bdr-103
Latest
IFA 2006: Pioneer NOT planning HD DVD / Blu-ray hybrid drive
Yet another claim of a coming dual-format HD DVD and Blu-ray player has now turned into yet another denial of an upcoming combo player. Pioneer has now stated to cdfreaks that previous reports of a coming BDR-103 were based on quotes "taken out of context" and gave the now-familiar "we have no current plans to do so" line when questioned about possible HD DVD support. "We have the technology" was all the excuse needed to rebuild The Six Million Dollar Man, why doesn't the same go for Blu-ray and HD DVD?
IFA 2006: Pioneer planning BDR-103 HD DVD & Blu-ray combo drive
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]
Pioneer planning BDR-103 HD DVD/Blu-ray combo drive
Samsung got our hopes up and then dashed them. Same with LG. But ever since Ricoh announced its "smart" blue laser diode that can recognize what type of disc has been inserted and adjust the beam accordingly, we've been cautiously optimistic that someone, somewhere would release a drive and / or player that reads / writes both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, effectively mooting the so-called format war. Well, folks, it seem that glorious day may be close at hand, as Pioneer announced plans at Berlin's IFA to manufacture the BDR-103 combo drive (followup to its BDR-101 and upcoming, CD-writing BDR-102 Blu-ray-only burners). So far the company has released little information beyond this product's model number and its hybrid capabilities, but frankly, that glimmer of hope is all we really need to sustain us. We salute you, dear Pioneer, for attempting what so many others have tried and failed to do before; and if in fact you succeed, you will be remembered forever as the savior of HD lovers worldwide.[Via cdfreaks]
