The Smallest and Lightest Portable MD (MiniDisc) Player of Its Day

By employing a concurrent development system whereby R&D and design were undertaken simultaneously, and the transition to production coincided with the completion of development, Sharp was able to quickly launch its new portable MD player. Sharp's development of a compact hologram laser and an OPIC photodetector for use in the optical pickup that reads information from the MD achieved both smaller size and lighter weight and sent shockwaves through the industry.