Storage media provider, Verbatim Corporation, has announced plans to support the development of both Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD (HD-DVD) recordable and rewritable media. Both formats are expected to begin shipping in early 2006, when high-definition drives and recorders are expected to be released.

The two high-definition formats are currently rallying support from major distributors and manufacturers worldwide in order to become the next standard for movie and data storage. Whilst there has been talk of a compromise format being developed, there has been no final decision released on this subject and, according to Verbatim, it has become increasingly apparent that both formats will be released to market.

Verbatim Blu-ray media will be available with 25GB (single-layer) and 50GB (double-layer) capacities. The HD-DVD media will be available with a single-layer capacity of 15GB. Double-layer HD-DVD media is also being developed for release following format finalisation. With new high-capacity, high definition formats; users will be able to record and play back the sharp images that high-definition video provides. The high-capacity discs will also have applications in computer data storage.

Verbatim is already working with the standards groups and burner/recorder manufacturers to develop and refine the materials and manufacturing processes, has joined both the BDA (Blue-ray Disc Association) as a contributor and the HD-DVD Promotion Group as a general member.