Researchers at Nippon Hoso Kyokai are working with engineers at the Science and Technical Research Laboratories (STRL) to create an "optical disc recording system based on consumer Blu-ray disc technology that can spin as fast as 15, 000 RPM" without worry of a disc experiencing a complete meltdown and shattering within the drive.

ENGADGET: NHK's 15k RPM optical disc recording system utilizes Blu-ray technology

He pushed the studio to be the first to sell movie discs compatible with UltraViolet, a system of recording disc purchases in online lockers so they can be played over the Internet.

NPR: From Eggs To Film: A Japanese-American Studio Head

World's first triple-layer Blu-ray Disc media featuring large 100GB recording storage capacity.

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

The drives write single BD-R media at up to 12X and dual layer BD-R media at up to 8X speeds, recording a full 25GB disc in about 10 minutes.

ENGADGET: Sony Optiarc debuts 12x Blu-ray writers, makes 'em friendly with BD 3D

The recording quickly became the benchmark for this opera on disc.

WSJ: Maria Callas | Puccini's Tosca | The Measure of a Diva | Masterpiece by David Mermelstein

Fascinated by the mechanics of the studio, Ramone was a pioneer of digital recording who produced what is regarded as the first major commercial release on compact disc, "52nd Street, " which came out on CD in 1982.

WSJ: Grammy-Winning Producer Phil Ramone Dies at 79