Buffalo adds to dual-format HD drives

The selection of high-definition (HD) optical drives available has been extended with the introduction of a new dual-format device from Buffalo.

Both Blu-ray discs and HD-DVDs may be read by the unit - which can also write content to the former.

Conventional DVD duplication may also be carried out using the drive, with a top write speed of 16x to standard-definition DVDs.

Product marketing manager Gerardine Lynch explains that the dual-format capabilities mean any expenditure on either of the competing HD specifications need not be wasted.

"In 2007, over 2.5 million units of HD DVDs were sold in Europe, highlighting the rapid rate at which consumers are adopting this new format," the spokesperson adds.

The news follows the introduction of drives by Plextor which are also capable of DVD duplication in both standard definition and the Blu-ray format.

Plextor suggested that the internal drives could prove useful for those looking to read media in both HD formats.