TDK has developed a prototype Blu-ray Disc that can store twice as much data, and record it at twice the speed, as existing Blu-ray Discs.

So you have a 3-layer, 45GB HD-DVD? That’s nice kid, here’s a nickel. 4-layer, 100GB BD is where it’s at.

If they can get this standardized soon, it is possible that 4-layer support will be included when units start shipping, like in the PS3. Maybe with a software upgrade. Just like many DVD-R drives are designed to handle DVD-R-DL with a PROM flash.

Admittedly, 100GB discs are far more likely to be used for data than video. Even with minimal compression 100GB would hold a hell of a lot of video.

The presidents of Japanese electronics giants Sony (6758.T), Toshiba (6502.T) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (6752.T) will meet to try to break a stalemate in talks over a unified format for next-generation DVD technology, a source close to the matter said on Tuesday.

This is high-stakes chicken. I think Toshiba has to know that they’re out-matched if they decide to fight this out, but their recent announcement and all is posturing to get good terms at the negotiating table and to come out of this with some kind of royalties.