Toray Optical Storage Solutions shows next-generation phase change optical systems at COMDEX/FALL.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1995--Toray Optical Storage Solutions will be showing their extensive line of phase change rewritable optical storage systems at COMDEX/FALL, Booth No. H1506, Nov. 13-17.

In addition to showing the Phasewrite phase change rewritable media, Toray will be demonstrating their family of phase change rewritable (PCR) optical systems including the new Presidio Dual PD(a) Jukebox, Phasewriter Dual, and Phasewriter Max. They will also preview the Phasewriter Mini.

Toray's recently released Phasewriter Dual PD product incorporates the functionality of a quad-speed CD-ROM reader and a 650MB removable, rewritable optical storage drive in a single device. The Phasewriter Dual is a multimedia desktop system that eliminates the current need for an internal CD-ROM and an external add-on storage peripheral by combining the two popular functions at less than the price of two products, making it an outstanding value. PD is a new drive standard that was designed and developed by Matsushita. The list price for the external unit is $749.95 and $599.95 for the internal drive.

"The Phasewriter Dual products are truly the next generation of CD-ROM and rewritable optical storage technology," said Jim Rowley, general manager for Toray Optical Storage Solutions.

"These products are not just a repackaging of existing technology, rather they represent an innovative approach to solving data storage requirements on the desktop at a cost-effective price point. The Phasewriter Dual products are the industry's first legitimate set of products that can fundamentally change how desktop storage is configured."

In addition to the Phasewriter Dual internal and external drive units, Toray will be unveiling their new Presidio Dual PD jukebox. The PD jukebox has 150 slots for either PD media or any type of CD-ROM disks, for a maximum capacity of 97.5 gigabytes, and can accommodate up to 4 drives that run CD-ROMs and rewritable optical disks from the same unit. The PD jukebox features a compact design to fit in any office environment.

Toray's Phasewrite PD media is universally compatible with all PD drives and costs $64 for 650MB of capacity. Toray's unique recording layer is made with a special alloy mix, giving it enhanced read/write capability and extended shelf life (30+ years). Phasewrite PD media comes packaged in a protective vinyl media album and has a lifetime warranty. End users can receive information on all Toray's PD products by calling 800/TORAY-PD (867-2973).

The Phasewriter Max drive is a 5.25-inch format plug-and-play subsystem that utilizes 1.5 gigabyte PCR media. It is an ideal high capacity solution for data backup/archiving. All Toray Phasewriter drives can run on PC, Macintosh or UNIX workstations.

Toray Optical Storage Solutions will also be previewing their high capacity 3.5-inch rewritable optical media as part of an optical storage system designed to meet the needs of advanced mobile computing and multimedia applications. Toray's Phasewriter Mini 1.3 gigabyte phase change rewritable (PCR) optical media is the latest addition to the company's line of Phasewrite optical storage products. The new media were developed by Toray in conjunction with 3.5-inch PCR drive technology from Toshiba.

"The Toray 1.3 gigabyte media is for high-capacity portable multimedia applications in a 3.5-inch form factor," according to Rowley. "This is the first of a family of next-generation 3.5-inch optical products."

In addition to their existing product line, Toray announced in June 1995 that they will develop PCR optical media as part of a consortium of leading electronics manufacturers and entertainment companies that are defining a new generation of high-capacity optical digital-video-disk (DVD) technology designed to function in a wide range of computer data storage, digital electronics and entertainment applications. As DVD devices are developed, Toray is aptly positioned to be a major manufacturer of phase change based products.

Toray Industries is a manufacturing company, which is publicly traded in the Japanese and European stock markets. Established in Japan in 1926, today Toray has annual sales of $9.4 billion and was ranked 233rd in the world by Business Week's 1994 Global 1000 Study of the world's most valuable companies. Toray Optical Storage Solutions is a division of Toray Marketing & Sales of America (TOMAC). TOMAC has headquarters in New York City, with regional offices in San Mateo, Calif.; Houston and Seattle.

(a) PD is a registered trademark that is intended to represent a new line of compatible drives and media in much the same way that customers refer to "VHS" when they purchase their VCRs or videocassettes. The PD logo assures users of the compatibility and interchangeability among all PD manufacturers.

Editors Note: For a private demo of any or all of the Toray Optical Storage Solutions' new products, please call JPR Communications at 818/992-8867. Internet: [e-mail]

CONTACT: Toray Industries

Jim Rowley, 415/341-7152, ext. 22

Internet: [e-mail]

or

JPR Communications

Judy Smith, 818/992-8867

Internet: [e-mail]