By using its breakthrough technology, the Discrete Track Recording (DTR), Toshiba has boosted the recording density on an 80GB 1.8-inch single platter drive by 50%, which means boosting the capacity 120GB storage on a single 1.8-inch platter.

DTR technology increases recording density by forming a “groove” between the tracks on the PMR medium. The groove reduces signal interference between adjacent data tracks, allowing the pitch of the tracks to be shortened. The improved signal quality also contributes to raising the recording density by 50 percent.

The new development will hugely benefit media player, UMPC, and ultra-portable laptop segment where 1.8″ drive with maximum possible capacity are in great demand. Providing 50% increase in areal density of a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) the new prototype hard drive takes the recording density to 516 megabits per square millimeter (333gigabits per square inch).

Toshiba plans to start mass production of HDDs integrating DTR technology in 2009.

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