Back in April, we talked about the BDXL format specifications going official. BDXL specs allow for Blu-ray discs with much higher storage capacity than traditional Blu-ray discs we get movies on.
The BDXL specification allows for discs of 100GB and 128GB capacity. Sharp has announced that it will be offering the first BDXL discs in Japan starting on July 30. Each disc will cost 5000 Yen.
Sharp will offer BDXL discs in 128GB capacity in both write once and rewritable formats. The 100GB disc will only be offered in rewritable. Sharp also stated only its BD-HDW700 Blu-ray player and writer would support the new BDXL media to start with.
Understanding BDXL Technology
BDXL, or Blu-ray Disc Extra Large, is a high-capacity format designed to meet the growing demand for more storage space. Traditional Blu-ray discs typically offer up to 50GB of storage, which is sufficient for most high-definition movies and data storage needs. However, as the demand for higher resolution content and larger data files increases, the need for more storage space has become apparent. This is where BDXL comes into play, offering a significant leap in storage capacity.
The BDXL format achieves its higher capacity through the use of additional layers on the disc. While standard Blu-ray discs use one or two layers, BDXL discs can use three or four layers. This allows for the storage of up to 128GB on a single disc, making it ideal for applications such as 4K video, large data backups, and archival storage.
Applications and Future Prospects
The introduction of BDXL discs opens up new possibilities for both consumers and professionals. For consumers, the ability to store large amounts of data on a single disc means fewer discs are needed for their movie collections, photo archives, and other digital content. This is particularly beneficial for those who prefer physical media over cloud storage solutions.
For professionals, especially in fields such as video production, medical imaging, and data archiving, the increased capacity of BDXL discs can be a game-changer. For example, a single 128GB BDXL disc can store hours of 4K video footage, making it easier to manage and transport large video projects. Similarly, in the medical field, high-resolution imaging files can be stored more efficiently, ensuring that critical data is preserved and easily accessible.
Sharp’s decision to launch the first BDXL discs in Japan is a strategic move, as Japan is known for its early adoption of new technologies. The initial offering includes both write-once and rewritable formats for the 128GB discs, while the 100GB discs will be available only in rewritable format. This provides users with flexibility depending on their storage needs.
It’s important to note that the adoption of BDXL technology will require compatible hardware. Sharp has indicated that its BD-HDW700 Blu-ray player and writer will be the first to support BDXL media. As the technology becomes more widespread, it is expected that other manufacturers will release compatible devices, further driving the adoption of BDXL discs.
The BDXL format represents a significant advancement in optical disc technology, offering much-needed storage capacity for both consumers and professionals. With Sharp leading the way, it will be interesting to see how quickly this new format is adopted and what new applications emerge as a result. The future of high-capacity optical storage looks promising, and BDXL is poised to play a key role in that future.
Via Akihabara News
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
