Ricoh Exhibits Super-Compatible Drive

Ricoh has exhibited it's Multiple Format Compatible Plate (MFCP), an optical device that enables the playback of CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats with a single objective lens, at InterOpto '07.

When used in the optical system of the optical head in an optical disc drive, the device can eliminate the need of so-called two lens setup in which two lenses are provided for use with CD & DVD and the next-generation DVD such as Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD.

The company said that, while MFCP is required to be added, the number of optical parts in the entire optical head may be decreased compared with the case of the two lens setup, thereby reducing the size of the optical system of the optical head.

"With the two lens setup, light beams are incident on the respective objective lenses," a Ricoh demonstrator said. "Thus, unlike a single lens setup, it requires additional optical parts, such as a mirror, to adjust the optical path."

Ricoh's MFCP comes in three main models, one that supports four formats of CD & DVD & Blu-ray & Disc & HD DVD, one that is compatible with three formats of CD & DVD & Blu-ray Disc or CD & DVD & HD DVD, and one that works with both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD.

The company said that the two-format device was exhibited for the first time at InterOpto '07. On the other hand, the three- and four-format devices had been presented at InterOpto '06 only as a panel exhibition, but the actual products were showcased for the first time at InterOpto '07.

The two-format device is targeted at next-generation DVD drives supporting both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. The exhibited product simulated application in an optical system with a two-lens setup provided with two objective lenses, one for CD & DVD and one for Blu-ray Disc.

By arranging the two-format device in front of the Blu-ray Disc objective lens, the drive can also play back HD DVD optical discs. The company undertook development of next-generation DVD drives with a two-lens setup and said that there is significant demand for a model compatible with the two standards.

The four-format device on display is also designed for use with the Blu-ray Disc objective lens.

Story source: nikkeibp.co.jp.