Both Netherlands-based Philips Semiconductors and Taiwan-based MediaTek expect to begin offering solutions for dual-layer DVD+R technology in the second quarter of this year at the earliest, according to sources.
Philips expects to begin offering downloadable firmware that supports dual-layer DVD+R technology to system makers in the second quarter, said Marconi Jiang, general manager of sales at Philips Semiconductors in Taiwan. System makers can download the firmware to upgrade existing DVD+RW chips from supporting 4.7GB to 8.5GB. Taiwan driver vendors including BenQ have already committed to the technology for 8x DVD systems, said Jiang.
MediaTek is offering a new chip supporting dual-layer DVD+R to its system customers. Lite-On IT expects to begin mass production of recorders that support the technology in the second quarter, according to sources. MediaTek does not expect any intellectual property problems, according to Ming-kai Tsai, chairman of MediaTek.
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