Verbatim Corporation and its parent company, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (Verbatim/MKM) announced today that it will begin shipping single-sided, dual-layer 30GB HD DVD-R media to customers in North America when HD DVD-R DL-compatible hardware becomes available in Q1. The premium-quality dual-layer HD DVD-R media has been shipping throughout Japan since July 2006, when recordable HD DVD hardware first became available.

The high-capacity Verbatim/MKM HD DVD DL media will find extensive application in computer data storage. Business and home users will be able to back up their laptop PCs onto one long-lasting 30GB optical disc. Consumers will also record and enjoy the amazingly sharp images that high-definition video provides. Users will be able to save the data recorded by high-definition camcorders, author and edit the material on their PC, and then burn the content onto HD DVD-R media for viewing on an HD DVD playback device. Many new HD DVD hardware devices will be launched in 2007.

The new 30GB HD DVD DL media can be used to store about 150 minutes of high-definition video on a single side. Verbatim/MKM HD DVD DL media also supports the AACS (Advanced Access Content System) copy protection technology.

To achieve the best balance of reflectivity, transmission and absorption for both recording layers, MKM leveraged its proven dye technology to develop a new highly sensitive recording dye. The high recording sensitivity plus the wider power margin of the new recording layer ensure a low error rate, regardless of drive power fluctuations or smudges on the disc surface. Highly resistant to sunlight and heat, the media provides ultra-stable recording characteristics for a lifetime of high performance -- even after long periods of storage -- for both recorded and unrecorded media.

Verbatim/MKM HD DVD-R DL media is produced at MKM's technically advanced Singapore factory which is widely recognized for developing and refining the world's premier dual-layer DVD media. By leveraging its DL expertise, the factory provides consistent high-quality HD DVD-R DL discs.

Verbatim/MKM is a general member of the HD DVD Promotion Group and a charter member of the DVD Forum.

About Verbatim/MKM

Verbatim/MKM is an international organization that develops and markets innovative, high-quality products for storing, moving and using digital content. Known for its leadership in the removable storage media and related accessories markets, the company provides reliable, unique technologies and products that are highly sought after and broadly distributed worldwide.

For more information, contact Verbatim Corporation, 1200 W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262, (800) 421-4188. In Europe, Verbatim Ltd., Prestige House, 23-26 High Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9DU, UK, (+44) 1784 439 781. In Japan, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media Co., Ltd., ANA Tamachi Bldg., 31-19, Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014, (+81) 3-5454-3925. Or visit the web site at http://www.verbatim.com and select the country of your location.