Ritek obtained Philips certification for its 8x DVD+R DL discs. In late September of this year, Optodisc Technology also secured Philips certification for its 16x DVD+R discs. Although Ritek has already begun production of 8x DVD+R DL discs, the Philips certification will enhance its competition for OEM orders, company spokesman Eric Ai pointed out. Global demand for DVD+R/-R DL discs is estimated to be 50 million discs for this year based on the current retail price of US$4, and in 2006 will grow to 200 million discs at the same price or 500 million discs if retail prices fall to US$2, Ritek CEO Gordon Yeh indicated.

In addition to 16x DVD+R, Optodisc has obtained certification for 2.4x DVD+RW from Philips, 8x DVD-R and 4x DVD-RW from Pioneer and DVD-RAM from Matsushita since last year, Chang noted. The company is making efforts to increase OEM production to account for more than 60% of total revenues as well as to develop HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs, Chang added.