Dual-layer rewritable media promised for later this year.
Sony Electronics has begun US shipments of its 50GB dual-layer Blu-ray disc write-once media.
The company also confirmed that it plans to start shipping 50GB dual-layer rewritable media later this year.
Although it is expected that the Blu-ray disc technology will make use of the notorious regional coding system, it is reported this week that the US and Japan will share the same code.
Mike Lucas, director of marketing at Sony Electronics Media and Application Solutions, said: "The capacity represents more than four hours of HD quality video at a 24Mbps transfer rate, allowing users to take full advantage of Sony's Blu-ray disc burners and Vaio desktop and notebook computers."
Sony's recordable Blu-ray disc media makes use of the company's AccuCore technology.
AccuCore includes scratch guard, archival reliability to prevent data/image corruption and deterioration, stable writing that reduces fluctuation as the disc spins, and temperature durability to prevent warping during severe changes in temperature and humidity.
Sony's 50GB dual-layer recordable disc has a suggested retail price of around $US48.