Singulus Technologies announced that it has developed a new replication line capable of manufacturing prerecorded 100 GB (triple-layer) Blu-ray Discs.
For more information visit: www.singulus.com
Unedited press release follows:
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES Presents Production Technology for 100 GB Blu-ray Disc
• First successful production tests for 100 GB Blu-ray Disc
• Innovative production machines developed under the brand name BLULINE III
• New ultra-high definition TV format in the spotlight at the IFA
• 100 GB Blu-ray Disc ideal for playback of movies in 4K resolution
Kahl am Main, September 10, 2013 – The SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES) developed a new replication line under the product name BLULINE III for the manufacturing of triple-layer Blu-ray Discs with a storage capacity of 100 GB. Production equipment by SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES enables the production of next generation optical discs on the basis of the current BLULINE II machines for dual-layer Blu-ray Discs.
Dr.-Ing. Stefan Rinck, Chief Executive Officer of the SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG, comments: “Just in time for the market introduction of the new ultra-high definition television technology (4K or Ultra-HD), we completed the development of the production technology for the new triple-layer Blu-ray Discs with 100 GB storage capacity”. Dr. Rinck adds: “For SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES, in the Optical Disc segment the year 2013 has been very positive overall. Until the end of this year’s August we received significantly more orders for Blu-ray Disc production machines than in the prior-year period. We also see good opportunities for the sales of our Blu-ray production equipment in the future. The positive life cycle of the Blu-ray Disc will continue for some years with the launch of the new ultra-high definition television format”.
The further advancement of today’s Blu-ray Discs, the triple-layer Blu-ray Discs with 100 GB storage capacity, is the preferred playback medium for the new 4K technology. With the realization of a new and specifically designed data compression method for the ultra-high definition technology, the storage volume per information layer can be increased from 25 GB to 33 GB. In its committees, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is currently discussing the specifications of new, global standards. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES already completed the marketable concept of a new replication line.
At the IFA 2013 media and technology companies provide insights into the future of television: Sky, Astra, Sony, Harmonic, the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institute and the German TV-Platform present ultra-high definition. The new generation of high definition television provides four times the resolution (3,840 x 2,560 pixels) of HDTV. 4K will become less expensive: in Berlin a Chinese manufacturer is presenting new Ultra-HD TVs with a price tag of less than € 2,000.
Background Blu-ray Disc market trends
In the 1st half of 2013 Blu-ray Disc sales increased by 41 % compared with the same period one year ago (German Association of Audio-Visual Media (BVV), August 2013). With a share of more than 90 %, physical media (Blu-ray and DVD) also continue to dominate sales in the home entertainment market in 2013. Blu-ray Disc sales in the US, the international key market, will expand with a double-digit growth rate in 2013. This favorable trend is amplified by the market launch of the new ultra-high definition television technology and the upcoming market introduction of the new gaming consoles Playstation PS 4 by Sony and Microsoft’s Xbox One. Both gaming consoles are even expected to be equipped with a Blu-ray drive with 4K support to win the consumers’ favor. At several gaming conventions and the IFA, the two new consoles were a highlight.
Profile SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES:
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES develops innovative technologies for efficient production processes, which only make use of resources conservatively. New production technology combined with sustainable processes and the use of novel materials can decouple the use of resources from economic growth in the long-term. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES’ innovative power and competitiveness are strengthened by these new technologic developments.
With its Optical Disc segment SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES is the market leader for Blu-ray as well as CD and DVD production equipment. As the only engineering company worldwide SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES today already provides the machine technology for three-layer Blu-ray Discs with a storage volume of about 100 GB.
In the Solar division SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES is a recognized supplier for new machines concepts and production processes for crystalline and thin-film solar cells, which increase the efficiency of solar cells and reduce their production costs. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES establishes itself as a development partner and machine supplier for technologies enabling a sustainable energy provision on the basis of renewable energies.
In the Semiconductor segment SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES focuses its activities on the vacuum coating of wafers with ultra thin layers for the production of MRAM memory, thin-film write/read heads and other semiconductor applications.
To strengthen and further develop the existing business areas the company pursued the targeted development of new products and application areas based on its core competencies in order to open new markets with this. This strategic further development of the existing product portfolio by internal measures is in the focus in the business year 2013. At the same time we are reviewing reasonable acquisition opportunities to strengthen the sustainable development at SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES.