Buffalo Technology intros external Blu-ray/HD DVD drive for PCs

[diabolo]

Buffalo Technology intros external Blu-ray/HD DVD drive for PCs

CES 2008
By Henning Molbaek
FIRST ONLINE Jan 7, 2008

Buffalo Technology introduced an external Blu-ray/HD DVD drive for PCs. It will be available in Q1 2008.

The drive will read/write Blu-ray, read HD DVD, and use a USB port to connect it to the PC. It will retail at $649.

Press Release:
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- 2008 CES (Booth #: Renaissance 26 ) -- Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking, storage and memory solutions today announced the MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD (BRHC-6316U2), the market's first external Blu-ray and HD DVD player. It is the first device of its kind on the market that allows users to both read and write Blu-ray content. It provides the ability to save high-definition content, giving users an all-in-one solution to meet their entertainment needs. Users can also connect the player to a notebook or other mobile device via USB and view their favorite video content while on-the-go. In addition the player allows for playback of HD DVD content.

"Consumers are increasingly implementing either High-Definition or Blu-ray content into their digital lives -- from TV sets, to camcorders to audio content," said Takayuki Nishioka, CEO of Buffalo Technology, USA. "The MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD offers users the best of both worlds and supports our customers' various needs, while providing unmatched flexibility, giving users the ability to watch and save their favorite movies, videos or data at home or on the road."

The MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD has a convenient, external USB connection, allowing consumers to connect it to a laptop, desktop or other devices with a USB Port. Buffalo's new Blu-ray HD DVD player also comes with Nero's proven software for playback and burning, which allows for seamless integration with all recent versions of Microsoft Windows. With a stylish black exterior, the MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD is also the perfect addition to any home entertainment PC.

Backed by a limited one-year warranty and toll-free 24/7 technical support, the MediaStation Blu-ray HD DVD will be available Q1 2008 at an estimated street price of $649. The product can be purchased through distributors, online resellers and Buffalo's web site. For more information about Buffalo Technology and its products, please visit the company's Web site at www.buffalotech.com.

[ghost271]

I wonder if you would be able to connect this to the 360 ?

[Metsuke]

Originally Posted by ghost271

I wonder if you would be able to connect this to the 360 ?

It would have a small chance of outputting HD DVD signals in the same format as the official add-on, but there is no way the 360 will be able to accept/decode Blu-ray signals until MS specifically puts that functionality in the firmware.

By the way, external (and internal) drives like this are already available in Japan, for about 40,000 yen (~$375), if memory serves.