LG Dual HD DVD/Blu Ray Player?

[Azzin]

Originally Posted by Bob Perry of LG

LG Electronics is considering developing a dual-format player for both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs and has dropped the BD199 Blu-ray player from its spring release lineup, according to a memo sent to LG's dealers from consumer electronics sales VP Bob Perry.

The memo states that the dual-format player is planned for late summer/early fall, and came about as a result of the uncertainty of the looming next-gen DVD format battle. "In light of uncertainty in this early stage of the market for pre-recorded high-definition optical discs, we have decided not to introduce the BD199 as originally planned for this spring," it says.

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[mjcairney]

Interesting - thanks for that.

Must say, it definitely makes sense to introduce a combi deck rather than one or the other - it will be interesting to see what way the other big companies will go on this one.

Thanks,

Martin.

[alan_t]

its bound to happen eventually.

[HiFiver]

Seems logical. It would suit Microsoft and Sony and avoid a repeat of the VHS/BETAMAX scenario. Talking of which, would it be possible for microsoft to incorporate HD technology into the xbox360 rather than releasing an add-on player ?

[shaithis]

Of course they could, the question is would it benefit them?

They would either need to keep 2 console releases in step (DVD and BD/HD-DVD)....or stop making the current model.

Either choice is fraught with pitfalls for both MS and consumers.

[HiFiver]

Sure. But if Microsoft incorporated both formats a la LG, the games could still be released on DVD thereby keeping 360 early adopters happy. They could release an add-on down the line. Can't see it happening though !
Didn't the Dreamcasts lack of a DVD player compared with the PS2 hasten its demise ?
Ironic footnote: My Dreamcast is now used as a standalone DivX/Mp3/Cd/VCD player.

[Racquel Darrian]

Samsung was working on a dual player too.

And was it JVC that had come up with a dual disc, HD DVD on one side and Blu-ray on the other?

[Figment]

I though the main reason that HDDVD had not been abandoned in favour of Blu-Ray was the fact that it was much cheaper to manufacture because current production lines could be adapted to make them which is not the case with Blu-Ray. Surely if a dual format player can be made without too much fuss that argument was lies damn lies and we could have had just one format after all.

[antilles]

Jeez....imagine the problems with a deck this complicated made by Samsung!!!!!

[gingerone]

Originally Posted by antilles

Jeez....imagine the problems with a deck this complicated made by Samsung!!!!!

I shudder to think!

It'll be interesting to see what happens with these formats, I've a feeling they might both go the way of dvhs decks.

[HiFiver]

There is a chinese designed alternative HD-DVD format. Maybe that will win. One in the eye for japanese and american imperialism......
Maybe LG will have to delay that launch again.....

[con219]

The Product Manager for Pioneer Australia told me today that he believes the bluray models will be able to play SD DVD's.
Forgive me for my ignorance but Sony did announce that the format for their bluray media will be for MPEG2

[alan_t]

Originally Posted by con219

The Product Manager for Pioneer Australia told me today that he believes the bluray models will be able to play SD DVD's.
Forgive me for my ignorance but Sony did announce that the format for their bluray media will be for MPEG2

thats old news...even a HD-DVD player will be backwards compatiable and play SD dvd's.