First heard about Millenniata’s M-Arc archival DVD system when the Long Now blog mentioned that the product was actually shipping.

Millenniata claims its M-Arc DVDs are backwards-compatible with existing DVD technologies, but rather than using a laser to heat up a photosensitive dye, the M-Arc uses a mechanical process to make scratches in a physical layer that M-Arc claims will last potentially for centuries if stored properly. According to a brief summary on the manufacturer’s site, the M-Arc:

Preserves data for centuries with physical changes in data layer

Constructed with rock-hard materials known to last for centuries

Backwards-compatible on all standard DVD drives

Functions like a standard DVD with a capacity of 4.7 GB

Exclusively written by the M-Writer™ Drive

The Millenniata site doesn’t list any prices, but Long Now reports $1,700 for the writer and $16-$25 per 4.7gb disc depending on the quantity.