Dual Format Discs, ...and Players

Warner Bros, which holds various patents on the DVD Format, is set to debut another disc format at the CES 2007, the Total HD disc - which will be playable on both HD DVD and Blu-ray players.

Currently, there seems to be no official source that mentions how it can be implemented and introduced. I have my reservations with respect to this Total HD disc because it may add to some consumer confusion - imagine the number of labels and specifications charts you'll need to add for the audio and video, and consider the possible disparities between special features on HD DVD and Blu-ray releases from studios supporting both formats (such as the video commentary on M:I 3 HD DVD while an audio commentary on Blu-ray release). I believe such a dual-format disc may be more useful/marketable for movie-only releases...

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LG Electronics, after months of rumors, speculations and PR statements made regarding dual-format players, has finally and officially announced (Press release in English here) that it is premiering its first high-definition player that will playback both HD DVD and Blu-ray at 1080p resolution, at the CES 2007 next week. More details about its retail debut and pricing should be made available at the event.

Personally, given a choice between dual-format disc and dual-format players, I would prefer the latter. Of course, ultimately, I would prefer that there be more vendors introducing HD DVD-only players at competitive pricing.