Sony announced that a new 650nm semiconductor laser diode is currently developed, allowing DVD recording speeds up to 16X. First samples of the new "SLD1236VL" series are planned to be available by December 2003, while mass production will start in June 2004. According to the company, current laser diodes used for Sony DVD recorders are capable of 8X recording. Present monthly product output of the new diode is 1 million piecies and is expected to reach the 2 million in January 2004.