Sony has begun shipping its single media, single layer Blu-ray Discs. The dual layer 50GB discs will be available sometime around June 2006.
Blu-ray media offers
-- Scratch Guard -- hard coating that resists scratches, dust and static;
-- Archival Reliability -- special material design that prevents data and image corruption and deterioration to ensure quality playback;
-- Stable Writing -- a uniform and precise cover layer that reduces fluctuation as the disc spins; and
-- Temperature Durability -- a high-precision disc structure helps prevent warping during severe changes in temperature and humidity.
Currently write speed of this media is 2x / 72Mbps.
Sony intends to expand the market for its Blu-ray media by offering a Blu-ray Disc player and internal drives for their VAIO desktop and notebook computers.
In addition to this strategy the PlayStation 3 will also come with a Blu-ray drive.
The 25GB discs have an RRP of US$20 for BD-R (write once) and US$25 for BD-RW (rewritable). The 50GB dual layer discs, will cost, US$48 for BD-R and US$60 for BD-RE.
Sony is not new to the blue laser-based format. The company released the world's first Blu-ray Disc recorder and media in Japan in 2003. The following year, Sony helped found the Blu-ray Disc Association, which now has over 160 members and contributors from various industries.
Sony has been producing Blu-ray Disc recording media in a cartridge format for several years, but has recently begun producing bare discs for the launch in the U.S. and elsewhere.
