KODAK LAUNCHES WRITABLE CD MEDIA WITH INFOGUARD PROTECTION SYSTEM

Unique Data Security Features, Affordability Designed to Expand CD-R
Applications

SAN JOSE, Calif., Mar. 30, 1993--Individuals can write their own CD-ROM
discs using new writable CDs that offer unique data protection and cost as
little as 4 cents per megabyte, Eastman Kodak Company announced today.

Kodak writable CD media with the InfoGuard protection system is designed to
work especially well with other elements of the Kodak writable CD
system--a complete CD-ROM publishing system that makes it easy and
affordable for users to store, distribute and retrieve information on CDs.
Along with the media, Kodak today announced new writable CD publishing
software for Windows and Macintosh environments. (Editors: See separate
releases in this kit.)

The Kodak discs incorporate the following unique design features that
safeguard data, which together comprise the InfoGuard protection system:

* A carefully selected dye chemistry that resists fading from light, heat,
and humidity

* A protective coating that resists scratches, dirt, rough handling, or
other common mishaps that may damage the disc's readability

* A unique identification number--printed in human-readable form along with
a corresponding machine-readable bar code that provides tracking,
indexing, and security advantages

* A surface design that resists fingerprints, allowing discs to maintain a
"like-new" appearance after handling

Each Kodak writable CD can store 550--650 megabytes of data, text, images,
and/or digital audio (depending on the format). The discs are compatible
with the ISO 9660 file and volume structure when properly authored and can
then be read in all standard hardware devices, including CD-ROM, CD-ROM
XA, CD-I, and CD audio players.

With a suggested retail price of $25 for one Kodak writable CD, the new
media provide a cost-effective alternative to other types of removable
computer storage. For about 4 cents per megabyte, users can store the
equivalent of 240,000 pages of ASCII text, 550 floppy discs or three reels
of nine-track tape.

The Kodak writable media system is an outgrowth of the Kodak Photo CD
system, the world's first high-volume application for writable CD
technology (also known as CD-Recordable technology, or CD-R). The research
that made it possible to produce photographic compact discs economically
for consumers has made low-volume commercial production of data CDs viable
as well.

"The compact disc is rapidly becoming the standard medium for interchange
of information at home, in school, at the office, and in industrial
applications," said Georgia L. McCabe, director for Kodak's worldwide
Commercial CD Imaging unit. "With writable CD media, Kodak is fulfilling
its promise to expand CD applications by bringing affordable low-volume CD
publishing to the desktop."

Kodak Writable CD Features

Unlike mass-produced audio CDs and CD-ROM titles, which employ an aluminum
reflecting layer, Kodak writable CDs have a 24K gold reflecting layer that
is virtually unaffected by oxygen, moisture, or solvents. Combined with
Kodak's special dye and protective coating, the new discs provide greater
longevity and durability than do many existing write-once or mass-produced
CDs.

The 12-digit identification number imprinted on each disc provides several
advantages. In databases and indices, it serves as a reference number to
identify which discs contain requested information. It also acts as a disc
serial number which makes it easier to track discs during production,
provides a reference for customer questions, and assists end users in
filing their discs.

The identification number also provides a security benefit: users can
record or encrypt it in the data stream during the writing process, thus
inhibiting the use of counterfeit discs.

Customized labeling is another benefit Kodak will provide customers. Open
fields on the disc surface provide a space for company logos, product
names, or other unique publisher information.

Other Writable CD Products

The Kodak media system complements other Kodak writable CD products to
provide a complete publishing solution.

* The Kodak PCD writer 200 is twice as fast as conventional CD writers. The
writer has a standard SCSI-II interface for connection to a host computer,
built-in error detection/correction software, and a bar code reader to
take advantage of the Kodak media's identification number.

* Kodak writable CD publishing software allows users to publish data to
writable CDs with a point and click of the mouse, as easily as they might
copy files to a floppy disc today. With today's announcements, Kodak
software is now available to users in the MS-DOS environment; Macintosh
computer, Windows, and Sun/UNIX versions will be available soon.

The Kodak disc writers and media both support multisession recording. This
means users can add data to a disc in different recording sessions. Kodak
said it plans to offer multisession authoring software later this year.

"Our writable CD products are designed to offer customers one of the most
productive and convenient systems available for low-volume CD publishing,
with the added benefit of 'one-stop shopping' from a single vendor,"
McCabe said.

Already in Use

Kodak writable CD media with InfoGuard protection system are currently
being used by customers in a wide range of applications. Several
telecommunications firms, for example, are sending bills to their large
customers on Kodak CDs. Software distributors are using the new media to
provide customers with software products. Law firms and courts distribute
litigation records and other legal documents on the new media.

"The potential applications for this media are virtually limitless," McCabe
said. "Kodak writable CD products represent a true enabling technology,
giving our customers a capability they need and letting them run with
it."

For further information about Kodak writable CD media with the InfoGuard
protection system or other Kodak writable CD products, customers may call
the Kodak Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-242-2424, extension 52.

Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650

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