At CES LG Electronics has unveiled its hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD ‘Super Multi Blue’ player.

Launching in the United States during the first quarter of 2007, this dual-format high-definition disc player – LG BH100 – will be the first player on the market with the capability to play both next-generation disc formats.

"We've developed the Super Multi Blue Player to end the confusion caused by the current competition between Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. Customers are no longer forced to choose between the two formats," said Dr. Hee Gook Lee, president and chief technology officer of LG Electronics.

"With this new dual-format player, LG is offering a viable solution to this dispute. This is the kind of customer-focused approach that Best Buy looks to bring to our customers." Warner Home Video President Ron Sanders added, " The Super Multi Blue Player will allow studios to better meet consumers' growing demand for high-definition content in both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats."

However, while the LG BH100 machine supports Blu-ray Disc Java, allowing for full use of interactive and other features that may be included with a BD movie, it does not support HD DVD’s interactive iHD feature technology. So, while the LG player plays HD DVD movies, popup menus appeared quite generic as the on-screen chapter selection lacked the thumbnail images seen on other HD DVD players.

LG's Super Multi Blue Player is expected to sell for about $1,200.

LG Electronics also unveiled a hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD drive version for computers – the GGW-H10N -– also available in the first quarter of 2007, is compatible with both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats.

Story filed 08.01.07