Toshiba is announcing the world’s first HD DVD writer for integration into laptop and notebook PCs. The new drive is also backwards compatible with all DVD and CD formats as well.

The new Toshiba HD DVD drive is called the SD-L902A and uses a blue-violet diode to read and write the HD DVD-R discs and supports HD DVD ROM for movies and video images. At only 12.7 mm in height, the device is the first HD DVD writer small enough for use in mobile applications. “As high-definition digital media moves into the mainstream, consumers are adopting products that accommodate this improved image experience – from large-screen televisions to digital video camcorders and mobile PCs,” said Maciek Brzeski, vice president marketing, Toshiba Storage Device Division. “Toshiba's new HD DVD writer allows mobile PC manufacturers to integrate high-definition digital video editing capabilities into their products, giving consumers a complete high-definition experience for their original content.”