First DVD-Compatible Blu-ray Replication Line

Hong Kong-based company Anwell has recently made strides to gain market share in the Blu-ray replication manufacturing sector. As part of that initiative, they have developed the Smart-BD Combo system, a optical disc replicator that supports both Blu-ray and legacy DVD. Details of this new replication line were given at the Media-Tech Europe 2009 event in Frankfurt.

The line can produce DVD as well as both single and dual-layer BD, said Anwell's global sales channel manager Eddy Wong. Until now, existing BD replication lines could only manufacture BDs or CDs, which usually wasn't a profitable operation.

The Smart-BD Combo system will have an affordable entry-level cost, which will help companies nervous about moving into the BD sector. "Companies can use the system for their everyday DVD production and then, when they do get orders for BD25, they can use the system for that, with upgrades then available to continue into the BD50 sector."

As Blu-ray run volumes are still low, the combo solution makes it possible for anyone to invest, Wong said. "That way replicators are making money by using the system for DVD instead of having to wait until BD demand ramps up to profitable levels."