Panasonic to introduce world’s first 4x write-once Blu-ray discs

Panasonic is expected to launch Write-Once Blu-ray Discs (BD-R) with 4x writing speed in the Middle East. Single-layer discs with 25GB capacity (LM-BR25LDE) will be available this month and dual-layer with 50GB capacity (LM-BR50LDE) in September.

The new discs have the capability of 4x speed writing and reading, allowing users to handle large amount of data or High Definition content with greater convenience.  Panasonic is the first company to announce the market introduction of 4x BD-R Discs.

“The new 4x Discs have the maximum data transfer speed of 144Mbps, which means they can copy a 1GB folder in just one minute, while a DVD-RW (2x data transfer speed) needs 6 minutes,” said Yasuo Kimoto, Product Manager, Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

The high data transfer speed is achieved by the application of new phase-change recording technology which was realized through Panasonic’s Optical Disc development. The result is precise and stable recording even when writing at 4x high speed.

Also, the newly developed recording layer has a wide power margin at any writing　speed from 1x to 4x. This enables high quality recording, even if the drive’s laser power fluctuates, resulting in greater overall drive compatibility.

The new Discs offer low error rate thanks to the newly developed film forming technology which minimizes dust generated in the sputtering process. The error rate is reduced to 1/10 that of a conventional Disc, ensuring high reliability and a high quality recording.