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Ricoh unveils multi-standard optical device
At InterOpto '07 expo, Ricoh showcased a Multiple Format Compatible Plate (MFCP), an optical device that enables the playback of multiple optical disc formats – CD, DVD, Blu-ray, HD DVD – with a single pickup lens.
When used in the optical head of a disc drive, the device eliminates the need of a so-called two-lens setup in which one lens is used for reading CD and DVD, and the other lens for next-generation Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD.
The company said that, with MFCP, the number of optical parts in the entire head can be cut down, thereby reducing the size of the optical system. In particular, no mirror to adjust the optical path is needed.
Ricoh's MFCP comes in three configurations: one that supports four formats (CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, HD DVD); another one compatible with three formats (CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc or CD, DVD, HD DVD), and a third one that works with both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. The two-format device is targeted at next-generation DVD drives.
At present, the new optical kit can only be applied to read-only devices. The company targets a price lower than US$1.
Story filed 22.07.07
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