Back in 2007 LG solved the Blu-Ray/HD DVD compatibility problem – but then HD DVD went away.

 

Dick’s Gadget Warehouse Friday, January 22nd, 2010

It was CES 2007 when LG introduced the first player that could play both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs. Wow, now you didn’t have to worry which format to go with. And that did solve a problem because some studio were releasing their movies only on Blu-ray and others were releasing them only on HD-DVD. So if you were a real movie buff, the format you bought would depend on which format your favorite movies were available in. But LG fixed that problem with Blu-ray Disc / HD-DVD combo player. The logo for both formats where on their new BH100, but it only needed on drawer to play either one. The only problem was the cost, which was $1199! As a demo at the show, an LG spokesperson would play an HD-DVD, then switch to a Blu-ray disc to prove the one player, could indeed do as claimed. The spec sheet indicated 1080p at 24 and 30 frames per second via HDMI. And there were 5.1-channel analog audio outputs. There was also an Ethernet port. I think it was because HD-DVD players were able to download new “coming attractions” and I assume it was also a way to update the software. Then just as everyone was deciding to jump on the Blu-ray bandwagon, LG introduced the BH200 Super Blu Blu-Ray HD DVD Combo Player. But it was just a bit too late, since HD DVD was pretty much done for. Just for a lark, I looked for that LG unit on the web just before I wrote this. Lo and behold you can still find it for sale. I thought it would be offered for some pennies on a dollar price. But I don’t know who’s going to buy one these days, especially since it’s selling for $1699.00 on Amazon!

Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1010