitimes reports that Philips will start to offer a downloadable firmware that supports dual layer DVD+R to drive manufacturers. Another important factor is MediaTek that has announced it will start shipments of chips that support the dual layer DVD+R in the second quarter of 2004.
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Philips dubs the dual-layer DVD+R technology DVD+RW 9. The technology is said to double the data storage capacity on DVD recordable discs from 4.7GB to 8.5GB and remains compatible with existing DVD video players and DVD drives, according to an October 3 press statement from Philips. MediaTek is offering a new chip supporting dual-layer DVD+R to its system customers. Lite-On IT expects to begin mass production of recorders that support the technology in the second quarter, according to sources. MediaTek does not expect any intellectual property problems, according to Ming-kai Tsai, chairman of MediaTek |
Of course
the question remains, will it be possible to upgrade current 8x DVD recorders
with a firmware to support dual layer technology or will the next generation 8x
DVD recorders be dual layer format ready? There is still a lot unclear Pioneer
has said its dual layer technology was demonstrated on a A06 with a modified
firmware other rumors state that this drive also had hardware modifications.
Philips is more clear and expects that users will need to purchase a new DVD
recorder. Read more in our Dual Layer article .
Source: Digitimes
