The new disc format for the Xbox 360 video game console, which will be supported by the next X360 system update, will boost capacity of discs for the Xbox 360 and will also include additional security features, two unofficial sources revealed on Wednesday.

At present dual-layer DVDs for Xbox 360 have 6.8GB capacity, while typical dual-layer DVD-Video discs have up to 7.95GB capacity. Over 1GB partition is reserved for DVD-Video, anti-piracy security sectors and so on. The new system update will allow usage of the "extra" gigabyte and will introduce new security features and even add  "a new layer for protection issues", reports Eurogamer web-site.

"[Microsoft] will introduce XBG3 - this will add more AP checks, CVI (content integrity) checks, increase the disc size and adds a new layer for protection issues - all in the 20500 sdk! bring it on," said a hacker, who calls himself as Commodore4eva, at c4evaspeaks web-site.

Additional capacity will allow Microsoft to pack more content onto optical discs for the Xbox 360. In particular, games will be able to feature more rich graphics or longer gameplay.

Microsoft plans to implement a new "disc format" for Xbox 360 game console along with the next release of the system update for the system. At present the official details are scarce, but since the software giant is looking for  "multiple thousands of participants" of the update preview program, the system software upgrade may be a major one.

"We are doing an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program for our next release, and the opportunity to sign up is now available. We are conducting an open call for U.S. based participants for a public preview to help us prepare for an updated Xbox 360 disc format. This is an important update as we continually strive to improve our products [...]. As part of the preview program, you will receive a copy of Halo: Reach along with other possible rewards," said Microsoft's Major Nelson in the official blog.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Xbox, Microsoft