VMD (Versatile Multilayer Disc) was a technology to increase the capacity of optical video discs while still using red lasers as used by DVD. It was introduced by New Media Enterprises in 2007 and was intended to offer high-definition to compete with the recently launched Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD formats but at a lower cost.
The discs were multi-layered, with each layer offering around the same capacity as a DVD, 5 GB. Standard discs had four layers, but it was possible to have up to 20 layers on a disc, offering 100 GB capacity on a disc the same thickness as a standard DVD.
At launch in late 2007, around twenty titles and two players were available, and there was a deal to release 50 Bollywood titles on the format.
The format failed to take off and by late 2008, New Media Enterprises had ceased trading.
Sources / Resources
- Significant technology for future High Definition Systems | New Medium Enterprises [archived]
- Versatile Multilayer Disc – Wikipedia
- HD VMD to Battle Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD | TechHive
- The HD-VMD story – The format that lost to the format that lost | Techmoan | YouTube
- The HD-VMD Conclusion – Uncovering the real stats behind this failed format | Techmoan | YouTube