CDs21, o­ne of the many standardization organizations of Japan, has announced that they have finally standardized card-sized CDs.

CDs21 Solutions has announced that they have established a recommended size for "Optical Cards," a card shaped disc that can be played back in CD players and CD-ROM units.

These card shaped discs are currently extensively used in advertising promotions and marketing promotions. However, since there was no standardized size or shape for these discs, various card-shaped discs have been introduced into the market. Apart from certain discs not being readable in certain CD players/CD-ROM units, there were situations in which the discs would actually cause damage to the drives.

CDs21 has settled o­n a recommended size in cooperation with all participating companies about these "Optical Cards." Using this standardized size, compatibility can be maintained, and damage caused by the cards can be prevented. The two sizes decided upon are the "Rectangular type" (88.9 x 63.5mm) and the "Barrel type" (with four rounded corners).

Hereafter, the organization plans o­n establishing a logo mark that all compatible media and drives conforming to this standard can display. They will begin with recommendation and proposals to related industries, and ask for their participation.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040506/cds21.htm

CDs21 Solutions Homepage:
http://www.cds21solutions.org/