Philips and Sunext combine on semi technology

Philips Electronics and Sunext Technology have completed transfer of Philips Optical Disc Drive (ODD) semiconductor technology and licensing to Sunext.

Sunext will sell and support products produced with the Philips ODD technology transferred under the agreement using the Sunext brand name. DVD recordable semiconductor products are available immediately, are currently in high volume production with ODD suppliers and are in use by major PC OEMs. Blue laser recordable products are sampling now and are expected to be in volume production by mid-2006. As part of the agreement, Philips shall also receive a minority share in Sunext.

"We are excited by the opportunities created by this partnership between Philips and Sunext. We expect that the joining of both companies' technical and market strengths will create exciting products and increase sales to the IT and Consumer markets beyond what either company could achieve alone." said Giel Rutten, senior vice president and general manager, Philips Semiconductor, Home Business Unit.