Toshiba recently launched a prototype hard disk that uses special Discrete Track Recording (DTR) technology in order to create a 120 GB storage space system on one 1.8 inch platter. This is the first ever use of DTR. The entire technology is based on increasing areal density of PMR by 50%. Mass production of these hard disks should start in 2009.

Up until now all 1.8 inch hard disks were only able to get up to 160 GB. This was available through two 80 GB platters. With the above mentioned prototype we have a single platter that can hold 120 GB of information. A double platter system can make it possible for a 240 GB 1.8 inch hard disk to be created and this immediately makes us think of the possibility of having 240 GB iPODs.

Users are currently wondering if the entire system is efficient. The fact is that not much information is known about Toshiba’s breakthrough. Transferring 200 plus GB of music to an iPOD can be a very time consuming task. The new hard disk would need to be very fast in order to please users. On the other hand, any increase in iPod storage capacity is a plus because people keep wanting more from Apple. So far the company managed to deliver and the implementation of Toshiba’s DTR based hard disk could be the next big step in iPOD HDDs.