The all new KODAK Digital Mastering Disc
THE NEXT LEVEL IN DIGITAL RECORDING.
UP TO 100 YEARS ARCHIVAL
The quality of the organic dye, and composition of the metallization layer both have significant effects upon a discs' ability to store digital information. Organic dyes are subject to deterioration from frequent interaction with the recoding laser. While Cyanine, Pthalocyanine and Azo dyes are used by various manufacturers of DVD discs, Mitsubishis Azo dye has proven to have the best overall properties for digital recording and signal retention. DMD discs are manufactured using 100% Mitsubishi Azo dye.
While silver acts as a good reflector of laser light, it has poor archival properties due to its rapid deterioration when exposed to stress conditions (accelerated aging tests using high temperature and high humidity conditions). While the use of gold reflective layers resists this deterioration, pure gold is a poor reflector of light thereby reducing its electrical properties. DMDs patented metallization layer resists deterioration caused by stress conditions without any loss of electrical performance. Laboratory testing projects the disc life of DMD discs up to 100 years with proper care and handling.
Digital Mastering Discs are recordable DVD discs that hold 4.7 Gigabytes of audio, video, or data. They differ from normal DVD discs in three areas.
DMD discs use a proprietary metallurgy process that replaces the silver reflective layer normally found on DVD discs. This fusion of advanced materials is applied to the disc surface using thin film coating technology. The DMD reflective layer is highly resistant to extreme temperature/high humidity conditions that can cause rapid deterioration in the silver reflective layer. This qualifies the DMD disc as an archival media with digital integrity projected to last up to 100 years with proper care and handling.
DMD discs are manufactured to comply with Orange Book standards (the industry-recognized product specification for recordable media). However, the product specification for standard DVDs and Kodak DMD discs varies considerably. DMD product specifications are the most stringent within the optical industry, raising the quality level of both electrical and mechanical properties to a new level. This higher standard guarantees that DMD discs are consistently performing at optimal levels for digital recording.
DMD discs are manufactured with zero defect cosmetic standards. The manufacturing of optical media relies on inline scanners to differentiate between accepted and rejected cosmetic defects. These scanner settings vary by manufacturer, but determining when a cosmetic defect contributes to operational problems cannot be definitively determined. DMD discs have no allowance for cosmetic defects of any kind. Any minor defect detected prevents the disc from becoming a DMD disc.
How does DMD Technology work?
DMD Technology is a newly developed advanced technology commercially released in July, 2007. Sold exclusively under the Kodak brand name, DMD discs are manufactured using a patented metallurgy process that spin coats a mixture of high technology materials to form the reflective layer of the disc. This special reflective layer is coated upon a slightly thicker polycarbonate layer that together forms a more stable recording surface that enhances the consistency of the electrical and mechanical properties of the disc. The high technology materials used within the reflective layer have a golden appearance, but provide a significantly higher level of reflectivity than alternative gold products. This higher reflectivity combined with a more consistent recording surface delivers unmatched digital performance - ideally suited for audio, video, and digital imaging.
Why is the Kodak DMD set to become the premier archival DVD on the market?
The new DMD disc has archival properties similar to traditional high end optical discs using a 24 karat gold reflective layer, but delivers superior electrical performance at all write speeds. It also boasts the most stringent technical specifications of any DVD disc made today.
Who will benefit most from using the new DMD?
While Kodak's DMD disc is primarily targeted toward professional music recording, its combined superior electrical and archival properties also make it ideal for video recording, medical applications and long-term data storage.
