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Panasonic preps Blu-ray, DVD, CD chip
Writes any format... except HD DVD
Panasonic will next month begin sampling what it claims is the first optical drive control chipset capable of writing to any recordable or re-writeable disc format. Well, all except HD DVD, that is.
No great surprise there, since Panasonic parent Matsushita has its feet firmly in the Blu-ray camp - unlike, it seems, HP. Panasonic's chipset comprises a chip to handle the analogue mechanics - the servo and laser control, for example - and a second to do the appropriate digital signal processing.
Among the latter's duties are format support, for which Panasonic lists BD-ROM, BD-R/RE, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/RW and CD-ROM.
The chipset uses both the Partial Response (PR) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) error-correction techniques to minimise the effect of the noise in a fast-moving optical pick-up system, Panasonic said.
The chipset, which will be offered in ATAPI and Serial ATA versions, will be made available as engineering samples in December, with mass-production commencing in January 2006, Panasonic said. ®
Biting the hand that feeds IT
