Panasonic will double production of its dual-wavelength high-power laser for DVD recorders to 10 million units a month in FY'07.

Panasonic led the industry in November 2005 by pioneering production of a dual-wavelength high-power laser as a light source for DVD recorder pickups. The device offers several advantages over use of monochromatic lasers for each wavelength because it combines two laser wavelengths in a single chip: an infrared beam (with a wavelength of 780 nm, for CD use) and a red beam (with a wavelength of 650 nm, for DVD use) As a result, light source point adjustment is unnecessary, the optical pickup system can be simplified, and the number of peripheral parts can be halved. These benefits helped dual-wavelength lasers to capture a 15% share of the total market for DVD recorder pickups in FY'06.

Besides further expansion of the DVD recorder market, demand for next-generation laser disc technology (Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD) is expected to grow in this year. In response, recording performance for every type of next-generation disc, DVD, and CD will be realized at reasonable cost by providing a combination of three wavelength options: the dual-wavelength high-power laser and a blue laser (405 nm).

Production will be doubled to 10 million units per month to meet the market trend. This volume represents more than 40% of the projected total market for DVD recorder pickups. Panasonic believes that this production plan will meet customers' demands in every aspect of quality, cost, and delivery (QCD).