However, if the next-generation consoles enjoy a lifespan similar to that of the current crop, then it is likely that internet speeds will have improved enough over that time to make disc-free consoles practical.

FORBES: PlayStation 4 Was Almost A Discless Console

In addition to enabling vivid color labeling to be printed over nearly the entire disc, oil-based or water-based marker pens can be used to hand-write labels on these discs.

ENGADGET: Sharp intros first 100GB BDXL discs, Japan gets first dibs on July 30

Not that we were ever that optimistic about peace breaking out in the war between HD-DVD and Blu-ray, the two rival high-def disc formats that are duking it out over which one is going to succeed the DVD, but you can forget about whatever Sony was saying in recent weeks about being open to burying the hatchet and working to develop a single standard.

ENGADGET: Sony says no to Blu-ray/HD-DVD compromise

They were expected to make up a bigger slice of disc sales after Blu-ray won the backing of Hollywood studios earlier this year over the rival HD-DVD technology.

WSJ: Retailers Slash Blu-Ray Player Prices

The five parts were shot as a movie over 24 days and will be released on Blu-ray disc, but Feldman said they knew they needed break points to fit the series format.

CNN: Web series builds anticipation for 'Halo 4'

Sure, it's no surprise to see bleeding-edge tech plummet in price soon after the initial craze is over, but Sony NEC Optiarc is estimating that Blu-ray disc drive prices will "drop 50 percent from current levels amid aggressive development" by other manufacturers.

ENGADGET: Blu-ray disc drive prices to be halved by 2008? HD

The quest for a Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive that can record movies and computer files has turned into an ugly street-fight over standards.

FORBES: Standards tangle

Maki's effortless singing functions as the disc's centerpiece, while musically, her supporting cast plays it fairly straight-ahead and honest, neither over- nor underplaying.

NPR: A 'Blue Morning' That's Welcoming and Warm

Time Warner's choice of Blu-Ray over HD DVD is obviously good news for Singulus, which makes machines for both types of disc.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Time Warner's (nyse: TWX - news - people ) choice of Blu-Ray over HD DVD is obviously good news for Singulus, which makes machines for both types of disc.

FORBES: A Blu-Ray Of Hope For Singulus