Taiwan ODD makers unlikely to launch HD DVD/Blu-ray hybrid models

NEC anounced few days ago that they began shipping a chip compatible with both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats. Taiwan-based optical disc drive (ODD) makers now say that they are not considering launching dual-standard drive models for the two disc standards. Although NEC claims the new dual-standard chips can help reduce costs by 20-30%.

Japan-based chip maker NEC Electronics said on Tuesday it began shipping a chip compatible with both the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats, for next-generation DVD drives, a Reuters report said.

Although NEC claims the new dual-standard chips can help reduce costs by 20-30%, Taiwan-based ODD firms said the overall production cost of ODDs using the chip may not be less than that of disc drives using chips that support a single DVD standard since overall costs are determined by other factors, such as the cost of the optical pick-up head (PUH) and yields.

Nevertheless, the makers said they do not rule out the possibility of a merger of two major DVD standards, such as DVD Dual or Super Multi.

Source: DigiTimes