Buffalo Technology, a leading supplier of various computer components, has announced its hybrid blue-laser-based optical disc drive for personal computers (PCs) that can read both Blu-ray discs (BDs) as well as HD DVDs. The drive will enable PC owners to watch movies available on the competing formats.
Buffalo’s MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD drive sports USB connection, allowing consumers to connect it to a laptop, desktop or other devices with a USB port. Buffalo’s new Blu-ray HD DVD player also comes with Nero’s software for playback and burning, which allows for seamless integration with all recent versions of Microsoft Windows. It was not said whether the new drive will support BD or HD DVD burning.
“Consumers are increasingly implementing either [HD DVD] or Blu-ray content into their digital lives – from TV sets, to camcorders to audio content. The MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD offers users the best of both worlds and supports our customers’ various needs, while providing unmatched flexibility, giving users the ability to watch and save their favorite movies, videos or data at home or on the road,” said Takayuki Nishioka, chief executive of Buffalo Technology, USA.
Backed by a limited one-year warranty and toll-free 24/7 technical support, the MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD will be available in Q1 2008 at an estimated street price of $649. The product can be purchased through distributors, online resellers and Buffalo’s web site.
While the device seems to be interesting for high-definition video users, it may be too expensive for them. Presently the most cost-effective Blu-ray disc drive from Pioneer costs about $200, whereas an affordable HD DVD drive from Toshiba costs from $120 to $200. With two drives combined and $400 end-users seem to get the same functionality as Buffalo’s MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD drive offers.
Comments currently: 8
Discussion started: 01/09/08 09:59:43 PM
Latest comment: 06/22/08 06:59:55 PM
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[1-6]
1.
Only read ??
when these Hybrids will learn how to write too ?
and when will they become cheaper :(
[Posted by: Xajel | Date: 01/09/08 09:59:43 PM]
2.
That's no reason for those hybrid drive appear in the market. As HD-DVD had already lost war, more people will care on BluRay drive rather than costly Hybird drive.
[Posted by: Xbit Labs is fool | Date: 01/10/08 12:02:13 AM]
3.
>>>>While the device seems to be interesting for high-definition video users, it may be too expensive for them. Presently the most cost-effective Blu-ray disc drive from Pioneer costs about $200, whereas an affordable HD DVD drive from Toshiba costs from $120 to $200. With two drives combined and $400 end-users seem to get the same functionality as Buffalo’s MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD drive offers.
Same functionality? Do u know that Pioneer BluRay drive can write DVD+-RW and CDRW at quality even better than Pioneer DVD burner? That fucking hybird drive can READ only! Are u XBit Labs ppl blind or u are too unprofessional for IT products? If so u should shut down this site down!
[Posted by: Poor Quality XBit Labs Ariticle again! | Date: 01/10/08 12:05:32 AM]
4.
Hey you both, X-Bit labs didn't do any thing wrong, they just bring some news, Buffalo did that Hybrid drive and they priced it at that level !!
shame on you, If you dont' see Xbit labs are good as IT Site, just don't come here at all !!
[Posted by: Xajel | Date: 01/10/08 11:17:13 PM]
+ expand thread (2 answers)
- collapse thread
But it's wrong for Xbit Labs always bring in fake/incorrect/confusing data and self-idea + naive conclusion!
[Posted by: Xbit Sucks! | Date: 01/11/08 05:38:40 AM]
you may have a point, but this is not the way to fix that :)
and remember, no one can make no mistakes, and no one knows everything, so if you just add a comment with your thought or note, Xbit labs will be gladly do that and edit their news, but talking this way will not make things any thing better it may get worse if these news guys decided to stop doing what are they do just coz some peoples !!
[Posted by: Xajel | Date: 01/11/08 07:48:58 AM]
5.
This is interesting, but $649? Yikes. I've got an LG dual-format in my PC that cost $300, and plays HD-DVD and Blu-ray, even BD-J, flawlessly.
[Posted by: beepclick | Date: 01/27/08 08:46:00 PM]
6.
I just purchased this and I WOULD NOT recommend this to anybody. This drive is labeled to be compatible with Windows XP, but is not. There's no support for this drive. Buffalo support didn't even know it existed when I called...So that would mean ZERO support. I waited 1 & 1/2 weeks for a call back so they could research this and nothing yet. The drive should have come with UDF drivers for reading Blu-Ray and HD DVDs on XP, but didn't. In my opinion, this drive should not be on the shelves yet.
[Posted by: Yetkoon | Date: 06/22/08 06:59:55 PM]
[1-6]
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