Mass production of DVDs: faster, more complex but cheaper and simpler

The manufacturing of CD/DVDs has developed to a considerable industrial branch with about 25–30 billion discs manufactured 2004 worldwide. Whereas CD-ROM production has peaked about 2001, the DVD-ROM is now strongly ramping up. A short review of the optical disc coating and machine development during the last 20 years is given. Basic DVD production technology and process development for higher speed recordable/rewritable discs is discussed. Discs with double recording layer structure are on the market and production optimisation is main focus now. Future formats will apply the blue laser for read/write. Reduced pit structure requires also new developments for the mastering of the stampers.