Issue: Post DVD Newsletter, Nov 9, 2004

RAMPRG PROMOTES DVD-RAM FORMAT

NEW YORK - The RAM Promotion Group (RAMPRG) recently held an event in New York City to update the press on the status of the DVD-RAM format. The RAMPRG was formed in 2003 by nine companies - Hitachi, Ltd.; Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Inc.; Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.; LG Electronics, Inc.; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic); Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; TEAC Corporation; Toshiba Corporation; and Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC). Collectively, their goal is to promote the DVD-RAM format and popularize DVD-RAM related products on an international basis.

DVD-RAM offers a number of features that are unique to the format, including time slip, chase & play, simultaneous record & play, and defect management. Its VR Format allows for editing to be performed directly on the disc using a PC and application software.

Pre-recorded DVD-RAM media plays on both consumer players and PCs. In a side-by-side comparison with the +RW format, DVD-RAM was shown to offer better picture quality and higher resolution.

DVD-RAM recordable media is available in both traditional and mini disc sizes. Discs are also available in a cartridge format for protective purposes. Panasonic and Hitachi already offer recordable drives offering 5X performance.

For more on the DVD-RAM format, check out www.ramprg.com.