LG introduces Hybrid drive

LG introduces Super Multi optical storage drives featuring enhanced flexibility for the next-generation DVD formats and security features at the 2007 International CES (Booth #8214, Cent. Key products from LG include the "Super Multi Blue" Blu-ray Disc Rewriter and HD DVD-ROM Drive (GGW-H10N) and the new Super Multi DVD Rewriter with Security Function featuring "SecurDisc" technology co-developed with Nero.

The GGW-H10N is compatible with both Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVD formats. The Super Multi Blue drive is compatible with Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD read/write and HD-DVD-ROM (read). The GGW-H10N can record up to 50GB of data, equivalent to 4-1/2 hours of high-definition video or 22 hours or standard definition video (on a dual layer 50GB BD-R/BD-RE recordable media). Surpassing the market standard, LG is providing a 4x recording speed of Blu-ray Discs, which means that it takes only 23-24 minutes to burn a full single layer BD-R disc (25GB), compared with 46-47 minutes for conventional 2x recording.

The product will be released during the first quarter of 2007, priced under US $1,200. The core technologies of Super Multi Blue Drive are Optical Pickup technology, which supports Blu-ray disc write/playback, HD DVD playback and DVD/CD write/playback, as well as the system controlling the Optical Pickup.

The LG-developed Optical Pickup is claimed to be the world's first device supporting both Blu-ray disc write/playback, HD DVD playback. Super Multi Blue, also available from LG in the first dual-format high-definition disc player (model BH-100) available in early 2007, is expected to end customers' confusion caused by the format war between Blu-ray disc and HD DVD.