Toshiba has recently introduced a new 120mm disk capable of storing up to 30GB of data on a single-layered, single-side optical disk. Current DVD-RAM technology can store only 4.7GB on a single-sided disk. With its 30GB capacity, the read/write disk can record three hours of high-definition digital video and Toshiba plans to propose the technology to the DVD Forum, the international organization that sets standards for DVD-related products. "High-capacity DVD is specially designed to store high-definition digital images, for which the demand will emerge when terrestrial digital broadcasting commences," says a Toshiba spokesman. Key to the new disk's higher storage capacity is the use of blue-laser technology, which was first developed by Japan's Nichia Chemical Industries. A competing product using blue-laser technology is being marketed by Matsushita Electric, which has unveiled a 50GB disk that stores data in two layers rather than one. (NewsFactor 17 Jan 2002) <http://www.newsfactor.com/perl/story/15840.html>
