Taiwan?s second-tier optical disc makers are preparing to begin production of 8x DVD+R/-R discs in the Q1 of 2004. The second-tier makers include GigaStorage, Lead Data, Daxon Technology and Nan Ya Plastics. The first tier consists of three companies: CMC Magnetics, Prodisc Technology and Ritek. Nan Ya Plastics is a leader in Taiwan?s plastics industry but its production of optical storage media is small in comparison to its other business divisions.
The top three makers indicated that they have started or will start production of 8x DVD+R/-R discs this month. Due to the relatively high technology barriers, second-tier makers are expected to analyze dye stuff and material ingredients of sample products made by the top three and then adjust their production accordingly, local experts in the industry pointed out. The top three makers still have to learn from the manufacturing process of 8x DVD+R/-R discs to reduce the defect rate, the experts indicated. The experts estimate that the top three makers will not be able to reach an acceptable yield of 95-99% before the first quarter of 2004.