Verbatim gears up to ship 2x HD DVD-R/RW discs

Believe it or not, we were getting pretty jazzed up that 1x HD DVD-R media was getting set to ship in late 2006, and here we are in 2008 wondering why we're just now getting to 2x. Regardless, Verbatim is finally gearing up to ship 2x-speed HD DVD-R/RW discs sometime this quarter, but for whatever reason, we're left to wonder just how much the firm plans on charging for said media. But yeah, it's pretty safe to say these won't run ya cheap.

[Jkswiss @ Jan 7th 2008 8:23AM]

What lovely timing Verbatim, I predict massive sales.

[John B @ Jan 7th 2008 9:36AM]

Yes, their timing isn't ... er ... wonderful, but HD DVD still is not dead. It's merely has "just a flesh wound". :) But depending on the cost, this could still be a way to keep HD DVD alive in the data realm. From what I've seen, a 25 GB Blu-ray disk runs about $25, about $1 per GB. If Verbatim can run with a better price than that, say $10 for 15 GB, that could make HD DVD a more viable alternative to BD for data storage. Yes, it's still more expensive than four DVD-Rs, but it's far more convenient to back up on one disc than having to back up onto four DVD-Rs.

Of course, as was mentioned already, I have yet to see an HD DVD writer, although there seem to be quite a number of BD writers. If Toshiba can get their asses in gear and get more HD DVD writers out there at an affordable price, then it's very possible to say rumors of HD DVD's death (at least with respect to data storage) is greatly exaggerated.

[Rob @ Jan 7th 2008 9:39AM]

Why would you pay $10 for a 15gigs disc, when it costs you $2 for 17gigs with two DVD+R DL? And Verbatim makes the most reliable media too.

[John B @ Jan 7th 2008 9:46AM]

By the same token, why spend $25 for a 25 GB Blu-ray disc when $3 worth of DVD+R DL will do the same thing? Obviously *someone* is out there buying Blu-ray burners and discs, so they apparently put a value on $1 per GB for Blu-ray discs. Just because you don't see the value in it doesn't mean that no one else does.

[Kev @ Jan 7th 2008 11:36AM]

I know you're being sarcastic but seriously I wouldn't mind picking one up and keeping it sealed until it goes down as a piece of history like Betamax then I can brag to my friends about having one.

[SimbaDogg @ Jan 7th 2008 2:53PM]

@Rob
Some people like myself are anxiously looking @ blu ray burner and media because we have A LOT of stuff on our comp that we want to burn, and its almost worth while to spend the extra dollars for a disc. For example, i have the simpsons seasons 1-18 on my comp, and its about 48 GB. I'd love to get that all on one 50 gb blu ray disc when they come out, or 2 15 gb blu ray discs (and no, they're not as expensive as you said...$12 bucks for verbatim through newegg) rather than 6 DL DVDs or 10 standard DVDs. It makes the whole archiving process a hell of a lot easier.

[Joe Maki @ Jan 7th 2008 8:33AM]

What's the point when it's alost inpossible to get a burner anyway.

[jd @ Jan 7th 2008 9:35AM]

hmm, is this a chicken n Egg question? Which one come first, the disk or the burner?

The burners prices will come down eventually very soon(next 6-12 months). so Verbatim disks will be available when you buy your burner. hmm. it seems like there are egg before chicken.

[shanoboy @ Jan 7th 2008 8:37AM]

So, how long does it generally take to burn an HD DVD? It already takes a decent amount of time to burn a DVD.

[Lee @ Jan 7th 2008 9:21AM]

Jkswiss @ Jan 7th 2008 8:23AM
What lovely timing Verbatim, I predict massive sales.

hehehehe, nice one.

[Rob @ Jan 7th 2008 9:32AM]

Why add more into the confusion? Verbatim, you make the best discs, start putting out, in massive numbers, your Blu-Ray burnables. All indications are pointing to Blu-Ray having won the HD format war and Toshiba seems to, in a few words, raising their white flag. So, why not concentrate on Blu-Ray instead.

[Erick @ Jan 7th 2008 9:41AM]

Im not sure that Verbatim needs to "concentrate" on making one particular format when they have proven they can easily support production of a large variety of media...

[Mike @ Jan 7th 2008 9:38AM]

Nothing to see here... move along.

[Kurian @ Jan 7th 2008 10:06AM]

Thank you. Since we already have to search for 3 months or so to get our hands on a HD-DVD burner, we wont mind waiting 2 and a half hours to burn a disc at 1x.

[AboveUnrefined @ Jan 7th 2008 11:16AM]

They could be unloading all WIP that was related to HD-DVD

[SimbaDogg @ Jan 7th 2008 2:42PM]

Why?