Memorex, now a division of Imation Corp. , has launched and shipped their first HD DVD-R media.

The HD DVD-R discs can hold 15 GB of data or video and should already be on shelves.

Memorex states that with a single 15GB HD DVD-R can record up to 75 minutes of high-definition audio and video or up to 7 hours of standard DVD-quality video. Additionally, the HD-DVD standard allows recording of 7.1-channel audio along with the high-definition video. The launch price is $19.99 for a 15GB HD DVD-R disc compared to about $19.99 for 25GB blu-ray media. Blu-ray has won the optical format war in pricing as far as Memorex is concerned. Memorex also plans to launch HD DVD-RW media by the end of the year.

This news article was written on August 23, 2006, quoting Memorex.