"..Sharp developed new infrared semiconductor and hologram laser products with 160 millimeter W optical output (industry's highest level). With the new laser 16x CD-R drives can be manufactured. The first samples will ship from October and the mass production will start end of November. Their prices are 1400yen ($13 US) for the semiconductor and 2200 yen ($20.5 US) for the hologram laser. The article states that the entry speed for CD-R drives using Sharp's new laser will be 12x maximum and soon 16x writing will be added..." NULL