Verbatim® Corporation and its parent company, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (MKM), announced today the world’s first Mini Blu-ray Recordable/Rewriteable (BD-R/RE) media. Measuring three inches (8cm) in diameter, the new 7.5GB discs provide approximately one hour of continuous video capture time on a single side when high definition (1920×1080i) is used, and approximately two hours* of video capture time with images recorded at 1440×1080i. MKM Mini BD media will be available in August in Japan, where the new Hitachi BD-compatible camcorder will be launched. Verbatim will begin shipments to other parts of the world, including North America, when the new BD-compatible camcorders become available locally.

Verbatim Mini BD media combine with a BD-compatible camcorder to provide consumers with convenience features that hard disk camcorders cannot offer. With the ability to record priceless memories directly to a Mini BD disc, users can eliminate the time-consuming process of downloading captured video to their computer hard drive. They can also enjoy unlimited capacity by simply removing the disc from the camcorder and adding a new one.

Like Verbatim’s standard (12 cm) BD media, the new Mini BD discs deliver the highest read/write performance and unsurpassed longevity. Advanced technologies developed by MKM guard against deterioration in picture and sound quality--even with repeated recording and playback. By combining MKM’s proprietary recording layers and hard coat with its precision stamper and precision molding technologies during the manufacturing process, Verbatim BD media customers can be confident they have the best media on the market for their special memories and that they’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.

The proprietary hard-coat finish on Verbatim BD media has superior anti-static and anti-scratch properties for added protection against scratches, fingerprints and dust particles that can occur during normal camcorder and home use.

Verbatim’s new Mini BD media is produced to the highest quality standards at MKM’s optical disc manufacturing facility in Mizushima, Japan. The Mizushima factory is well known for its expertise in producing blue laser media.