Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

First 3 Generation-Compatible HD DVD Drive

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the also-makes-julian-fries dept.

fenimor writes "NEC has developed world's first half height size optical drive capable of playing back HD DVDs, DVDs, and CDs with a single optical head. Although the lasers required to read each type of disk vary, NEC said it had successfully created a miniature drive with a single lens that could read all three. The drive was designed for laptop computers and will be released commercially later next year."

2 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. Blu-ray by Jugalator · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I wonder if Blu-ray will be killed before the battle can even begin? I suspect that might be the case at least for HD movies since the bandwagon will start as HD DVD players are out for consumers, which will probably be a while before Blu-ray enters the market.

    Maybe the cost for Blu-ray drives due to higher complexity, combined with the later availability will make it so we don't even see much of a trace of commercial Blu-ray drives at all.

    --
    Beware: In C++, your friends can see your privates!
  2. Re:Half-height? by KozmoStevnNaut · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The submitter got it wrong and needs to actually RTFA.

    It is a half-height drive, ie. the same size as most current CD or DVD drives.

    --
    Eat the rich.