Here’s the full press release:

Blu-ray Disc Association Approves Final BDXL‚Ñ¢ Format Specifications

Licensing Information and Applications Now Available

June 25, 2010 РLos Angeles, CA.  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 (http://www.blu-raydisc.info/).

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‚Ñ¢ format that leverages the physical structure of the design of the disc to create even more storage capacity, said Victor Matsuda, Blu-ray Disc‚Ñ¢ Association Global Promotions Committee chair.¬† ‚ÄúBy 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‚Ñ¢ technologies.‚Äù

The BDXL™ specification was developed with specific market segments in mind, and newly-designed hardware addressing such markets will play back or record BDXL™ media.  However, because the new media specifications are extensions of current Blu-ray Disc technologies, future BDXL™ capable recorders can easily be designed to play back existing 25GB and 50GB Blu-ray Disc™ formats.

Graham Heaton takes on the Chairman role with immediate effect, whilst continuing his position as International Media and Publicity Director for Warner Bros, from which he brings a wealth of experience in launching and promoting home entertainment products. He is also playing a key role in developing Warner Bros’ new digital distribution channels.

Any media interested in speaking to Graham should contact the press office.

Expect to see a lot more of the logo as Blu-ray 3D technology approaches launch later this year.

* The “Blu-ray 3D” logo and “Blu-ray 3D” are trademarks and the property of the Blu-ray Disc Association.

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) has announced the finalization and release of the “Blu-ray 3D” specification.  This highly anticipated specification means that the 3D experience will no longer be exclusive to the big screen.  Now consumers can enjoy this from the comfort of their own living rooms on Blu-ray Disc.

Technologically, the specification has various advantages. It allows every Blu-ray 3D player and movie to deliver Full HD 1080p resolution to each eye, thereby maintaining the industry leading image quality to which Blu-ray Disc viewers are accustomed.  Moreover, the specification is display agnostic, meaning that Blu-ray 3D products will deliver the 3D image to any compatible 3D display, regardless of whether that display uses LCD, Plasma or other technology. The specification has been designed so that Sony PlayStation3 game consoles will be able to play 3D Blu-ray content, and it also allows 2D playback of 3D discs in existing BD players.

“Throughout this year, moviegoers have shown an overwhelming preference for 3D when presented with the option to see a theatrical release in either 3D or 2D.” Victor Matsuda, chairman, BDA Global Promotions Committee

The completed specification will be available shortly and the BDA is confident it will prove a success.  Victor Matsuda, global chairman of BDA Promotions Committee said: “We think the broad and rapid acceptance Blu-ray Disc already enjoys with consumers will be a factor in accelerating the uptake of 3D in the home.” Benn Carr, chairman, BDA 3D Task Force, added: “From a technological perspective, it is simply the best available platform for bringing 3D into the home. The disc capacity and bit rates Blu-ray Disc provides enable us to deliver 3D in Full HD 1080p high definition resolution.”

To read more about the Blu-ray 3D specification click here to view the full release.