BenQ unveils tri-mode Blu-ray drive, hints at blue laser hybrid drive

June 5, 2006

BenQ is
at Computex and according to a report from PC World, they have announced several new products.
Of particular interest is their Blu-ray, tri-mode drive that is capable
of reading and writing with CD and DVD media as well. The prototype
was unveiled at Computex and is a standard half height drive intended for PC
use. In an interview with BenQ's chairman, Mr. Ky Lee indicated they expect
shipment sometime later this year. But then, he went on to say something
even more interesting:

BenQ has
put its weight behind Blu-ray Disc, but Lee said its support isn't
necessarily exclusive.

"I believe eventually we will have to support both,"
he said. Lee also expects a multi-drive that can read and write both of
the new formats to be available in the future. "Just look at the history
of the DVD standard. DVD+, DVD-, DVD-RAM, and eventually DVD Multi," he
said, referring to drives that support all three
formats.

It would certainly be nice to have a drive that could
handle anything you throw at it! This way a consumer could make more advanced
choices in which type media to choose for archiving. Surely the blue laser media
will come in at different prices when we consider cost per megabyte. Also, this
would be better for the consumer as it would seem likely these hybrid drives
could cause some serious price wars for blank media between the camps. What do
you think, is a hybrid drive the way to go?

Source: PC World