High-definition Blu-Ray discs have been given an update, with the new technology now allowing storage of up to 128GB on one disc, with 100GB allowed on rewriteable discs.
The BDXL specifications are designed for creative professionals in the broadcasting and medical industries, who are regularly working with large amounts of data including videos and images.
“Professional industries have expressed a desire to find optical disc solutions that enable them to transition away from magnetic media for their archiving needs,” Victor Matsuda, global promotions committee chair of the Blu-ray Disc Association, said in a statement.
Currently Blu-Ray discs allow two layers of recordable areas, while the new BDXL discs allow four. However, the new format requires more powerful reading lasers, so the discs won’t be able to work in older Blu-Ray machines, and consumer take-up is expected to be slow.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
