CONTACT:
Craig Andrews
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A, Inc.
914-789-7916
craig_andrews@fujifilm.com
CES 2005 Booth #12606, Central Hall
http://www.fujifilm.com/ces
FUJIFILM INNOVATION BRINGS “GREEN” OPTION TO DVD MANUFACTURING
Unique, organic recording dye improves performance and is friendlier to environment
Valhalla, NY, January 3, 2005 — Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a leading supplier of DVD media and technology, is showcasing DVD recordable media featuring a patented, “environmentally friendly” recording dye at the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week. This new dye will be highlighted in a new retail-packaging system scheduled to roll out this spring as part of an effort to simplify and improve the consumer purchasing experience with increasingly popular optical disc media.
Fujifilm unveils a new brand and logo for “OXOLIFE,” the Oxonol-based photosensitive dye first introduced in Fujifilm 1X-16X DVD+R discs this past fall. This new recording layer dye offers significant improvements in light fastness, moisture protection and compatibility while lowering the impact on the environment by introducing an organic compound to the DVD manufacturing process. Every year, billions of recordable DVD discs are sold worldwide.
“Fujifilm is pleased to be introducing another innovation in DVD technology, this time with technology that improves product performance and protects the environment,” said Rich Gadomski, Vice President, Marketing, Fujifilm Recording Media Division. “Fujifilm hopes this step to reduce the environmental impact during production of a very popular product exemplifies how the industry can maintain focus on the environment when developing next generation products.”
On Friday, January 7, Mr. Gadomski participates in “Optical Review”, a panel discussion on DVD media and formats. The panel takes place at 12:00 pm in Room N262.
The unique dye created by Fujifilm is based on the Oxonol molecular structure identified from a vast research library created from Fujifilm experience with photographic chemical research and coating expertise. Today, some of the traditional DVD media rely on heavy metal compounds for the recording layer. With OXOLIFE, Fujifilm continues to drive new product development with an eye on eliminating any potential negative environmental impact.
About OXOLIFE
Not only does Fujifilm OXOLIFE bring an environmentally friendly formula to manufacturers, but enhances several properties critical to the reliability and archiving characteristics of optical media, including:
– Compatibility. OXOLIFE is a unique material that allows maximum compatibility with recording data at slow recording speeds (1X) or at high speeds using the latest 16X drives in the market.
– Precision. Accuracy of data on an optical disc relies on the sharpness of every “data pit” — which is roughly 400nm long on a DVD. A 16X disc spins at roughly 125 mph (about 10,000 rpm), requiring DVD media to have a recording dye that is capable of taking an extremely fast pulse of high energy in a very short burst. Fujifilm found that OXOLIFE has very low thermal interference characteristics, which contributes to a very accurate “data pit.”
– Archivability. OXOLIFE dye molecules are constructed to minimize the impact of water (from humidity), which can cause deterioration of the recording layer and negatively impact archiving capability.
– Light fastness. While OXOLIFE exhibits a great range of sensitivities to recording lasers, its chemical structure efficiently disperses light energy and protects the dye-recording layer from decomposition.
Fujifilm engineers confirmed archiving capability of DVD discs manufactured with OXOLIFE dye using accelerated environmental testing. Discs utilizing OXOLIFE were subjected to 250 hours at 80 degrees Celsius (175 degrees Fahrenheit) and a relative humidity (RH) of 85 percent — and remained within manufacturers specifications for recording and reproduction performance.
Fujifilm is showcasing the full portfolio of storage and recording media in their booth at CES (#12606). Fujifilm optical media are available with standard color or printable surfaces, in multiple disc packs and specialized use formats through key distributors, resellers and retail stores. For more information, call 800-800-FUJI or go to www.fujifilm.com.
About Fujifilm
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and delivers technology solutions to meet the imaging and information needs of retailers, consumers, professionals and business customers. As a global leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm pioneered the development of digital medical systems, and today is the leader in digital minilab systems. The company was ranked in the top ten for U.S. patents granted during the last decade, employs approximately 73,000 people worldwide and in the year ending March 31, 2004, had global revenues of more than $24 billion.
In the United States, Fujifilm is a leader in delivering high quality, easy-to-use imaging and information solutions in the following categories: Digital Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media, Film and Imaging Systems, Motion Picture Film, Graphic Arts and Printing Systems and Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Systems. Fujifilm is an environmentally friendly, humane enterprise and an exemplary corporate citizen.
For more information on Fujifilm products, consumers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm USA Web site at www.fujifilm.com.
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