Where are the 6X and faster dedicated BLU-RAY computer drives?

[JadedRaverLA]

Additional 6x drives should be available from Lite-on and Panasonic (as an OEM for several other brands) late this year.

You have to realize that we are already approaching the speed cap for Blu-ray discs (around 8x CAV) due to the extremely fast spin rate required for burns at over 4x speed.

6x drives are being tested internally by just about everyone, but no one wants to release a new drive with 4x models just hitting shelves in masse, and with the current cost of Blu-ray media, no one wants to risk their burners creating coasters with any of the available media.

Honestly, the big issue right now is (still) burning of DL 50GB discs... much more than speed. Panasonic has had this down since the beginning... but everyone else's drives have issues with burning to the second layer. Once that issue is properly resolved, expect to see new burners from just about everyone (and with 6x BD-R SL speeds at that).