First public demonstration of dual-layer CD technology by Sony and Philips given to industry experts

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 1995--Sony Corporation and Philips Electronics announced today that they have held the first public demonstration of 3M's dual-layer, single-sided CD technology, proving the manufacturing viability of the High Density MultiMedia CD format.

The demonstration was given at the International Tape Association (ITA) conference, the annual meeting for the optical and magnetic media industry, held this year, March 8-12, in Rancho Mirage, Calif. THe demonstration showed the audience of industry experts that the next-generation of dual-layer, single-sided discs can be produced easily at existing manufacturing facilities. Dual-layer will be implemented in the 7.4GB disc players that Sony and Philips have proposed in their High Density MultiMedia CD specifications currently being circulated to the industry.

The dual-layer demonstration used a standard-density disc with an extra information layer on it. The prototype dual-layer disc was manufactured by 3M. As a proof of the concept, the dual-layer disc was able to go from track to track, and layer to layer, with ease. The disc ran on a slightly modified player.

"We have proven, once and for all, that our dual-layer disc technology is the most cost-effective format on which to run epic movies, sequels and interactive, multimedia programs in any combination that the studios desire," said Dr. Teruaki Aoki, executive vice president, Sony Consumer Audio and Video Products.

"The dual-layer format will satisfy an enormous requirement for the computer industry, which has been clamoring for all the capacity it can use for business and multimedia applications. This demonstration validates to the computer industry that Sony and Philips have listened and responded," said Hoss Bozorgzad, vice president of marketing at Philips.

"After working with Phillips and Sony for more than a year in developing dual-layer, single-sided technology, 3M believes that this demonstration is truly a milestone," said Rusty Rosenberger, business development manager at 3M.

As a cornerstone of the Philips/Sony High Density MultiMedia CD specifications, a dual-layer, single-sided disc will provide up to 270 minutes or four and one half hours of seamless, uninterrupted digital video. The Philips/Sony specifications will be fully backward compatible with all existing CD formats. Additionally, High Density MultiMedia discs can be produced at existing disc manufacturing facilities.