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Boffins invent 42GB DVD

A disc capacity to rival Blu-ray?

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Blank DVDs are a cheaper storage option than Blu-ray, but the HD format has greater capacity. However, Japanese storage scientists claim to have invented a method for storing up to 42GB onto a single DVD.

Researchers from the Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, based in Japan’s Tohoku University, have – according to Google’s translation of a document released by the university department – discovered a way to multiply the amount of data stored on a DVD. The group also claims to be able to replicate the method for CDs.

Essentially, the team states that by changing the shape of the data-storage pits from having a flat bottom to one that's a V shape, each pit will be able to hold more data. Changing the horizontal orientation of the tip of the valley, alters the way light is reflected by the pit. As a result, pits no longer represent binary 1s and 0s, but a range of values, effectively allowing each to record a byte rather than a bit.

The V-shape pits in action

The upshot: individual discs could hold up to 42GB of data.

But before you go running off to the stationery store, it’s worth noting that the technology is essentially useless. That’s because current DVD machines aren’t designed to write or read disc data in such a way, so you'll need new hardware. And if you're buying new kit, why not get a Blu-ray drive and be done with it?

Dual-layer Blu-ray Discs, although expensive, can already hold 50GB of data. And one retailer’s already punting a Blu-ray disc that it’s claimed will retain 25GB of data for up to 200 years.

So, whilst the Tohoku University researchers' idea may hold some merit, it’s probably a case of too little, too late. Unless they adapt it for blue-laser discs, of course...

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Latest Comments

What is the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything???...

How many GB can you fit on a DVD?

Answer 42...

I'll get my coat...

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I was chatting about this exact idea

in the pub with my friends a few years ago, but was too nice to do it then on DVD, but I must admit I think it would be better if someone applied it to Blueray Disc, or even Blu-Ray.

One issue I would be concerned about though, is I would imagine it will negatively influence the seek times - much as is currently a problem with BD compared to HD-DVD. Or something I heard anyway.

I would be interested to see whether the life of the data is longer than the 200 year half life quoted by Blue Ray where you get to keep exactly half of your 50 GB (that's 25Gb - or 2^38, or 38^2, I think they're the same) for 200 years.

Actually, on an entirely different tangent, have they thought about applying this to Blu-Ray?

- From the flogging a dead horse department.

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I feel sorry for Sony

They invent a media type, call it Blueray Disc or BD for short and everyone calls it Blu-Ray. If you mention you bought something on BD folk look at you blank.

Still back on topic, who could have predicted the amount of storage possible on a 5" optical disc?

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