SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES (SINGULUS), global market leader in the optical disc arena, celebrated a world premiere at its in-house exhibition on March 6-7, the BLU-LINE, its new Blu-ray Disc replication line, and the new molding machine MOLDPRO were introduced to the public. Over 140 customers and partners of the company followed the invitation to Kahl and were treated to product demonstrations of new SINGULUS machines and a seminar program with high-profile international experts. Visitors came from 25 countries worldwide, including the US, Asia and Africa.
During the two-day seminar program, representatives of the SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES executive board informed the attendees in detail about SINGULUS' recent acquisition of STEAG HamaTech and the future company strategy. CEO Roland Lacher said: "The acquisition forms the basis to continue our technologic and market leadership in all third generation optical disc formats." Klaus Hammen, Vice President Marketing & Sales, welcomed the costumers and members of the SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES & STEAG HamaTech international sales force. For the first time, STEAG’s TAURUS DVD R replication line was presented with Emould all-electric molding machines at the headquarters in Kahl.
In addition, international experts presented papers about Blu-ray Disc and the new high definition television HDTV. Antonio Cerrato of Cinram, one of the world's biggest replicators, shared his company’s experience with the MOLDPRO in the production of DVD. Niki Katsumata of Sony gave an update on the Blu-ray Disc format and informed the audience about the expected market introduction this May. Sony is SINGULUS' development partner for Blu-ray Disc. Instrumental in the market proliferation of Blu-ray Disc will be HDTV. Dieter Höhler of Thomson expects prices for high-resolution, big screen LCD and Plasma TVs to decrease during the next year which will lead to an increased market penetration of HDTV equipment. The FIFA World Cup this summer in Germany will already be transmitted in high-definition. Dr. Eric Meinders from Philips informed about the joint development for mastering Blu-ray Disc ROM. A team of Philips work on this project together with R & D staff of SINGULUS MASTERING.
During the Kahl event, the BLU-LINE was presented in operation. The new SINGULUS line is the first commercial inline replication system for Blu-ray Discs worldwide, positioning the company as a "First Mover" for the third generation of optical discs. The BLU-LINE system includes all production steps from molding, sputtering, lacquering/bonding and UV-curing to hard-coating and testing. Its functionality, speed and design will set a new benchmark for the industry. The BLU-LINE embraces all the advanced features required for production of high end Blu-ray Disc. A number of systems are currently in pilot production with five major customers in the US. SINGULUS is the only European manufacturer instrumental in the development of replication systems for the new formats and who is able to offer replication lines for both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats.
The new MOLDPRO molding machine was also introduced at the exhibition. The unique design concept, comprehensive development and extensive process experience make the MOLDPRO a state-of-the-art molding machine. The new concept is based on the experience of more than 1700 molding machines already in the market. To set the future benchmark in optical disc production, a new generation of components with enhanced functionality are used in combination with highly-improved ergonomics. The MOLDPRO is designed for the economic production of any optical disc formats with a multi format mold for quick format change, e.g. from CD to DVD or even Blu-ray. SINGULUS MOLDING, with its manufacturing facility in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, was established in 2005 to develop and manufacture these next generation molding machines.
After the first seminar day all participants were invited to a cozy winery close to Kahl for an evening with dinner and a wine testing of local wines.