Blending the latest technologies and offering unprecedented flexibility to consumers seeking the convenience of playing both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD high-definition content, LG Electronics (LG), a leader in consumer electronics and mobile communications, today launched the groundbreaking "Super Multi Blue" Player at the 2007 International CES®.
Launching in the United States during the first quarter of 2007, this advanced dual-format high-definition disc player, LG model BH100, will be the first player on the market with...
Let's not count our chickens just yet. Don't forget, LG has announced such a player twice in the past 18 months, only to recant their announcement days later. Although this time they have at least put a price on it.
I'm not going to base any of my buying decisions on it until it's a bit closer to retail delivery.
I understand the frustration with LG's false starts, but will wait for them, or anyone else who'll stand up against the combatants & FOR consumers, to produce a reasonable, dual-format player or recorder.
I will NOT support either side in this war & will NOT buy either format, by itself.
...and I believe most of the buying public agrees. If you've noticed, they're staying away in droves!
But don't assume that the reason people are "staying away in drives" is due to the format war. I would argue that it is largely a price issue at the moment. Even if there was only one format, the $500 or $1000 price tag would have just about as many consumers staying away.
Case in point: Myself. I have not purchased any stand-alone player in either format because I do not see a personal return on the investment should one format fail. But I do see a return on investing in the "game platform" solutions.
I purchased the HD DVD add-on from Microsoft because I could easily see getting my $200 worth even if HD DVD goes away in 1 years time.
I also purchased the PS3 for the same reason. If Blu-ray goes away a year from now I still have a kick-a$$ gaming system.
Great start in the right direction and I hope LG does well as a result of it. For now, my benchmark is $300 for a dual disc player so we have a way to go before the player is affordable for me. But I applaud LG for being the first.
Richard, that is great advice, thank-you. I love new technology, but I have found that waiting for things to wash out a little is wise; a lesson learned after the purchase of a Betamax may years ago. I expect by the time I'm ready to buy, there will be many options available for a dual format player.
