DigiTimes reports us that the Taiwanese Asustek Computer, world's largest supplier of
computer motherboards, has started test production of pick-up heads (PUHs) for
optical disc drives (ODDs). It is expected that Asustek will become the first
Taiwanese manufacturer to supply the mainstream ODD component in Taiwan soon.
Thanks to GristyMcFisty for spotting this
news:
 The PUH is a main result of Asustek's continuous efforts for
business diversification from the motherboard business. The company is
expected to ship 6.5 million ODDs, which include CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
drives, in 2003. The figure represents a jump of more than 40% from 2002.
It also ranks Asustek as Taiwan's No. 3 supplier after Lite-On IT and BenQ
in the industry.
T.H. Tung, vice chairman, confirmed Asustek has developed PUH
technology after three years of effort. The new technical know-how and
product epitomize the company's strategy of developing key upstream
components for its major products, including optical storage devices.
As Taiwan's Acute Applied Technologies has successfully
developed the PUH for DVD players, Asustek will become the first producer
of PUHs for IT products to break the domination of Japanese suppliers.
Tung said Asustek's PUHs under test production conform to mainstream
specifications for optical storage devices covering CD-RW and DVD-Dual
drives.
According to Tung, the R&D and innovation center at
Asustek focuses mainly on products that will become hot items in the next
three to five years. |
Source: DigiTimes
