New technology threatens DVD format

Just as the DVD format has begun to establish itself, a new memory technology could make it obsolete.

Called `multi-layer fluorescent data storage technology', the process uses fluorescence instead of optical reflection to record, store and retrieve data using up to ten layers of media.

According to its developer, Constellation 3D, a single FMD-ROM disk could hold up to 140 GB, compared to 17 GB for a DVD.

In addition, FMD disk readers could reach transfer speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second - more than 20 times faster than any current hard drive, and 100 times faster than any current DVD-ROM drive.

The company says it has already made prototype stationary readers for the FMD disks, and expects the FMD standards to be ready for production before the end of the year.

Read the full story at www.3dhardware.net.