Imation Corp., announced it is finalizing the development of both HD DVD and Blu-ray optical recordable media, with plans to utilize its proprietary hard coat protective disc coating in the development of both formats. The company’s promise to make discs in both formats indicates that the battle between formats will be a fierce one.

With dedicated teams completing technology development and testing of both single layer and double layer advanced optical formats, Imation plans to begin shipping both HD DVD and Blu-ray products starting in the early part of 2006. The company’s next-generation discs will feature scratch- resistant hard coating designed to protect the data that users will save on advanced optical discs.

Throughout 2006, Imation plans to launch the BD-RE (rewritable) and BDR (recordable) 25GB single layer and 50GB double layer Blu-ray formats. Also in 2006, Imation plans to launch the HD DVD-R (recordable) and HD DVD-ReR (Re- recordable) 15GB single layer and 30GB double layer HD DVD formats. Specific dates of availability and pricing will be announced in early 2006.

Imation is a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and DVD Forum.

“The exacting standards and expertise needed to develop Blu-ray and HD DVD require focus and experience that few companies possess. With over 25 years of experience in the optical field and our investments in the future of optical -- more than $10 million in advanced optical research development and manufacturing in 2005 -- along with our global distribution capabilities, we are in a solid position to deliver future formats when and where our customers want them,” said Richard Weiss, vice president of research and development, Imation.