Monday Buffalo Technology announced the upcoming release of the world's first Blu-ray burner that supports the new 100 GB (3-layer) / 128 GB (4-layer) BDXL format introduced back in April.
Currently slated for the Japanese market, Buffalo will offer external and internal options--the BRXL-6U2 connecting via a USB 2.0 port and an internal model labeled BRXL-6FBS-BK using an SATA interface. Both can record on BD-R XL discs at 4X, BD-RE XL at 2X, and two-layer BD-Rs at 6X. Special software will also be included for 3D video playback.
Although Buffalo did not offer pricing, the drives are expected to hit Japan “shortly.” Currently a North American release date is not available however the drives should reach the States sometime shortly after the initial Japanese release..
Also on Monday Pioneer announced its plans to launch a BDXL drive sometime around mid-November. This will be an internal model only that can write BD-R/-R DL discs at 6X, and BD-RE/-RE DL discs at 2X. Called the BDR-206MBK, the optical drive can also record to DVD and CD media and use a 4MB buffer. Pioneer will also include a software suite for 3D playback, video editing, backup and more.
Pioneer's BDR-206MBK will retail around $372 (30,000 yen) when it hits the Japanese market next month. As with Buffalo, Pioneer did not specify a North American release date however the drive should be available worldwide soon.
