The black zirconium oxide case evokes the ceramic disc brakes found in Mercedes-Benz AMG cars.

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In the case of the high-definition video disc war, Toshiba has been selling the less-expensive option and it can call upon a group of even lower-priced lesser-known brands that drove great volumes in the DVD market.

ENGADGET: Switched On: Seeking neutrality in the hi-def format war

Chances, are, however, you keep a backup copy of your operating system on an optical disc in the desk drawer, just in case.

FORBES: Apple Just Killed The Optical Drive

This corresponds more closely to the case of a planet around another star, in which the stellar disc cannot be resolved.

ECONOMIST: Transits of Venus

At least with that example the case can be made that without those 12 characters being on the disc it would require gamers to download them just to see other people using them.

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Just in case you needed another reminder that despite some interesting developments, digital isn't quite overtaking disc just yet, as NPD's latest figures indicate 63 percent of consumer spending is still on DVD purchases.

ENGADGET: Surprise surprise, most home video spending still on discs