HP has announced that LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling technology is available immediately in personal computers and optical media launched by several leading manufacturers at CES 2005. Customers can purchase LightScribe-enabled PCs through HP distribution channels worldwide. Aftermarket DVD writers with LightScribe capabilities are slated to be available in Q1 2005 from BenQ, HP, LaCie and Philips. CD-R discs are provided by HP and Verbatim and are available through retail immediately.

Imation, Memorex, Philips and TDK discs are planned to be available in early 2005. The LightScribe technology is being incorporated by optical disc drive manufacturers, CD and DVD manufacturers and software makers, including: CMC Magnetics Corporation, CyberLink Corp., Hitachi-LG Data Storage, InterVideo, Inc., Lite-On IT, MicroVision Development Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Company, Moser Baer India Limited, Nero, Philips BenQ Digital Storage, Roxio, Sonic Solutions Software and Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology.

HP also announced the development of LightScribe disc coating technology capable of a 50% labeling speed increase, anticipated to be available in Q2 2005. This increase will be incorporated into the next generation of LightScribe CDs and DVDs. Consumers will be able to take advantage of faster speed media with their existing LightScribe-enabled drives.

www.lightscribe.com