BenQ To Introduce First Blu-Ray Read/Write Combo Drive
Posted Thu Jun 8, 2006 at 12:10 AM PDT by
Computer electronics manufacturer BenQ says it will
introduce
the world's first Blu-ray optical drive that can both read and write data
later this year, the company has announced.
Unveiled at a Taipei press conference earlier this week, BenQ representatives
demonstrated a prototype drive designed for use in desktop computers that can
both read and write Blu-ray discs, as well as standard DVDs and CDs.
"We have a prototype ready and we are going to ship [the product] before
the end of the year," BenQ Chairman KY Lee told IDG News Service.
The company has not yet set an exact launch date for the unnamed optical drive,
nor a set list price. However, Lee indicated that the device is likely to retail
comparable to upcoming read-only Blu-ray optical drives from such manufacturers
as Panasonic, which are expected to range from $500-$850US.
Formerly known as Acer Communications & Multimedia Inc., the company changed
its name to BenQ Corporation in December 2001.