I have no idea really, that is just what they tell me.

To Lafiel:

Wait, you can connect that to a PC? That's pretty cool.

It's possible to make a phaser with the diode, at least it's good for something.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Blu-Ray-Laser-Phaser!/

 It can also be used to backup your current HD DVD's (don't say pirate b/c nobody rents them anymore :P).  And also as an external DVD-ROM.  They work natively with Mac's too so it can be used as an external drive for the Macbook air.  Cheaper then the $99 solution Apple charges.

 Just b/c it's not useful to you doesn't mean others feel the same.  My wager is that at this price they won't last long.

This topic was already discussed in another thread started two days ago.

http://vgchartz.com/forum/thread.php?id=18635

 That thread was mentioned five posts before yours

If they did this a year ago things may be different.

I might pick one up now. HD-DVD movies will be going for the cheap and I should be able to get some bargains.