CES2007: Warner, LG Unleash Dual-Format Disc Technology

As one possible way to take the guesswork out of trying to pick a format winner--at least in the short run--a content provider and manufacturer have teamed up to produce both format options. Time Warner plans to roll out an HD disc that hold content in both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats using separate layers.

Warner Brothers, the studio leg of the world's largest media company, unveiled the new "Total HD" disc at CES2007, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, LG Electronics announced just prior to the Las Vegas confab that it would launch a DVD player that will support Blu-ray and HD DVD. LG, based in South Korea, says its dual-format player will be introduced in the United States in early 2007. No price points were given, but numerous bloggers at CES are speculating the player will start at around $1,100 and begin to fall relatively quickly, if they catch on with consumers.

Will it help solve the format war? Stay tuned.