Dual-Format Disc Player

A Dual-Format Disc Player is a DVD player that allows users to play both HD-DVDs and Blu-Ray DVDs.

Fast Facts

1. Developed by: LG and Samsung
2. Common uses: plays both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray format video discs
3. Price range: $500 - $1,000
4. Introduced in January 2007

History

Until early 2008, when the HD-DVD was effectively discontinued, there was an ongoing battle of the formats between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Recalling the VHS/Betamax "war" of the early 1980s, consumers and manufacturers were loathe to invest in a format that may become extinct. In January 2007, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, LG unveiled the LG BH200 Super-Blu player, a gadget designed to mediate the format war by playing both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs. The following December, Samsung introduced its BD-UP5000 model, designed to compete with the Super-Blu.

Buying Guide

Due to a critical mass of movement toward the Blu-Ray by manufacturers, retailers and the movie industry, the HD DVD has been discontinued. However, the dual format player can still be a wise investment for film buffs, or for consumers who already have an HD-DVD collection, and want the flexibility of playing both formats. Both the LG and Samsung models were originally sold for over $1000, and the price has come down precipitously. Before buying one model or the other, read consumer and professional reviews at Engadget and Gizmodo.

Top Brands

1. Samsung
2. LG

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