IFA 2006: Pioneer planning BDR-103 HD DVD & Blu-ray combo drive
by Richard Lawler 
posted Sep 1st 2006 at 9:49AM
Pioneer was among the first to release a Blu-ray burner with their BD-R101A, now they've announced two follow-up products, one of which will include HD DVD compatibility. The BDR-102 will add the CD compatibility that was missing from the in previous drive, although speed, connectors and other specifics are still up in the air. Finally the BDR-103 will add HD DVD support, but no specifics available there either. We're not too surprised, since reps from both camps have dismissed rumors that the licensing agreements precluded such a device, and we know the hardware is possible, but of course, we've seen these announced before. As soon as there is a release date -- and a price -- we'll be a bit more optimistic.[Via cdfreaks]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave @ Sep 1st 2006 10:28AM
I will NOT waste money on something like that... BD players are expensive enoug to bloat them with DVD (even HD-DVD)crap!
WASD John @ Sep 1st 2006 11:48AM
Well this is something that I think everyone would like to see since the two camps could not agree on a single format. I still think a format war is stupid, but this is what the powers that be in their ultimate wisdom and consideration for the consumer have decided to force upon us. I still don't quite understand the reasoning why a device that cost twice as much as another yet does nearly the exact same thing is needed. Oh well
James @ Sep 1st 2006 12:06PM
Too bad they are wasting R&D on Blu-Ray. Much cheaper if it only supported offical formats
Mr. Satyre @ Sep 1st 2006 3:35PM
This story (as so many others are), is 100% false. Pioneer is strictly Blu-ray all the way.
Chris @ Sep 2nd 2006 4:05PM
Here We GO Again, the electronics industry clammering to create more market for themselves. Instead of racing to finish new technology First, why don't develop truly useful, quality, products for us to Enjoy?
Makes me want to just turn off my TV all-together and enjoy my Vinyl !
I don't know about you, but I'm saving my coin for that new cel phone that trims nose hair - WOW ! :)
Chris
pnorth12 @ Sep 2nd 2006 10:38PM
Yup, another crock of SH!T from hdbeat, pioneer reps are saying there is no way this will happen. wish there was a sourece other than "CD Freaks" that could substantiate any of these rumors...
Richard @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:44PM
Sorry Blu-Ray fans...but this story isn't just an HD Beat story!!! It's all over the internet!! Pioneer is just the first of what im sure will be several companies to switch and start supporting BOTH formats. Blu-Ray is floundering with early adopters and Pioneer is smart enough not to be stuck holding a losing hand if Blu-Rays fortunes don't change soon. Sony's spin machine and smoke and mirrors are starting to wear off. They screwed up and by not making it a slam dunk have allowed HD-DVD to put up a formidable fight. Companies are protecting the bottom line with no loyalty to Sony or it's faultering format.