Both Netherlands-based Philips Semiconductors and Taiwan-based MediaTek expect to begin offering solutions for dual-layer DVD+R technology in the second quarter of this year at the earliest, according to sources. Philips expects to begin offering downloadable firmware that supports dual-layer DVD+R technology to system makers in the second quarter, said Marconi Jiang, general manager of sales at Philips Semiconductors in Taiwan.
System makers can download the firmware to upgrade existing DVD+RW chips from supporting 4.7GB to 8.5GB. Taiwan driver vendors including BenQ have already committed to the technology for 8x DVD systems, said Jiang. Philips dubs the dual-layer DVD+R technology DVD+RW 9. The technology is said to double the data storage capacity on DVD recordable discs from 4.7GB to 8.5GB and remains compatible with existing DVD video players and DVD drives, according to an October 3 press statement from Philips.