Ricoh has apparently solved the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD dilemma, and plans to introduce an optical device that reads and writes both next gen storage formats. The secret is a special diffraction plate that automatically compensates for thickness variation in the protective layers of each format, allowing a single laser to read data stored on either type of disc.
It seems unlikely that Sony or Toshiba will ever incorporate Ricoh's technology into their new players, but hopefully we'll have many third party players to choose from. If nothing else, this should spark good water cooler debate. How many of you have already started purchasing movies in the new formats?
