Blu-Ray 100GB & 128GB BDXL Specification Finalized
The Blu-ray Disc Association seems to be keeping right on track with those original projections we mentioned back in April. The BDXL specification was originally designed with medical imaging and broadcast elements in mind, specifically, but we imagine that with all of the extra space the BDA is shoving into these discs, plenty of other outlets are going to jump all over it.
We'd say there's not much different here, but that would be an understatement. There are still two sizes included in the new specification: a triple-layer 100GB version, which is either re-writable or write-once. Or there's the 128GB quad-layer version, which is only write-once.
Don't think that your current Blu-ray player is going to be able to handle all these awesome layers in its current state, though. Yes, with these upgrades to the discs themselves, and with the BDA throwing layer after layer into them, you're going to start having to pinch your pennies now to afford the hardware equipment you'll need to actually use these new discs, once they become widely available.
Press Release:
Blu-ray Disc Association Approves Final BDXL™ Format Specifications
Licensing Information and Applications Now Available
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced the finalization and release of the specifications for BDXL™, the new multi-layer recordable Blu-ray Disc™ format with up to 128GB of capacity. With the completion and approval of the specification, manufacturers can now obtain licensing information and license applications needed to begin production of the high capacity write-once and rewritable discs and hardware (http://www.blu-raydisc.info/).
Targeted primarily at commercial segments such as broadcasting, medical and document imaging enterprises with significant archiving needs, BDXL™ provides customers with triple layer 100GB RE (rewritable) and R (write-once) discs and quadruple layer 128GB R discs. Possible consumer applications include capture and playback of HD broadcast and satellite programming in markets where set-top recorders are prevalent.
"The BDA worked diligently to create an extension of the Blu-ray Disc™ format that leverages the physical structure of the design of the disc to create even more storage capacity," said Victor Matsuda, Blu-ray Disc Association Global Promotions Committee chair. "By using the existing Blu-ray™ technologies, we have created a long-term and stable solution for archiving large amounts of sensitive data, video and graphic images. We expect further growth of the Blu-ray Disc™ market as the introduction of 100GB/128GB discs will expand the application of Blu-ray Disc™ technologies."
The BDXL™ specification was developed with specific market segments in mind, and newly-designed hardware addressing such markets will play back or record BDXL™ media. However, because the new media specifications are extensions of current Blu-ray Disc technologies, future BDXL™ capable recorders can easily be designed to play back existing 25GB and 50GB Blu-ray Disc™ formats.
About Blu-ray DiscTM
Blu-ray Disc™ is a trademark owned by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and licensed for use on discs, players and other products that use BDA's optical disc format for high definition audio-video and high capacity data software applications. A single-layer disc holds up to 25GB of data and a double-layer disc holds up to 50GB of data.
About the Blu-ray Disc Association
The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is responsible for promoting and developing business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc – the BDA's optical disc format for high definition audio-video and high capacity data software applications. The BDA has approximately 170 members. Its Board of Directors consists of individuals affiliated with the following member companies: Apple Inc., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Hitachi, Ltd., Intel Corporation, LG Electronics Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Pioneer Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Sony Corporation, TDK Corporation, Technicolor, Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures and Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Blu-ray DiscTM and Blu-ray DiscTM logo are registered trademarks of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
BDXL™ is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association.