LG unveils second-gen dual-format HD player

LG Electronics has unveiled its second-generation Super Blu BH200 Player which supports HD-DVD and Blu-ray formats.

On display for the first time at the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association Expo 2007, the device will be available to US consumers and custom installers in mid-October at a suggested retail price of $999.

The device can output up to 1080p video resolution at 24fps, 30fps and 60fps, and supports AV formats including MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264 video, MPEG1/2 audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, DTS and DTS-HD audio.

The unit also includes multiple inputs/outputs including HDMI 1.3 out, component/composite video outputs, digital optical and analogue audio outputs as well as a Lan Ethernet port for network interactivity.

LG became the first firm to launch a dual-format high-definition disc player, the BH100, in February 2007.

"LG introduced the world's first high-def dual-format player to focus on consumer needs and to end the confusion caused by the current format war," said Allan Jason, vice president of consumer electronics marketing at LG Electronics USA Inc.

Mark Horak, executive vice president at Warner Home Video, the only major studio supporting both formats, added: "The availability of movie titles on competing high-def disc formats is a challenge for retailers and consumers.

"The introduction of the second-generation LG Super Blu Player addresses this challenge by fully enabling both formats on one convenient player, encouraging the adoption of next-generation disc technology and growing the market."