I just read an interesting press release from earlier this week from GE Medical and Avnet from the 2011 RSNA show in Chicago.

The press release states that GE will be offering a new DICOM hard disk / Blu-ray appliance into hospitals and imaging centers that currently use magneto optical disc storage. The reason, as stated in the press release, is that magneto optical drives are no longer being manufactured.

It is true that MO drives are no longer being made. But fully functioning Sony, HP, and Maxoptix drives are still widely available from my system integrators as well as niche resellers. However, as I read through the full article I found a miss-statement. There was a quote about half-way into the releases that stated “Current users of the discontinued magneto-optical discs….”

MO discs are still be manufactured by Sony and sold under varies brands names – Sony, HP, Maxoptix, and Medical Grade to name a few. Don’t worry, magneto optical discs will continue to be available for many years to come.

Let me know your thoughts or comments. Also contact Techware at 1-800-295-0083 (952.944.0083 locally) if you need any help sourcing MO drives or MO media.