Pioneer's Blu-ray disc hits 400GB across 16-layers

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16-layers -- that's how many layers it takes to the hit the center of a 400GB Blu-ray disc, pops. That's 25GB per layer just like those dual-layer 50GB discs available for retail. Best of all, the technique used by Pioneer is expected to be backward compatible with existing Blu-ray gear since the specs and lenses required for pickup are identical. The prototype is read-only for the moment but R&D's on it so let's give them some time to work it out.

Update: Now that the English press release is out, it's less clear whether the new media -- whenever it might come to market -- will work in existing players or not. While "it is possible to maintain compatibility between the new 16-layer optical disc and the BD discs," players would seemingly require a modified optical pick-up mechanism to see the data. We'll learn more on July 13th when Pioneer discusses the breakthrough in detail.

Source: engadget via Impress

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Washington, D.C. (July 8, 2008) -- Pioneer says it plans to launch Blu-ray disc recorders by year's end, but it's unclear if they will be available in the United States.

Reuters reports Pioneer will launch the recorders in Japan, which will be followed by overseas launches. But the article is silent on plans for the U.S.

In related news, Sony President Stan Glasgow told TWICE Magazine last week that his company does not plan to introduce a Blu-ray recorder this year.

"I see it in the future," he said. (But) the cost of the drive has to come down dramatically. You will see products in the not too distant future that will record on Blu-ray in a simplified fashion."

While some high-def enthusiasts have called for the introduction of Blu-ray recorders, manufacturers have been hesitant to offer them here, pointing out that standard-def DVD recorders have not fared well in the U.S. There have been Blu-ray recorders in Japan for a few years.

Reuters writes that Pioneer will develop the Blu-ray recorder in partnership with Sharp. The company did not reveal any pricing details.

Source: TV Predictions

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