Blu-Ray keeps getting better？

Well, it seems you just can’t stop the format.  It enjoys coming out with new and shiny improvements every few months.  This time it’s increasing capacity.  In a short time blu-rays will be rewritable with 100gb and a one-write 120gb capacity, this type of disc will be aptly named BDXL.  Then you’re also going to have the option of the Intra-Hybrid Blu-ray Disc.  The IHBDs have a single locked 25gb layer with an additional rewritable layer of also 25gb.  What does that mean?  Basically some very customizable published content.  Pretty neat stuff if you ask me.

What does the future hold?
While this might be neat, it could spell bad news for the entire high def industry.  What is the bad news?  The BDXL format will not be backwards compatible with current BD players, at least from all the information available currently.  If studios and console makers decide to jump on this new option, “early” adopters of the BD tech will have to switch over, all over again.  In my opinion, this would be a pretty bad move.  Consumers haven’t even fully switched over to the current blu-ray players, adding yet another option would make the market too confusing.  On top of that, consumer faith in the technology would be smashed.

I’ve always been a supporter of this technology, but this has made me start to think.  What’s going to happen?  Only the future will tell.