With the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) just days away, we are slowly getting leaks of the tasty treats to come in 2010. The first up: Bigger, better Blu-ray storage.
Both Sony and Panasonic just announced an upgraded evaluation technique, also known as i-MLSE (Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation). That tongue twister translates into a more efficient method of reading and writing high-def discs, which could mean more disc storage and better Blu-ray quality and features. Currently, we use a partial-response maximum-likelihood (PRML) decode system, which can't take all of the disc jitter at higher capacities.
Sony plans to introduce the i-MLSE technology to its Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) brothers, which includes Apple, Dell, Hitachi, LG, Phillips, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp. If everyone jumps on board, eWeek says we could be looking at a jump in storage capacity for all -- up to 33.4GB for each layer, or a total of 66.8GB for dual-layer discs.
Just last month, the BDA finalized a new spec for 3D on Blu-ray, in an effort to standardize the format for hardware and software. It's unsure whether or not that spec would be effected by this new technique. However, it seems that i-MLSE will most likely be compatible with existing Blu-ray optics, which means you won't have to run out to buy another player.
Both companies have yet to make an official announcement. Expect one to spill the beans later this week when the Consumer Electronics Show kicks off in Las Vegas.
