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.

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.”

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CDRLabs has taken an in depth look at Sony's new external slim DVD writer, the DRX-S77U. This stylish and compact drive is capable of 8x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 6x DVD±R DL and 5x DVD-RAM writing speeds and a maximum DVD read speed of 8x. The DRX-S77U also offers features like 24x CD reading and writing speeds, a USB 2.0 interface and the Nero 9 Essentials software suite.

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Team Technology Inc. has once again leveraged its powerful R&D capability to launch a new high-speed USB 2.0 flash disk – the C101. The shield shape, carbon fiber pattern and mirror finish combined with fashionable urban colors fusion classic style with modern technology.

The C101 is provided with the USB 2.0 interface with a bandwidth up to 480 Mbps. With actual read and write speeds of 20MB and 10MB per second, the C101 is available in five different capacities between 2GB and 32GB to meet the needs of different user. The sliding extendable design means the C101 has no need for a cumbersome cap. C101 is also made from environmentally friendly materials, it's the perfect addition to a LOHAS 3C digital lifestyle.

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Western Digital today introduced its new 1 TB My Book® AV DVR expander, allowing customers to instantly and seamlessly expand their DVR recording capacity by simply attaching the My Book AV DVR expander.

TiVo Verified™ compatible with TiVo® Series3™ and TiVo HD DVRs, the new My Book AV DVR expander is capable of storing up to 120 hours of high-definition (HD) television programming. The drive, which offers USB and eSATA connections, has also been tested and is compatible with Dish Network® and DirecTV® DVRs. WD is working with other major satellite, cable and telecom companies to integrate its DVR expander technology into set-top boxes around the world.

DVRs have become an indispensable technology for consumers around the world by helping users time-shift their TV and recommend new shows. According to Parks Associates, 40 percent of U.S. broadband households and 38 percent of Western European broadband households have a DVR (Parks Associates: The Consumer Perspective 2009). HD programs take several times more storage space than standard definition programs, requiring users to constantly delete old shows to make more room for new ones. Shortage of storage also prevents the DVRs recommendation engine from suggesting new shows, limiting the use of a favorite consumer feature. WD's My Book AV DVR expander addresses these issues by providing users with up to 120 additional hours of HD storage for their TiVo, DirecTV, Dish Network and other compatible DVRs.

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