BenQ shows off Blu-ray writer

BenQ, Taiwan's top maker of mobile phones and computer equipment, unveiled an optical disc writer that can handle the new Blu-ray high-definition DVD storage format. The device will sell for £599 beginning in August.

A late-August launch would place BenQ among the first electronics companies to sell a Blu-ray burner, and would put it in competition against machines from Blu-ray principal inventors and promoters Sony, Pioneer and Philips.  

Low prices and early availability of Blu-ray devices are important in the emerging battle for the next DVD standard. Blu-ray is competing with a format called HD DVD, led by Toshiba, which has started selling a player at $499 (£270).

Blu-ray and HD DVD offer up to 50GB of storage on a DVD-size disc. Most Blu-ray and HD DVD players will also play back and burn CDs and standard DVDs.

Movie studios hope the new formats will breathe new life into the $24bn home video market.

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