Hitachi Maxell iVDRs With Cartridges Incorporating Electronic Paper

Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. has jointly developed with Hitachi, Ltd., iVDRs (information Versatile Disk for Removable usage) with cartridges that incorporate electronic paper, enabling users to check instantly programs recorded and other content written, storage capacity usage, and storage capacity remaining.

Amid the rapid spread of the terrestrial digital broadcasting that includes high-definition video, iVDRs–for which commercial application demand is steadily increasing–that afford users the convenience of instantly seeing the programs recorded or checking storage capacity remaining without having to insert iVDRs into playback equipment are required. To cater to such demand, Maxell and Hitachi have jointly developed iVDRs that incorporate electronic paper, which realizes high-contrast visual displays using a tiny amounts of electricity.
Also, without consuming any electricity, the electronic paper can store images that it has displayed once for long periods.

The prototypes that Maxell and Hitachi have developed have two kinds of display. The display for showing storage capacity remaining uses segment type electronic paper that is suitable for displaying letters or symbols, while the other kind of display uses dot matrix type electronic paper that enables the display of higher-definition letters and photographs. In addition to displaying file names and thumbnails written to the iVDR, the dot matrix type can display two-dimensional barcode (QR code 2) and is compatible with large-volume iVDR search systems.

Maxell will gather wide-ranging feedback from customers about iVDRs that incorporate electronic paper and consider the possibility of early commercialization. Further, aiming to expand the overall iVDR market, Maxell will step up development efforts to increase equipment that uses iVDRs and establish usage environments.

Summary of iVDRs (prototypes) incorporating electronic paper

iVDR remaining storage capacity display type (segment type)
The display’s meter shows storage capacity usage, and numbers show storage capacity remaining.

Prototype dimensions: W80mm × H110mm × D12.7mm

iVDR content display type (dot matrix type)
The display shows content information, including titles of programs recorded or files written and thumbnails. The display also shows two-dimensional bar code (QR code*3) and is compatible with large-volume iVDR search systems.

Prototype dimensions: W80mm × H126mm × D18mm

Summary of electronic paper part
The electronic paper uses the movement of black and white particles within microcapsules when voltage is applied. Electrically charged, the particles are absorbed by the display when voltage is applied, which enables the rendering of white, black, and gray. Without consuming any electricity, the electronic paper can store images that it has displayed once for long periods.

Features

• Ultra low electricity consumption: Can display images using a tiny amount of electricity. Consumes no electricity during display.
• Rewritable, nonvolatile: Can be rewritten repeatedly. Without electricity, can store screens that have been displayed once for long periods.
• High contrast: Clear, easy-to-see display due to high contrast.