BenQ To Introduce First Blu-Ray Read/Write Combo Drive

Computer electronics manufacturer BenQ says it will introduce the world's first Blu-ray optical drive that can both read and write data later this year, the company has announced.

Unveiled at a Taipei press conference earlier this week, BenQ representatives demonstrated a prototype drive designed for use in desktop computers that can both read and write Blu-ray discs, as well as standard DVDs and CDs.

"We have a prototype ready and we are going to ship [the product] before the end of the year," BenQ Chairman KY Lee told IDG News Service.

The company has not yet set an exact launch date for the unnamed optical drive, nor a set list price. However, Lee indicated that the device is likely to retail comparable to upcoming read-only Blu-ray optical drives from such manufacturers as Panasonic, which are expected to range from $500-$850US.

Formerly known as Acer Communications & Multimedia Inc., the company changed its name to BenQ Corporation in December 2001.