We knew it was coming and looks like this time it's for real. Bridging the camps in the blue laser war, Nec has developed and has begun shipping samples of LSI chips compatible with both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs. We will still need someone to develop optical pick-ups to read and play back both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats. According to the article at Reuters, the chip and the optical pick-up lens together account for 50% of the cost of a DVD player.
If other hybrid technology is developed, the new chip could lower costs to build dual-format players, helping consumers and the movie industry sidestep the rivalry between the two opposing camps. The chips go on sale for 10,000 yen ($84), roughly the same price as NEC Electronics' chips which read only Blu-ray or only HD DVD formats, the world's No. 8 chip maker said. NEC Electronics targets monthly shipments of 300,000 during the business year starting April 2007. |
This is probably a big step in ensuring a m ore rapid and safe acceptance of these blue laser HD formats for the consumer. No one wants to invest their hard earned cash in the wrong side. Therefore, many are waiting for a winner. With this type technology, we don't have to wait. Plus, even at this stage, the new hybrid chip seems very reasonably priced!
Source: Reuters
