M2 Joins Groups for New Formats – Continues Research for Both HD DVD and Blu-Ray Disc

[Stockholm, Sweden, May 6, 2005.] M2 has joined both the HD DVD promotion group and the Blu-Ray Disc Association for the development of new optical disc formats. M2 started research for the blue formats already in 2003. M2 is one of the world's leading manufacturers of optical disc production systems and equipment.

The blue-laser discs will increase the DVD capacity by 5 to 10 times. This is thanks to, among other reasons, the usage of a blue laser instead of a red and improved lens specifications, allowing for a much smaller focus laser beam which enables the recording of much smaller and higher density pits on the disc. The HD DVD Promotion Group aims to exchange views and thoughts to help promote the HD DVD format based contents and products into the marketplace and share its promotional activity among members to encourage the broad acceptance of HD DVD on a world wide basis among members of the group, related industries and the public. The Blu-ray Disc Association is an organization supported by various companies with the united aim of promoting the Blu-ray Disc format. ”We have chosen to continue our work on both formats, in order to help our customers capitalize on the premium pricing, which we expect to be present during the first years of any new formats.” said Stefan Stockhaus, CEO, M2. For additional information please contact: Stefan Stockhaus, CEO, M2 Phone: +46 8 506 560 00 or +46 733 35 99 73 Email: stefan.stockhaus@m2e.se For more information on M2 please go to: www.m2.se.