A colour barcode system holding more data than current codes will find its way onto DVDs later this year.

The four and eight-colour geometric patterns can hold up to two-pages of data, double the amount of traditional black and white, striped barcodes

Developed by Microsoft, it is one of a number of competing products hoping to find their way onto packaging.

Microsoft has said consumers could interact with the new barcodes, using webcams and mobile phones with cameras.