Here's a problem for the upcoming PS3 that Sony can't do much about: manufacturing problems with the laser components:

Things are looking dicey for both HD DVD and Blu-ray, because a key component has suddenly become scarce: blue laser diode yield rates are only 30% according to Nichia, a company responsible for 80% of the blue laser diode supply. The diodes are used in both HD DVD and Blu-ray players, and the shortfall will severely limit the number of players that can be shipped.

It could be even worse: if this rumor is true, then the PS3 will be delayed (at least in quantity) past Christmas:

Sources said only Pioneer and Plextor are currently able to maintain shipments of products using the blue diodes, with Toshiba soon joining them. Another source says any new models using those diodes might be postponed until 2007.

Hat tip Scoble.

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