Imation Corp. Wednesday announced the first 6x Blu-ray recordable (BD-R) and Blu-ray recordable double layer (BD-R DL) media for the US retail market.

The new 6x BD-R discs will have up to a 216Mbit/sec data transfer speed. The discs are hard coated and made of a "highly-sensitive inorganic material" that enable long lasting performance.

Blu-ray comes in 25GB, single layer and 50GB, double layer discs. Using TDK Life on Record 6x Blu-ray discs, consumers can record 25GB of data in as little as 17 minutes -- approximately six minutes faster than a previously available 4x BD-R.

Imation is hawking its TDK-branded Blu-ray discs at consumers for archiving digital content. The company said the new Blu-ray discs also address compatibility issues found with previous models through the use of the VER. 1.3. format, which Imation claims to be the most compatible with Blu-ray burners today.

TDK Life on Record Blu-ray 6x media is available in 25GB single layer and 50GB double layer capacities starting in October at a retail price of US$13.99 for a BD-R 1 pack; US$32.99 for a BD-R DL 1 pack.

Imation said it is also launching a full line of TDK Life on Record-branded accessories for Blu-ray disc cleaning and storage to protect and maintain high-definition content, including:

TDK Life on Record Opticloth for Blu-ray - a re-usable micro-fiber cloth to clean Blu-ray media safely. They will be available in November for a suggested retail price of US$4.99.

TDK Life on Record Blu-ray Clean Cloths. These dry, disposable, non-abrasive cloths for dust, dirt and oil from Blu-ray disc surfaces. The cloths are available in November for a suggested retail price of US$4.99 for a pack of 20 cloths.

TDK Life on Record Blu-ray Player Laser Lens Cleaner. Blu-ray Player Lens Cleaner helps maintain and clean Blu-ray players. The TDK Life on Record Blu-ray Player Laser Lens Cleaner will be available in November for a suggested retail price of US$29.99.

TDK Life on Record Blu-ray Tyvek Sleeves for storing Blu-ray discs in a scratch-resistant sleeve. Packs of 25 will be available in November for a suggested retail price of US$8.99.