Universal laser head from Ricoh

Ricoh's optical device writes and reads both traditional CDs and DVDs, as well as rival HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs.

Thanks to Ricoh's newly developed laser head, optical drive companies will be able to produce their universal devices at a lower cost of production, which will be able to read and write all of the competing media developed for storing high-definition movies.

Using multiple laser heads and lenses would also have made it possible to make a drive that reads both Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs, but this would have resulted in not only more complicated manufacturing but also higher manufacturing costs.

Ricoh's device recognizes which disc is currently in the drive and adjusts the laser head accordingly. The strength of light deflection varies depending on the type of disc, as the groove density is 0,1 mm for "blue laser", 0,6 mm for HD-DVD and DVD, and 1,1 mm for CD.

The new development will be unveiled to the general public at a three-day trade show in Tokyo starting on July 12, and the first player with such a laser head is expected to hit the market before the end of the year.