One of the last remaining major Japanese manufacturers of optical drives has ended production after over four decades. Pioneer quietly announced last week that it would be shutting down its optical disc business. The company had been producing home media players as far back as the advent of laser disc, and as recently as Blu-Ray players released in 2019. While no new Blu-Ray player has materialized since then, Pioneer’s announcement firmly closes the door on that chapter, as well as signaling the end of the company’s PC disc drives that had remained in production until now.
“While we are moving forward with selection and concentration, centered on our car electronics business, we have come to the decision that it is preferable to advance the optical disc business with a new partner, rather than remaining within our group,” reads Pioneer’s press release, per Stereonet.
The company’s website confirms that its optical disc products are now only available for sale as far as supplies last.
See also: Sony shutting down recordable media division
