2nd Generation of SSD Embedded Optical Drive …

Hitachi-LG Data Storage Inc. introduced SAT 6.0Gbps based 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid Drive‘, as a successive product to ODD Hybrid Drive 1st Generation introduced in Taiwan last June which was loaded with SSD (Solid State Drive) for the first time at CEATEC 2010 held in Makuhari Messe, Japan, from October 5 to 9.

The 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid Drive’, is a product equipped with SATA III (6.0Gbps) based improved speed, and a comprehensive SATA port, by accumulating ODD and SSD circuits in a integrated PCB. This is a reincarnation of the previous ODD structure, and users of all PC products can utilize HDD, ODD, SDD at the same time without having to change the entire system, by just exchanging the previous ODD.

Differentiated functions have been added to the Hybrid Drive such as the Green Playback; a low electricity – Title playing technology, and a comparison of real functions between Hybrid Drive applied products and non applied products of AIO (All-in-one) PC, Mini PC, HTPC, Gaming/Premium Notebook, will be introduced at this CEATEC 2010.

PC News Media K-Bench and Editor of Betanews, who recently progressed Benchmark of the 1st Generation Hybrid Drive, foresaw that 256GB supported 2nd Generation, ‘Hybrid drive’, will play big roles in the distribution of SSD, as SSD will be seen as a tool for driving OS and Application through Hybrid Drive, such as for decreasing PC booting time and performance increase.  

To support this, according to the Benchmark progressed by PC News Media Betanews, there seems to have been discrete differences between 1st Generation ‘Hybrid Drive’ and general Hard Disks, in PC system (Windows 7 64bit Ultimate Edition) booting time where each respectively recorded 16 sec and 29 sec, in Starcraft 2 Battlenet loading time where each respectively recorded 20 sec, 38 sec, etc. (PC System Specification: 1st Generation ‘Hybrid Drive’ and 2.5inch 5,400RPM 320GB Hard Disk each on Intel Celeron Dure Core SU2300, DDR3 4GB Memory , ION Based ITX System). In addition, relations explained that results will become more dramatic once various Applications are installed in the PC.

Read Benchmark 1 and Benchmark 2

"We are very excited about the potential of this ground-breaking product. Once Hybrid Drive is loaded in all PC products including AIO, Mini PC, and Notebook, a new solution will be provided for user classes who were previously unsure of purchasing SSD. And Hybrid Drive also enables a smaller PC foot print (under 12" tablet PCs such as the Ultra Mobile PC, for example) by removing the HDD or SSD from the motherboard and just having Hybrid Drive with SSD as its primary storage," stated HLDS Chief Marketing Officer YK Park.

Meanwhile, HLDS has formed a cooperative Partnership with PC Platform, NAND, PC manufacturers, such as AMD, Micron, Moneual, Shuttle, Averatec, etc, for a market release of Hybrid Drive, and as a result, Averatec All-in-one PC, Shuttle Slim PC, Moneual HTPC loaded with Hybrid Drive is to be introduced through the HLDS booth at CEATEC 2010, also the field for experiencing real differences between Hybrid Drive loaded products and non loaded products opened for Premium Notebook as well.

"Micron’s leadership in NAND flash memory design continues to spark new application uses for the technology, such as with the HLDS Hybrid Drive," said Kevin Kilbuck, director of segment marketing in Micron’s NAND Solutions Group. "HLDS is using Micron’s industry-leading 8-gigabyte, 25-nanometer NAND flash devices in their Hybrid Drive. These devices are small enough to fit through the hole in the middle of an optical disc – ironically, a disc that could even be used in their new Hybrid Drive."

"AMD’s latest 8-series chipsets have both the required hardware and driver support for HyDrive, including SATA port multiplier support, which enables combined optical and solid state functionality in the HLDS HyDrive," said AMD’s Niles Burbank, Senior Product Manager for AMD’s Platform Solutions.

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Hitachi-LG Embedding SSD Into an Optical Disc Drive
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