Though 32x CD-RW burners have not entered into volume production yet, CD-R manufacturers are already rolling out 32x speed discs. CMC Magnetics launched a 24x CD-R disc in July, and Ritek is said to plan to release the first 32x CD-R disc in September and begin mass production in October as it has received licensing from Japanese firms. Consequently, the two leading global CD-R firms will compete not only in production capacity but also research and development. Ritek noted that since 16x speed is the mainstream of the CD-RW market, initial production capacity for 32x CD-R discs would not be large. The company added that 24x CD-R discs have lower compatibility with low-speed CD-RW burners. When they are used with low-speed burners, especially 2x ones, the burning process often failed. Ritek said its 32x products can solve this problem.

Some companies have launched high gross margin 24x CD-R discs on a full scale, but as 24x CD-RW burners are not popular yet, the market for the discs still lacks demand. As such, Ritek is not planning to release high-speed products across-the-board in the short term…