Standardization of Violet-DVD Platform Essential, said Strategy Analytics


OPTICAL STORAGE APPLICATIONS WILL DRIVE MARKET FOR GALLIUM NITRIDE LASER DIODES


London, England - March 16, 2004 -/Wi-Fi Technology News/- The market for gallium nitride (GaN) laser diodes will grow at a CAAGR of 195 percent through 2008, according to a new study from Strategy Analytics, the global research and consulting company. "Gallium Nitride Laser Diodes: Markets and Applications" describes the established markets for GaN-based laser diodes, which include printing, spectroscopy, biological agent detection and laser projectors

Strategy Analytics believes, however, that these markets will not provide substantial growth moving forward. Instead, growth will be driven by optical storage applications with the emergence of violet-DVD players, accounting for over 97 percent of unit shipments by 2008.

"Despite the impressive growth, the existence of two competing standards for violet-DVD -- namely Blu-ray and HD-DVD -- will mean that the GaN laser diode market will still be at an early stage of development in 2008," cautions Asif Anwar, Analyst, from the Strategy Analytics Strategic Technologies Practice. "The influence of movie studios and the IT industry will be crucial in deciding which violet-DVD format becomes the accepted standard, and when next-generation DVD begins to have mass appeal."

The proliferation of violet-DVD will also depend heavily on the development of high-definition TV (HDTV) content and displays. Furthermore, while violet-DVD players will be recordable from the outset, they will face competition from the growing popularity of existing recordable DVD technology.

The study provides an overview of the technology involved in manufacturing GaN-based laser diodes, focusing in particular on substrate issues. It highlights the key manufacturers and developers of laser diode chips, as well as suppliers of laser diode modules and materials suppliers.

For a chart, "GaN Laser Diode Market," please see: http://www.strategyanalytics.com/press/pr00105.htm

About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc., a global research and consulting firm, provides timely insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. With worldwide headquarters in Newton, MA and principal offices in England, France and Germany, Strategy Analytics focuses on market opportunities and challenges in the areas of Automotive Electronics, Broadband, Telematics, Wireless Strategies and Enabling Technologies. For more information, see http://www.strategyanalytics.com

European Contact:
Asif Anwar, +44(0) 1908 423 635, aanwar@strategyanalytics.com

US Contact:
Chris Taylor, +1 617 614 0706, ctaylor@strategyanalytics.com