Panasonic just announced their new 6X BD-R media supporting a data transfer rate of 216 megabits per second
About every 6-8 months, a new speed of media comes out. This time, Panasonic has improved their 4X media to 6X. That my friends usually means a price drop.
Media isn't the only thing that gets a price drop. Recorders also follow, as much as %50 off from their original price.