NME launches a low-cost, 40GB HD multi-layer optical disc

As Blue-ray and HD-DVD wrestle to dominate the home entertainment front, New Medium Enterprises (NME) releases the third HD format based on Versatile Multilayer Disc (VMD) technology. NME touts VMD as the world’s first low cost true high-definition format.
Unlike other formats, VMD uses the Red-Laser technology which consists of multiple layers to offer higher storage capacity. While conventional DVDs utilize two layers, VMD is capable of stacking an impressive 8 layers. Each layer can store as much as 5GB; while at the same ensuring the VMD retains the thickness of a typical DVD. Moreover, NME applies the 2P technology between layers, which solves a myriad of irksome problems faced by other manufacturers when attempting to develop their own multi-layer discs. Furthermore, the high-definition VMD format works at a 1980x1080i/p resolution with a 40Mbs data rate. In addition, VMD supports similar video codecs as Blue-Ray and HD-DVD, plus future open source codecs. As the new format hits the market, a new series of HD-VMD Media players will be released.
At the moment, the discs store up to 20GB of content, well behind Blue-Ray and HD-DVD. However, New Medium Enterprises plans to roll out discs in 24GB, 30GB, 40GB and 48GB storage capacities.