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More blue laser diodes inbound, thanks Sharp!

by Steve Kerrison on 19 December 2006, 10:15

Tags: Sharp (TYO:6753)

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Sharp has started commercial production of blue laser diodes, which could be good news for manufacturers of both blue laser HD formats.

The HD-DVD and Blu-Ray HD disc formats require lasers with a shorter wavelength then previously used with optical media. This is what enables the reading (and burning) of data at higher densities. Sharp reckons there's a lot of growth potential in the market... one of the standards has to be a winner, right? The company has said it is now producing 150 000 units a month, according to Reuters. By the end of next year, capacity will be at 500 000/mo.

Right now, Sony and Nichia Corp rule the blue laser diode market. However, manufacturers have been struggling to get hold of blue laser diodes for a while now, thanks to a certain bungling games console division deciding to make a console far too expensive for parents to afford this Christmas (not that it's available here in Europe anyway... a blessing?), swallowing up Sony's capacity.

What does this mean for the HD player markets? Will they roll out quicker now? Guess we'll have to see what happens.

HEXUS.links

Reuters.com - Sharp starts blue laser diode production.



HEXUS Forums :: 3 Comments

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So will this allow Sony to make another 2000 PS3s?
awm
So will this allow Sony to make another 2000 PS3s?

Doubt it as the PS3 uses Sony's own laser and Sony gave precedence to their games console rather than selling them outside the company. What are the odds that the Sharp component is FFF (form, fit and function) compatible and that Sony would be willing to build them into the PS3?
Actually I believe you're wrong. While Sony does produce many them self, they do rely on other companies to supply some diodes to them as well. So with Sharp now producing them, then yes, it should hopefully help Sony get more PS3s out the door.