The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) announced that it has finalized and released the specifications for BDXL, a new multi-layer writable Blu-ray Disc (BD) format with up to 128GB of capacity.

According to the statement, with the completion and approval of the specifications (BD-R v.3 and BD-RE v.4), manufacturers can now obtain licensing information and license applications needed to begin production of the high capacity write-once and rewritable discs and hardware.

Targeted primarily at commercial segments such as broadcasting, medical and document imaging enterprises with archiving needs, BDXL will provide recordable and rewritable options on 100GB (33.3GB triple-layer) and recordable 128GB (32GB quadruple-layer) capacity 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.”

Be aware that new hardware and software is required to play, record or rewrite BDXL media. However, because the new media specifications are extensions of current Blu-ray Disc technology, BDXL devices can be designed to support existing 25GB and 50GB Blu-ray Discs.

For more information visit: www.blu-raydisc.com