Why Choose Just One Next-Gen Video Format?

Korean electronics manufacturer LG is building a bridge over the troubled water that is the HD DVD/Blu-Ray war, announcing before next week's CES that they are finally releasing a dual format hi-def player.  Rumors of a combo device have been floating about since the start of the format debates.  LG is not the first company to consider it, but it appears they will be the first to deliver it to the market.

No price has been revealed, but the unit is expected to arrive within the year.  No matter what anyone says, I'm not buying into the idea that video format has played a huge role in the console war, but LG's new machine should stomp any lingering concerns about getting stuck with a loser format.  Actual features and price will be important to consumers, of course, but LG plans to share more information next week in Las Vegas.

This news follows closely on the heels of Warner Brothers' announcement that they plan to release some of their movies on a new hybrid disc format called Total HD, that will allow the disc to be played in either an HD DVD or Blu-Ray player.

I have no deep interest in either of the new high definition disc formats, but dual-format is where it's at for me.  The price would have to be pretty low for players and movies before I even bother to wade in, but I love the idea of not getting stuck on the surrender side of a war.