LG plays both Blu-ray and HD DVD

 

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By Matt Whipp

Posted on 4 Jan 2007 at 15:48

LG Electronics has announced the 'world's first' player compatible with both the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats.

An official launch will be made at the CES show in Las Vegas later this month, with US availability starting in early 2007.

LG says it 'expects this technological breakthrough to end the confusion and inconvenience of competing high-definition disc formats for both content producers and consumers'.

Further detail on the player itself or its availability were not disclosed.

LG had previously backed Sony's Blu-ray standard, as opposed to the Toshiba-led HD DVD format.

As early as 2005, device makers were trying the crack the problem. Samsung then committed to developing a dual-format player, but as yet has not announced anything.

Warner Brothers has also announced a dual-format disc today, again in the run up to a full launch at the CES show.

A new war could be brewing as to whether a consumer will want to spend more on a dual-format player for the peace of mind of knowing both discs are supported, or on a dual-format disc, which will mean retailers only have to stock one type of disc.