LG Electronics today began shipping the first dual-format high-definition disc player capable of playing HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs.

Unveiled less than a month ago at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show, the LG Super Multi Blue Player (BH100) is now available at US national and local retail stores.

The BH100 is the "first and only player" on the market with the capability to play both next-generation disc formats, according to LG, meaning that consumers no longer have to choose between the two formats.

"With Full HD beginning to take off, we expect the industry-changing Super Multi Blue to trigger expanding market volume for Full HD displays and high-definition discs," said Michael Ahn, president and chief executive at LG's North American headquarters.

He added that the firm is addressing "consumer hesitancy and confusion" with the release.

In addition to offering Full HD 1080p picture quality from high-definition discs, the player incorporates interactive functions based on BD-Java, which allows menus and functions to be displayed over the video of Blu-ray discs.

The device, which outputs 24- and 30-frame-per-second 1080p signals, supports various A/V formats, including MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264 video, MPEG1/2 audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, DTS and DTS-HD audio.