LG dual-mode player jumpstarts next-gen DVD

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.

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.

• Photos of LG's du al-mode DVD players are available on vnunet.com's CES Blog