Pioneer expects the blue-laser market to pick up in the Q2 of 2006

August 9, 2004

GristyMcFisty used our news submit to tell us that Digitimes reports
that Pioneer is expecting that the blue laser (Blu-ray, HD-DVD) DVD burner
market will becoming more mature in the second half of 2006. Currently the
Japanese companies, where much of the Research and Development (R&D) takes
place, are increasing their development of next-generation blue-laser drives. Also
the larger Taiwanese manufacturers are planning to start their R&D on blue
laser products.

Pioneer
expects the blue-laser DVD burner market to pick up in the second half of
2006. Pioneer may begin placing OEM orders for standard DVD burner models
with Taiwanese makers beginning in 2005, the Taiwan subsidiary stated.

Major manufacturers of optical disc drives in Taiwan,
including Lite-On IT and BenQ, plan to begin research and development of
blue-laser DVD burners in the fourth quarter of this year or the first
quarter of 2005, according to these
companies.

As we already expected it will take time for blue laser products to become
mainstream and affordable to the masses. However some lucky visitors are already
very intrested in Blu Ray recorders and similair technology and discussing
equipment like that in our Satellite, HD-TV, Blu-ray and HD-DVD
Forum.

Source: Digitimes.com