Ricoh's optical component can read HD-DVD and Blu-ray

Ricoh is expected to release a new optical component that reads both Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs. The new product uses a diffraction plate designed to adjust the laser so that light focuses properly for each disc format, allowing a drive to read all formats.Satoshi Aoki, spokesperson for Ricoh:"Ricoh is the first in the world to announce this hybrid technology. We believe it's groundbreaking. The component will initially only read discs, though Ricoh hopes to improve its laser so it writes in all formats, Aoki said.

"The market potential for the product is not very large," said Wolfgang Schlichting, an analyst with market researcher IDC. "The verdict is still out _ both formats still have the chance of becoming dominant, and companies need to focus on products that are price-driven and sell today."

Tags: blu-ray

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