Oerlikon announced that it has sold its first prerecorded Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM) replication line in Western Europe to Infodisc Technology.
For more information visit: www.infodisc-gmbh.de ; www.oerlikon.com
Unedited press release follows:
Oerlikon to Install First Blu-ray Line in Europe
Infodisc Technology GmbH Is First Independent Blu-ray Manufacturer in Western Europe with Oerlikon Equipment
August 03, 2007 – BALZERS, Liechtenstein — German Optical Disc manufacturer Infodisc today received delivery of the first BD ROM manufacturing line Indigo in Western Europe. The Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) Blu-ray replication line will be installed in the coming days at the Renchen/Germany facility. Infodisc will offer its services as the first independent European Blu-ray manufacturer, which is not contractually tied to a particular Hollywood movie studio. As a pioneer in the Blu-ray production technology, Infodisc will share its experience with other replicators and serve as a showcase for the Oerlikon Blu-ray line Indigo.
“We’ve evaluated the available Blu-ray production equipment and were primarily impressed by Oerlikon,” says Michael Gotowski, CEO at Infodisc. “The INDIGO line is approved by major replicators, features an excellent cover layer process and is mature for Blu-ray mass production. Oerlikon is launching soon the 50GB dual layer upgrade, using Sony’s wet embossing process. This is the professional package we need for our own market success.”
“The next generation Blu-ray market offers many new opportunities for media manufacturers,” says Hans Ebinger, Head of Optical Disc Business Unit at Oerlikon. “The entrepreneurs coming first will be able to shape this upcoming market their way. Infodisc is just doing that world wide. We are proud that we have been selected as the partner of choice. This is a great reward for our effort to develop the Blu-ray market.”
Oerlikon has the widest installed base of Blu-ray manufacturing lines around the globe and is an established partner to the leading manufacturers of both pre-recorded as well as recordable Blu-ray discs. The Indigo lines combine Oerlikon’s leading sputtering technology with a unique cover layer spin coating process. The collected field experience and the established service network allow Oerlikon to safe guard now also mid and small size optical disc manufacturer into the Blu-ray disc generation.
Oerlikon is working with Sony DADC to develop a wet embossing process for production of the new 50GB dual layer Blu-ray format to be launched later this year.
Oerlikon – a globally leading high-technology group
Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) is among the world’s most successful industrial high-tech companies focusing on machine and systems engineering. Oerlikon stands for leading industrial solutions and cutting-edge technology in textile production, thin film coating, propulsion, precision and vacuum technology. As a company with Swiss roots and a 100-year tradition with CHF 4.7 billion in sales, over 19,000 employees at 170 location in 35 countries, Oerlikon has evolved into a global player today. The group is ranked first or second in each of its respective markets. Oerlikon’s share price trebled in 2006 and its market capitalization exceeded the CHF 8.5 billion mark, which led to the company’s inclusion in the European STOXX 600 Index. Oerlikon was the best performing stock of the year 2006.
Infodisc Technology GmbH is an independent service provider for all optical media with strategic focus on the next generation formats HD DVD and Blu-ray. Customers benefit from a One-Stop-Shop solution including authoring, replication, packaging and final distribution. Infodisc is audited, certified and member of all relevant organizations to fulfil the requirements of content protection and provide the highest quality standards.