LG dual-mode player jumpstarts next-gen DVD

Lack of standardisation hurting sales, says LG

Written by Tom Sanders at CES in Las Vegas

LG has officially unveiled its Super Multi Blue Player supporting the rival HD-DVD and Blu-ray formats for next-generation high-definition DVD players. 

The two standards have caused a slowdown in the adoption of next-generation DVD standards, LG said during a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

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Consumers are concerned that they may pick the wrong standard, and are putting off the purchase of new equipment altogether.

A player that supports both standards saves consumers from having to choose between the two.

The first LG devices are expected to go on sale by February in the US for $1,200. A model for computers is expected to be similarly priced.

Players that play Blu-ray disks typically cost around $1,000 and HD-DVD models start at around $500.

But while LG's player is expected to appeal to consumers seeking support for both standards, they will not get all the features that a single-standard player offers.

The player will display menus on HD-DVD disks, but will not unlock all the interactive features. On Blu-ray disks the menu and interactive features function normally.

The HD-DVD consortium is led by Toshiba, while Sony heads up Blu-ray. The pair have tried unsuccessfully to merge the two standards. 

Warner Bros, meanwhile, is scheduled to unveil a hybrid disk that will work on players supporting both standards.

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