Sharp and Nichia link up for LED patent cross-licensing deal
by Darren Murph 
posted Nov 21st 2008 at 1:45PM
nichia posts
Sigmatek's European SBR-1000 player does Blu-ray cheaper
by Richard Lawler posted Feb 15th 2008 at 8:01AM
[Via Blu-ray.com]
Sony announces new Blu-ray module, should drive down costs
by Evan Blass posted Jan 25th 2008 at 12:05PM
Sony has announced the development of a new Blu-ray reader / writer module that is not only smaller than previous components, but promises to be cheaper as well due to a simplified manufacturing process. The new laser housing is less than three millimeters thick, according to the Japanese manufacturer and co-developer Nichia Corporation, enabling it to be incorporated into smaller devices such as portable players. Sony predicts that we'll first start seeing 9.5-millimeter laptop BD drives which employ the module later this year.[Via Tech.co.uk, thanks Kiwi616]
Sharp brings its own blue lasers to the party
by Richard Lawler posted Dec 19th 2006 at 1:11PM
It might not have said so on the flyer, but Blu-ray and HD DVD in 2006 have been largely a BYOL affair, since neither Sony nor Nichia were able to supply enough of the lasers that are at the basis of both formats to meet demand. Well Sharp -- which hasn't released its DV-BP1U Blu-ray player yet -- has now decided to jump into the blue laser game as well, producing 150,000 units per month; they expect to be up to 500,000 units per month by September of next year. A company spokeswoman said most of the diodes will go into Sharp products, but we're sure European PlayStation 3 fans wouldn't mind seeing a few truckloads headed in Sony's direction, while everyone else is just hoping to see price drops on high definition players across the board.Read - Sharp starts blue laser diode production
Read - Sharp to Make Laser Diodes for Blu-Ray, HD Recorders
Blu-ray vs. HD DVD on hold for blue laser shortage?
by Richard Lawler posted Aug 29th 2006 at 10:44AM
As much as we like to talk about the ongoing format war between Blu-ray and HD DVD and our readers comment on it, the simple fact is that very few of us actually own either format yet. This is definitely related to the high prices and growing pains early adopters are subject to but the fact is neither one is available in significant quantities yet. As more manufacturers prepare to jump in to the battle this holiday season they may not be able to because of their shared reliance on blue lasers. Only a few companies worldwide produce them and none have been able to get very good yields. Even Sony, who produces blue lasers for themselves and others, has predicted a shortage as they seek to roll out the Playstation 3 and BDP-S1 and according to this article, have suspended shipments to others. For manufacturers who have to rely on someone else for a supply, this could mean a delay until 2007 before many players and drives are launched.
