First 6x Blu-ray blank media now available

Computerworld - Imation Corp. today announced the first 6x Blu-ray recordable (BD-R) and Blu-ray recordable double layer (BD-R DL) media for the U.S. retail market.

The new 6x BD-R discs will have up to a 216Mbit/sec. data transfer speed. The discs are hard-coated and made of a "highly sensitive inorganic material" that enable long lasting performance.

Blu-ray comes in 25GB, single layer and 50GB, double layer discs. Using TDK Life on Record 6x Blu-ray discs, consumers can record 25GB of data in as little as 17 minutes -- approximately six minutes faster than a prevously available 4x BD-R.

Imation is hawking its TDK-branded Blu-ray discs at consumers for archviving digital content. The company said the new Blu-ray discs also address compatibility issues found with previous models through the use of the VER. 1.3. format, which Imation claims to be the most compatable with Blu-ray burners today.

TDK Life on Record Blu-ray 6x media will be available in 25GB single-layer and 50GB double-layer capacities starting in October, at a retail price of $13.99 for a BD-R disc and $32.99 for a BD-R DL.

Imation said it is also launching a full line of TDK Life on Record-branded accessories for Blu-ray disc cleaning and storage to protect and maintain high-definition content, including the following:

• TDK Life on Record Opticloth for Blu-ray, a reusable microfiber cloth to clean Blu-ray media safely. They will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $4.99.
• TDK Life on Record Blu-ray Clean Cloths -- dry, disposable, nonabrasive cloths for removing dust, dirt and oil from Blu-ray disc surfaces. The cloths will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $4.99 for a pack of 20 cloths.
• TDK Life on Record Blu-ray Player Laser Lens Cleaner, which helps maintain and clean Blu-ray players. It will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $29.99.
• TDK Life on Record Blu-ray Tyvek Sleeves for storing Blu-ray discs in a scratch-resistant sleeve. Packs of 25 will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $8.99.