Gearfuse

With Blu-ray players being so expensive nowadays, either creator Rog8811 went dumpster diving for parts or just has enough money to smash open a Playstation 3. Whatever the reason, he managed to cram a working blue-laser diode inside a Zippo lighter. The best part? It actually works. Windproof? No problem bro, ’cause this fucker is made of light.

If you want to build your own, there are instructions. You’ll need to procure your own blue laser diode somehow – godspeed with that.

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Sharp Japan has announced its 6x blue-violet laser capable of burning double dual sided Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs. The diodes which emit the laser are planned to begin mass production in May with an output of 210 mW, which puts this laser as the world’s most powerful. The device could be used in the ever expanding market for HD-DVD 1080 pixel recorders. The diode also has a life of 10,000 hours of service. A unheard of amount of time for a typical laser burning diode.

Sharp says that the 6x laser is not the end. In 2008, Sharp says an 8x will be released and a 10x for 2009. Blu-Ray might be a passing fade, but we think HD-DVD is here to stay and will continue to be all the rage until ruled obsolete. The technology for LCD TV’s and HD recorders are at an all time high and are still rising. This new laser marks a landmark for HD progress. — Andrew Dobrow

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