Matsushita announced today the release of the world's first dual layer Blu-Ray recorder. 50GB o­n a single disc isn't bad.

Media costs about $70 USD though

Matsushita Electric Industries Corporation will release the "DMR-E700BD," the world's first dual layered write supporting Blu-Ray disc recorder, o­n July 31st. The price is Open Price, but indicators suggest it should cost around 300,000 yen.

At the same time, the company will release the 50GB "LM-BRM50" dual layered Blu-Ray media, and the 25GB "LM-BRM25" single layered Blu-Ray media. Both of them are also Open Price. The estimated retail price of the dual layered 50GB media is 7,500 yen, and the price of the single layered 25GB media should be around 3,500 yen.

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-Record up to 4.5 hours of HD video o­n a single disc

This is the top level of the "DIGA" DVD recorder series, and it supports recording o­n dual sided dual-layered 50GB Blu-Ray discs. It features internal terrestrial, BS, 110 CS digital tuners, and a terrestrial analog tuner.

In addition to supporting the dual-layered 50GB and single layered 25GB discs to be released at the same time as the recorder, the device will also support recording to 23GB media already o­n sale. Although it does also support the recording of DVD-RAM and DVD-R, it does not contain a hard drive. The 50GB discs support the recording of up to 4.5 hours (BS digital 24Mbps) of digital hi-vision broadcasts, 6 hours of terrestrial digital broadcasts (16Mbps), or up to 63 hours of analog broadcasts.

The background of the dual layer discs consists of a technology called "Layer Stack Technology" which jams 4 layers (1 cover layer, 2 recording layers, 1 space layer) all into a 0.1mm space. Also, the company developed recordable membrane technology to support dual layers, and high precision middle layer formation technology. The drive is of Matsushita make, and features multihead construction for BD-RE and DVDs. Layer changing during recording is said to be "supported by taking the buffer," making for smooth changing during playback.

Also supported is the recording/writing of 23GB media already o­n the market. However, regarding the playback compatibility with Sony's "BDZ-S77," since it is "from a different company," Matsushita did not announce official support. Also, using Blu-Ray discs, replays and recording while viewing are not supported, though they are supported with DVD-RAM.

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-Media uses "open cartridges"

Blu-Ray media uses cartridges with open tops. The media is inserted into the tray while still inside the cartridge. They differ from 8cm DVD-R media, and are constructed to be make removing them from the cartridge difficult.

Also, the discs support "CPS (Content Protection System) for BD-RE," which is an illegal copy prevention system recommended by the Blu-Ray disc standard. Programs considered "recordable o­nly o­nce" can be recorded.

Both the dual layered and single layered media are made in Japan. The semi-transparent case is inside of a paper sleeve, and the media is inside this case. Although the company did not disclose the percentages of production for dual and single layered medias, since the recording time is longer, the company is leaning towards dual layered. Just like DVD media, it is planned to go o­n sale by large quantities, consumer electronics shops, and AV stores.



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040630/pana.htm

Press Release (DMR-E700BD):
http://www.matsushita.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn040630-2/jn040630-2.html

Press Release (Blu-Ray disc):
http://www.matsushita.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn040630-1/jn040630-1.html