Oakdale, MN-based Imation's CDs and DVDs feature an invisibly-thin scratch resistant coating applied during disc manufacturing that provides benefits over standard uncoated discs, such as:

    -- Scratch and Scuff-Resistance. Discs are protected against the risks of everyday life at home or the office, including skids across a tabletop or cleaning with an ordinary tissue or fabric.

    -- Anti-Static Dust-Resistance. Playback skips due to dust or debris are prevented by repelling everyday dust that standard uncoated discs typically collect.

    -- Smear-Resistance. Fingerprints and surface smudges are contained for easy removal -- just the wipe of a cloth reduces interference with disc recording and playback.

"Americans are too busy living life to stop and worry if the CD containing an important business presentation will get smudged or scratched in their briefcase, if their spouse properly stored their collection of music CDs in the car or if their children put that favorite DVD home movie back in the case after watching it," said Tom Lally, executive director of sales and marketing, consumer and office products, Imation. "That's why home and office users are embracing a technology like Imation's ForceField coating, because it's one less thing they need to worry about -- it makes life a little less stressful."

Everyday users like Dan Mercer, registered nurse and father of two, appreciate the peace of mind and extra protection they get from using Imation ForceField discs, the company notes. "I've noticed a difference with ForceField CDs -- they are sturdier," offered Mercer. "The CDs and DVDs I saved family photos and music on used to be ruined by scratches from my two young kids -- they'd carry them around in their sticky hands, set them on the table top and walk away. Now I can wipe off my children's messy fingerprints with my shirt sleeve and the discs are less likely to get scratched."

A major distributor also agrees with the Imation approach. "By listening to the needs of everyday CD and DVD users, Imation identified a need for better protected CDs and DVDs and developed a unique, high-quality answer," said Christa Conlin, senior media buyer, Staples. "Staples is glad to be among the first retailers to help protect those valuable files our customers create on a daily basis by offering Imation's ForceField discs in our stores."

Imation discs with ForceField scratch resistant coating will be available mid-June at Staples stores nationwide. Imation ForceField 52x CD-Rs will be available in 10-pack slim jewel cases for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $10.99 and in 30-pack spindles for a MSRP of $24.99. Imation ForceField 8x DVD-Rs and 8x DVD+Rs in five-pack slim jewel cases will be available for a MSRP of $12.99, and in 30-pack spindles for a MSRP of $47.99.

For more information on Imation CDs and DVDs with ForceField scratch resistant coating, go to http://www.imation.com/forcefield.