Mempile shows off "TeraDisc" DVD-sized optical storage

Somehow, in a world of 300GB holographic discs being packaged with cereal boxes -- OK, maybe we're not quite there yet -- a 1TB optical disc doesn't sound too terribly far fetched. However, Mempile's upcoming TeraDisc technology deserves no scoffing, with its 100 virtual layers for storage at a "fraction of the price" of other storage solutions on the market. Currently the disc can store 500GB in a transparent disc the thickness of a DVD, but future optimizations will allow for 200 layers of data, with 5GB on each layer, for a whole terabyte of good times. The capacity improvements come from the fact that the disc is transparent, so the laser doesn't have to bounce off of anything, it just goes right through. Right now the technology is still in development, but "strategic agreements" are already in place with media and device manufacturers, so all we've got to worry about is where to store all these cute kitten pics of ours while we're waiting for these discs to hit shelves.

[Graham @ Mar 28th 2007 11:54AM]

Great Idea,I really hope to see it work; just....how are you supposed to mark the disk with a sharpie? Like write on the disk whats on it? Just a thought.

[Standingfast @ Mar 28th 2007 12:14PM]

Ummm...You just keep it in a case!

[andy @ Mar 28th 2007 1:27PM]

If they're going to be as thick as they are in the pic, just write on the side.

[John B @ Mar 28th 2007 3:58PM]

Companies like Memorex make disc labels that you put in the center area of the disc -- that 1" or so area in the middle where there's nothing but the hole. If this is designed in the same way, you can always write your information there.

[Chuckles McGee @ Mar 28th 2007 12:19PM]

Given the time it takes for a new optical format to be widely accepted, these formats had better hit 1 TB fast so they'll be all ready for a 2010 release date- before Bluray hits it. Can anyone find dual layer DVDs for a reasonable price yet??

[drstrangegun @ Mar 28th 2007 1:16PM]

Sounds like a perfect case for a cartridge.

[OddManOut @ Mar 28th 2007 1:18PM]

I was thinking along the same lines as 'Grahm'...don't get ANY finger prints on these thing.

But to be honest, I always kinda liked the cartridge type CD-Roms (yes kids, back when CD drives were READ ONLY and moved at roaring speeds such as 2x, 4x, and a blazing 6x, some required the actual CD be inserted in a cartridge, making a it resemble a floppy disk...assuming you know what one of THOSE is...)I suppose those would keep both sides clean and safe enough...

[Carlos Montoya @ Mar 28th 2007 2:12PM]

HAHA...I like that.

[ddaw735 @ Mar 28th 2007 1:45PM]

I put three of them in a hdd and call it a day.

[classicX @ Mar 28th 2007 3:36PM]

You have to write with see-through ink - completely see-through.

[Frank @ Mar 28th 2007 6:49PM]

They should call it a TD-Rom. (1 Tera-bit disc)

[Jasen @ Mar 28th 2007 11:55PM]

Call me when they release a product. These sorts of holographic storage systems have been promised for years and years. I've yet to see one hit the market.

[Shawn @ Mar 29th 2007 1:50AM]

Yes.... "cute kitten pics" thats what I call my collection too. lol

[tekdroid @ Mar 29th 2007 1:57AM]

first one to make 100GB, reliable, relatively fast and cheapish removable media wins the prize (IMO). Let alone 1 terabyte.

[ashmist @ Mar 30th 2007 5:47AM]

I like the cartridge idea, with 1TB of data i want all the protection I can get