Sharp announces a new Blu-ray and HD DVD laser diode with the lowest power consumption in the industry.

The new Sharp GH04020A2GE semiconductor has a power consumption of 168mW and a 20mW output.
The new Sharp Blu-ray laser diode has a 10,000 hour life time.

The delay of the Sony PS3 in Europe is blamed on shortage of Blu-ray laser diodes. Apparently they are difficult to manufacture.
Shouldn’t companies focus on simplifying the production than developing a new laser diode that needs less power?
Sample shipments start 2006 November 1st and Sharp promises 150,000 laser diodes per month.
More details in this press-release (Japanese).