Verbatim offers top-quality 8cm DVDs in dual layer format for the camcorder market

Verbatim has played a major role in the evolution of data storage technology for over 38 years and now leads the field in 8cm DVDs for camcorders. In addition to the existing 8cm formats DVD-R 1.4GB 4x, DVD-RW 1.4GB 2x and DVD+RW 1.4GB 4x, Verbatim is now offering the mini dual layer DVD-R, which has over 2.6 gigabytes of storage capacity for 54 minutes of recording time – with a burning speed that’s four times faster. The advantage for camcorder enthusiasts? The 8cm dual layer media offer almost twice the playback time of conventional single layer media, which only allow around 30 minutes’ recording time. And unlike double-sided media, with dual layer discs there is no need to turn the disc over – so you don’t miss a single crucial scene and can enjoy 54 minutes of non-stop filming.

Verbatim ScratchGuard

The Verbatim mini DVD-R DL features Verbatim’s specially developed HardCoat ScratchGuard to protect the data side of the disc. This special coating protects the disc against signs of wear, scratches and fingerprints. “Tests have shown that the HardCoat ScratchGuard surface offers up to 50 times more protection in everyday use than discs without this protection,“ says Torsten Leye, Optical Marketing Manager at Verbatim. “This is the ideal way to protect your media when you take your camcorder away with you, especially on summer holidays when discs are likely to be exposed to extreme conditions like heat and sunlight.”

High demand for dual layer media and long recording times

More and more camcorders are now compatible with dual layer media, for example the second generation of the Canon DVD camcorders DC230, DC220, DC210, DC50 and DC21. At the same time camcorders are becoming more powerful with lower power consumption and long-life batteries. “The recording media have to keep pace with the camcorders – not just in terms of durability and user-friendliness but also in terms of recording quality and capacity,” says Leye. The mini DVD-R DL is Verbatim’s response to the demand for longer recording times from professional and amateur filmmakers. “Being able to film for almost an hour without interruption allows you to record plenty of material for later editing,” says Leye.

In the second half of 2007 Verbatim expects to see an overall increase in demand for double layer and dual layer media, particularly in the camcorder segment of 8cm dual layer DVDs. The new Verbatim mini DVD-R DL is already available in packs of 5 priced at €19.99 or individually at €4.