Double Layer DVD+R: From idea to standard

                       Wim Koppers
               Philips Research Laboratories
                 Eindhoven, The Netherlands

In March 2004, the standard of double layer DVD+R was finalized.
In this presentation, the research that led to this standardization will
be discussed.
Over the last two years, a single-sided double layer recordable DVD
disc with a storage capacity of 8.5 Gbyte has been developed at Philips
Research. The disc can be played-back on existing DVD video-players
and DVD-ROM drives. This so-called compatibility was achieved by
using organic dye recording layers that have intrinsically low absorption
at the laser's wavelength.
The presentation will start with a general overview of optical storage
technology, including ROM, ReWritable (phase change materials)
and Recordable (dye materials) discs. The writing and reading of
such discs will be clarified.