Phillips Announces New (Version 1.0) Hybrid Super Audio CDs Now Entering Production
Philips hybrid Super Audio CD, meeting the ""Scarlet Book"" specification 1.0, is now entering production at the companyís Optical Disc Technology Center (ODTC), Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The first discs for sale will be delivered to the companyís Record Company Partners very soon. Expect separate announcements by them as to availability of the new labels on the market. Initial pilot production at Philipsí ODTC will be around 10,000 units per month. However due to the rapid increase interest for hybrid SACDís, the company is already planning expansion to ramp up monthly production to around 100,000 units. Beyond this, Philips expects demand to be met by other CD replicating companies since it has never been its intention to use the ODTC pilot lines for mass production. ""Our initial output at ODTC represents a pilot production, aimed at perfecting the technology and manufacturing processes and accelerating the wider appreciation of SACD in the market,"" said Paul Reynolds, Philipsí Director of New Business Development. ""To this end, Philips has already indicated its readiness to share technology and production expertise with all equipment manufacturers and CD replicating companies interested in entering the market with this exciting new medium."" For more information, contact Marty Gordon, Philips Electronics at 650 846 4475 or email: marty.gordon@pmc.philips.com.