Imation Corp today announced the availability of its Blu-ray media to major IT and data storage channel partners at its "Blue Technology" conference. Available in recordable (BD-R) and rewritable (BD-RE) formats, Imation Blu-ray discs store up to 25 GB of digital files (five times the capacity of standard DVDs) and are ideal for reliable business backup, including medical and government imaging, photography, videography, as well as high definition video recording.

"Businesses are producing and storing more data than ever before, whether due to multi-media content, migration to a more paperless environment, email proliferation, or more stringent compliance requirements," said Jim Milligan, general manager, Imation Commercial and OEM Division. "Imation's Blu-ray media will enable businesses to spend less time worrying about managing their data, and spend more time on their core competencies."

BD-R and BD-RE, Imation's first high-definition recordable media, offer high quality, "single session" optical backup. They are an ideal and efficient backup and archive solution for organizations of all sizes with high-capacity data storage needs. Blu-ray discs also allow for recording of high-definition television and video content, with crystal-clear picture and sound quality.

Imation Blu-ray discs are produced with a unique protective coating that provides scratch-resistance, anti-static dust resistance, and smear- resistance, ensuring a more durable and protected media surface. For even greater storage, Imation will also manufacture double-layer Blu-ray media later this year, delivering 50 GB of capacity on a single disc -- 10 times the capacity of standard DVD discs.

Individually packaged Imation Blu-ray recordable (BD-R) single layer (25 GB) and re-writable (BD-RE) single layer (25 GB) discs will be available in August for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $19.99 and $29.99, respectively. For more information on Imation Blu-ray discs and where to buy them, go to http://www.imation.com/products/dvd_media/.

With more than 25 years of optical disc technology expertise, dating to the introduction of the first video disc in 1982, Imation continues to pioneer superior optical media production technologies. In 2005, the company invested more than $10 million in advanced research, development, and modular manufacturing capabilities for "blue laser" high-density optical products, and is among the first companies to bring this new format to market. Imation also will bring HD DVD media to the SMB and enterprise markets, giving customers a choice for their high definition recording needs. Imation is a contributing member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, which supports the Blu-ray format, and the DVD Forum, which supports the HD DVD format.

Source: Imation