Toshiba on October 2 unveiled a slim HD DVD drive for notebooks, the SD-L902A, that can read and write to HD DVD, standard DVD and CD discs with sample shipments of the new drive scheduled to start by year-end.
The SD-L902A integrates a blue-violet laser diode that can read and write to HD DVD-R discs and offers support for high-density HD DVD-ROM discs, including high definition (HD) movie and video images. The drive also offers the functionality of a super multi-drive, with high performance, high-speed read and write to all types of standard DVD and CD discs, according to the company.
At only 12.7 millimeters in height, the SD-L902A meets the stringent space specifications for slim drives integrated into highly portable notebooks. This is due in part to HD DVD discs having the physical structure as standard DVD, allowing use of an optical pick-up head (PUH) with only a single objective lens. The result is a space-saving solution, and a drive able to read and write to HD DVD-R discs, to read HD DVD-ROM discs, and to read and write to standard DVD and CD discs.
HD digital media are fast moving into the mainstream. Digital broadcasting is replacing analog, and consumers are increasingly buying large-size HDTVs. More and more people are also using digital video and want a platform for editing and working on their material. This trend is also spurring demand for PCs with HD optical drive capabilities, a demand that Toshiba meets with the SD-L902A.
Toshiba will demonstrate the new drive at CEATEC JAPAN 2006 at Makuhari Messe from October 3-7. Look for the drive at the Toshiba booth (1A09) and the HD DVD Promotion Group booth (1A06).
Toshiba's SD-L902A slim HD DVD drive for notebooks
Photo: Company