http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/061002/20061002005947.html?.v=1

Slim-Line HD DVD Drive Supports Read and Write for Next-Generation DVD and All Legacy Optical Formats

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD) today announced the world's first HD DVD writer for integration into mobile PCs, enabling notebook PC users to write high-definition video content, while enjoying backward compatibility with all DVD and CD formats.

Toshiba's SD-L902A integrates a blue-violet laser diode to read and write HD DVD-R discs and supports high-density HD DVD-ROM discs, including high-definition movie and video images. The drive also offers super-multi functionality, with high-performance read and write capabilities for all standard DVD and CD discs.

At only 12.7 millimeters in height, the SD-L902A meets the stringent space constraints of the mobile PC environment, since the HD DVD format has the same physical structure as standard DVD technology. As a result, the HD DVD writer uses an optical pick-up head with a single objective lens. With this next-generation DVD technology, mobile PC users can easily work with content in high-definition, while continuing to enjoy legacy DVD and CD material.

"As high-definition digital media moves into the mainstream, consumers are adopting products that accommodate this improved image experience - from large-screen televisions to digital video camcorders and mobile PCs," said Maciek Brzeski, vice president marketing, Toshiba Storage Device Division. "Toshiba's new HD DVD writer allows mobile PC manufacturers to integrate high-definition digital video editing capabilities into their products, giving consumers a complete high-definition experience for their original content."

Toshiba will demonstrate the SD-L902A Oct. 3-7 during CEATEC JAPAN 2006, at Makuhari Messe in the HD DVD Promotion Group booth (1A06) and the Toshiba Booth (1A09). Sample shipments are scheduled to start by the end of this year.

Product Specifications:
Model no. SD-L902A
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Read/Write Write
Speed HD DVD-R SL*: 1x; HD DVD-R DL*: 1x
DVD-RAM: Max. 3x; DVD-R SL*: Max. 4x
DVD-R DL*: Max. 2x; DVD-RW: Max. 4x
DVD+R SL*: Max. 4x; DVD+RW DL*: Max. 2.4x
DVD+RW: Max. 4x; CD-R: Max. 16x
CD-RW: 4x; High Speed CD-RW: Max. 10x
Ultra Speed CD-RW: 10x
Read
HD DVD-R SL*, DL*: 1x; HD DVD-ROM: 1x
DVD: Max. 8x; CD: Max. 24x
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Interface ATAPI
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Buffer capacity 8MB
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
MTBF 60,000 hours
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Power source +5V (allowance +/-5%)
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Operating 5-50 degrees C (excluding media)
temperature
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
External
dimensions 128mm x 12.7mm x 126.1mm
(W x H x D)
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Weight 170g (typical)
--------------- ------------------------------------------------------
* SL: single layer; DL: dual layer

How much?

Too much this year.

The fact that these players are begining to penetrate the market makes me a very very very happy man. Have been waiting for this time for a long time. It is an exciting time both for the computer industry and the home entertainment industry. This is all excellent news!!

PS..

I think I'd wait til the inevitable 16X burner... or maybe I just get some movie tickets because it's gonna take a couple hours to burn a disc.

It seems pretty slow on the other formats as well. Only 4X on DVD+/-R, only 16x on CD-R.

I can burn 8x for DVD.

You all do realize that 1x on HD-DVD does not equal 1x on a DVD, right?

"Putting HD DVD performance in perspective, 1x CD transfers 0.15 MB (153,000 bytes) per second while 1x DVD transfers 1.32 MB (1,385,000 bytes) and 1x Blu-ray Disc (BD) transfers 4.29 MB (4,495,625 bytes) per second. In HD DVD terms 1x is equivalent to roughly 29.9x CD, 3.3x DVD or 1x BD."

So, 3.3x of DVD-write speed, not bad for a first-gen product, all in all.

Trimmed out some of the infighting.

People with an irrational hatred of either format would do well do avoid threads about "the enemy".

It is my personal opinion that burning discs at 1X Speed is way too slow, no matter the format.

Stupid Question

Will it read pre-recorded HD-DVDS?

I believe so, or at least that's what I take the "HD DVD-ROM" label under "Read" to mean.