Lite-On IT plans to start volume production in July of this year of half-height (H/H) Blu-ray Disc optical disc drives based on technology from Philips as a result of the company taking over BenQ’s ODD unit, according to industry sources.

The H/H BD drive models had been originally developed by BenQ’s ODD unit and Lite-On IT has taken over the development, including the use of technology from Philips that was licensed to BenQ, the sources pointed out. Lite-On IT is expected to take control of BenQ’s ODD business in June of this year.

Orders for H/H BD drives were received by Philips BenQ Digital Storage (PBDS), a joint venture between BenQ and Philips, and the production for all OEM/ODM orders received by the company will be taken over by Lite-On IT, the sources indicated.

Lite-On IT cooperated with Sony to develop BD drives and players but progress was slow because Sony and other leading Japanese companies were reluctant to release key technologies such as chipsets and pick-up heads, the sources noted. The Japanese companies were worried about competition from Taiwanese makers resulting from technological transfers, the sources explained. Lite-On IT, however, now has access to BD technology through its agreement with BenQ. (Source: digitimes.com).

Story filed 16.05.06