Philips Research has demonstrated DVD+R recording at 16X speed in a laboratory environment. It is the first time such recording speeds have been obtained, and the recording speed is close to theoretical maximum for polycarbonate discs. When writing at 16X speeds the disc is rotating at 10800 rpm, which translates to linear velocity of 200kmph (125mph). As one can imagine, vibrations at those speeds are serious, to say the least.
 A bald guy adjusting laser optics |
Besides the write strategy, improvements on the recorder set-up were needed to realize recording at 16x speed. Especially the design of an accurate and stable system for tracking and focusing the laser beam to the right position on the disc was challenging. Another demanding task was the development of fast laser driving electronics, which runs at a 420 MHz clock at 16x DVD speed. Furthermore, a prototype high-power laser was utilized to achieve the recording power needed. Finally, Ricoh provided the DVD dye discs for the recording experiments.
Read all about it in the Philips press release
