The next-gen format war may be cooler than expected this holiday season, as shortages of blue laser diodes could result in shipment delays for new models of Blu-ray and HD DVD players and drives until 2007. That's according to DigiTimes, who, citing unnamed sources at optical drive manufacturers, claim that the majority of major vendors, including Sony and Matsushita, have suspended shipments of the blue laser diodes that drive both next-gen formats. The sources say that even with Nichia, Sharp and Sanyo still shipping blue lasers to customers, demand nevertheless far outstrips supply. Sony, meanwhile, is diverting all of its blue laser production to the PlayStation 3, leaving all outside vendors out of luck as well. That could mean that those shopping around for a new standalone Blu-ray or HD DVD player this holiday season may find themselves out of luck -- and those who already own a next-gen player now could end up having the "Tickle Me Elmo" of consumer electronics. At least until early 2007... Source: High-Def Digest
Wonder how this will affect the Blu-Ray camp if Sony's cutting out it's major partners to push the PS3. While Matsushita can use their stock in the upcoming Panasonic drive I'm not sure what Pioneer is going to do for their upcoming Elite drive. Before anyone asks what a standalone player has to do with the PS3, just ask yourself how many people buy a game system to watch movies? Very few, so if Sony isn't able to get standalone drives out the door, what's the point of Blu-Ray without content. You'd think for a technology 10 years in development they'd have a better launch than this.
