From Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/live-coverage-of-lgs-press-event/) at the LG press conference-

Another bullet list:

- Named Super Multi Blu player model BH100
- Cost $1199
- Single tray
- Carried nationwide by many retailers include BB and Circuit City the first week of Feb.
- HDMI 1.2 (not 1.3) output
- automatically detects disc type
- outputs 1080P/24 and 1080P/30. Also 1080I/60
- no network interface
- uses 2 seperate lens systems
- takes about 25 seconds from disc insertion to display
- no interactivity support from either format

They also announced a drive for a PC for the same price.
- no availability date yet
- the drive includes ineractivity support for both formats

http://www.engadgethd.com/media/2007/01/1.07.07.lg_superblue_pressshot.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/lg_super_blue_front.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/lg_superblue_top.jpg

http://www.engadgethd.com/media/2007/01/1.07.07.bh100.back.jpg

Specs from Engadgets Live Bloging of the Event:

The BH100 model will be available this quarter, at a suggested retail price of $1,199.

True HD, VC-1 / H.264, DD+/ DTS HD

HDMI Out, Optical / 5.1 channel out

With support for the advanced codecs, HDMI AND analogs and ONE drive this is huge.

As the questions continue to fire, it looks like HDMI is merely of the 1.2 variety, retail availability will be widespread, and they'll try to pump out as many of these as they can to meet whatever consumer demand there may be.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/lg_superblue_rear.jpg

More pics of the back of the player. Analogs out confirmed.

Front and top shots:

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/lg_super_blue_front.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/01/lg_superblue_top.jpg

LG partnered with Broadcom for the chipset.

"Because of limited hardware, most everything essential is supported, but not all IHD features."

What?

"Because of limited hardware, most everything essential is supported, but not all IHD features."

What?

WMV, MP4 won't support?

Score one for the consumer.

Looks like and ethernet port as well.

Score one for the consumer. Yeah, isn't all this very cool, guys!? I'm psyched. High-def for the win!

EDIT: Looking at the pictures...hah, isn't it funny that so many of these next-gen players seem to have gone back to sort of an "80's" design aesthetic?! I don't mind though. It's kind of retro-cool - plus makes the players look and feel like they are built like a tank. Stackablity is important in my crowded shelf-space.

Yeah, isn't all this very cool, guys!? I'm psyched. High-def for the win!

EDIT: Looking at the pictures...hah, isn't it funny that so many of these next-gen players seem to have gone back to sort of an "80's" design aesthetic?! I don't mind though. It's kind of retro-cool - plus makes the players look and feel like they are built like a tank. Stackablity is important in my crowded shelf-space.

I agree. This is a huge kick-start for hidef movie viewing to start the year. Tosh and LG have taken the leadership.

If it sells for $1200, it basicly the same as buying the players seperatly. Although I'd suspect instore/online prices to be around $1000.

Can't wait for the reveiws to see how well it hanndles both formats. And how it works with WBs total HD.

$1,199, reads and writes everything but HD DVD, looks like Blu-ray still is first in LG's heart."

IMO that is bad wording. ^


I like this bullet list better and there are some concerns, it's not the perfect player but still a great start and gets the "you can't have both in one unit" monkey off of our back:

- Named Super Multi Blu player model BH100
- Cost $1199
- Single tray
- Carried nationwide by many retailers include BB and Circuit City the first week of Feb.
- HDMI 1.2 (not 1.3) output
- automatically detects disc type
- outputs 1080P/24 and 1080P/30. Also 1080I/60
- no network interface
- uses 2 seperate lens systems
- takes about 25 seconds from disc insertion to display
- no interactivity support from either format

They also announced a drive for a PC for the same price.
- no availability date yet
- the drive includes ineractivity support for both formats

Looks like with iHD missing and the HD-DVD-ROM-only on the PC drive, they're favoring the BR side of things.

IMO that is bad wording. ^


I like this bullet list better and there are some concerns, it's not the perfect player but still a great start and gets the "you can't have both in one unit" monkey off of our back:

- Named Super Multi Blu player model BH100
- Cost $1199
- Single tray
- Carried nationwide by many retailers include BB and Circuit City the first week of Feb.
- HDMI 1.2 (not 1.3) output
- automatically detects disc type
- outputs 1080P/24 and 1080P/30. Also 1080I/60
- no network interface
- uses 2 seperate lens systems
- takes about 25 seconds from disc insertion to display
- no interactivity support from either format

They also announced a drive for a PC for the same price.
- no availability date yet
- the drive includes ineractivity support for both formats


I think you'd probably include in those specs 1080p/60 as well. But 1080p/24 that is another huge piece of news.

I just don't get why so many of the next gen players are so ugly. Denon makes some huge DVD players that are still attractive. The Toshiba HD-A1, the Pioneer Bluray player and this LG player all look like betamax boxes, the Sony Bluray player looks like a PC, and the 2nd gen Toshiba's aren't exactly beautiful either. So far I think the HD-XA1 and the Samsung BDP-100 are the cream of the crop aesthetically, and that isn't saying much.

I just don't get why so many of the next gen players are so ugly. Denon makes some huge DVD players that are still attractive. The Toshiba HD-A1, the Pioneer Bluray player and this LG player all look like betamax boxes, the Sony Bluray player looks like a PC, and the 2nd gen Toshiba's aren't exactly beautiful either. So far I think the HD-XA1 and the Samsung BDP-100 are the cream of the crop aesthetically, and that isn't saying much.

its not unlike fashion I believe. They want every possible reason for you to buy a new player in the future.

HDMI 1.2 is more than enough for now and the forseeable future. No studios are releasing 10-bit color content. All 8-bit right now.

The notion of a universal player is good for me personally and I would think there might be several others in this same boat. I currently have an RPTV setup in my living room with both HD DVD and Blu-ray technologies in action. I am also in the process of building a dedicated home theatre in my basement. The LG player seems to be the perfect fit because I already have a collection of discs in both formats and I want to be able to play them in either room. While I was planning on purchasing two more players (one HD DVD, one BD) for the basement, I might just be able to get away with purchasing only one more instead.

To clarify, there is support for iHD. It seems no one is sure yet what iHD isn't functional at the time. The LG demo did feature Batman Begins and they showed the "fancy menu system."

It's a Goldstar.

HDMI 1.2 is more than enough for now and the forseeable future. No studios are releasing 10-bit color content. All 8-bit right now.
No studios can release 10bit on HD or BD because the specs don't support it.

It's a Goldstar.
The most important thin is that it's a start. ;) Let the flood gates open and soon almost all player will be universal.

Well, I already returned my PS3 so I will also be returning my A2 aswell...I will be getting this player. Wonder if it upconverts

Well I'll be darned, it's true*. I thought that Sony prohibited BR from cohabiting in the same player with HDDVD.

This is a great start but the price prohibits mass market acceptance.

It needs to be $300 - $400 to reach critical mass (so to speak).

* But remember Toshiba's first progressive scan DVD player? A few were sold and then they destroyed remaining units.

Great news. Now we just need to convince Warner how braindead their "Total HD" approach really is...

HDMI 1.2 is more than enough for now and the forseeable future. No studios are releasing 10-bit color content. All 8-bit right now.

Don't we need 1.3 for proper transmission of the new audio codecs?

^ Not if they are decoded in the player.

Don't we need 1.3 for proper transmission of the new audio codecs?

No.

The 25 second wait from disc insertion to display is a little disappointing. That's only marginally faster than the HD-A1.

I definitely want another player(s) for my living room, but I'll wait to see the reviews and pricing before getting too geeked about it. If it makes more sense to get 2 additional standalone players, I'll just go that route instead.

1980's well built.. um,.. no!!! That's when maunfactures started using cheaper parts plastic instead of heavier metals, vinyl backing instead of real wood. Well maybe early 1980's late 1970's crossovers...

Don't we need 1.3 for proper transmission of the new audio codecs?

I keep jumping into and out of these HD-DVD/Blu-ray hardware threads for the past year and I still haven't seen any real consensus on just what makes for "proper transmission".

Each post or thread gets confused by

a) Does IT decode and pass HD Dolby/DTS codecs on analog 5.1 out's.
b) Does IT re-encode to pass HD Dolby/DTS codecs digitally through opt/coax SPDIF etc.
c) Does IT decode and pass HD Dolby/DTS codecs as L-PCM on the HDMI out.
d) Does IT pass HD Dolby/DTS codecs without conversion (native) on HDMI out.

Also, is b) better than a); or is d) better than c); or does anything support d)?
etc., etc., etc.....

a) Does IT decode and pass HD Dolby/DTS codecs on analog 5.1 out's.
b) Does IT re-encode to pass HD Dolby/DTS codecs digitally through opt/coax SPDIF etc.
c) Does IT decode and pass HD Dolby/DTS codecs as L-PCM on the HDMI out.
d) Does IT pass HD Dolby/DTS codecs without conversion (native) on HDMI out.

Can't really tell right now but simply look at what the A1, XA1, XA2 do and can probably state this unit will do the same: Has TrueHD, DD+ decoders and can pass it through both analogs and HDMI. On the coax/optical side would pass dts and maybe dd if there is a dd decoder.

On the blu ray side - can pass uncompressed audio through HDMI and I presume analogs as well? I presume it would not have a DTS-HD decoder so would pass core only through HDMI, coax/digital, analogs.

- no interactivity support from either format
What exactly does this mean? If you can't use the cool new features of these formats, like U-control and picture-in-picture commentary, then this player is worthless to me. What average persons is going to buy a player that can't play the special features on the disc? Hopefully it is just some big misunderstanding.

While the player is butt ugly, it is pretty cool to see a dual format player coming. Can't wait for other companies to follow. Price is out of my price range especially since I already have an A1. To late to take it back and the Samsung BD players are getting cheap on ebay. My A1 plus a $300 BD player from ebay is still $400 cheaper then this player.

Also, what's with the weird name for the player: "Super Multi Blue Player." Wouldn't it have been easier to just call it a Blu-Ray/HD DVD Combo Player? The name sounds like a Nintendo video game.

^ The list I got was taken from another AVS poster elsewhere as a generic bullet point which I felt was a bit better then the OP's.

After more reading it seems Java works on this but iHD does not. But then someone else said they say iHD work. I'm not sure if it's getting muddied. The person that said they saw iHD work mentioned they saw the menu options come up, but that may not be the interactive parts they are talking about. IMO we still would need further clarification. I cannot tell you exactly at this time as the news is just getting out and it's less detail and more high-level

What exactly does this mean? If you can't use the cool new features of these formats, like U-control and picture-in-picture commentary, then this player is worthless to me. What average persons is going to buy a player that can't play the special features on the disc? Hopefully it is just some big misunderstanding.

While the player is butt ugly, it is pretty cool to see a dual format player coming. Can't wait for other companies to follow. Price is out of my price range especially since I already have an A1. To late to take it back and the Samsung BD players are getting cheap on ebay. My A1 plus a $300 BD player from ebay is still $400 cheaper then this player.

IHD non-support would be a letdown because I see on the blu side there is Java support,"The player is powered by three key technologies, according to LG -- the optical pick-up, including the optical system design and lens design; the core chipset solution that is compatible with both Blu-ray and HD DVD; and the embedded software, featuring interactive functions based on Java." (from AVS link).

Need more info on this. Maybe all the implementations won't be included but would support basic u-control features. iHD is actually a pretty broad spectrum of interactivity features.

IHD non-support would be a letdown because I see on the blu side there is Java support,"The player is powered by three key technologies, according to LG -- the optical pick-up, including the optical system design and lens design; the core chipset solution that is compatible with both Blu-ray and HD DVD; and the embedded software, featuring interactive functions based on Java." (from AVS link).

This is what LG's press release had to say on CESweb.org. Looks like both Warner and CC are behind the player.


LG ELECTRONICS LAUNCHES INDUSTRY’S FIRST
DUAL-FORMAT HIGH-DEFINITION DISC PLAYER

Player with Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD Playback Capabilities
Introduced for First Quarter 2007 Availability

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2007 – 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® (Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center).

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 the capability to play both next-generation disc formats, addressing the challenge of the current format war. The new player is ideally suited to LG’s expanded lineup of Full HD 1080p plasma and LCD HDTVs, delivering best video possible in the highest display resolution format.

"We've developed the Super Multi Blue Player to end the confusion caused by the current competition between Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. Customers are no longer forced to choose between the two formats," said Dr. Hee Gook Lee, president and chief technology officer of LG Electronics. "As Full HD TV is already gaining ground, we are hoping that the Super Multi Blue Player will play the trigger role in expanding and advancing both Full HD TV and high-definition DVD market volume together."

LG Electronics also offers flexibility to consumers in next generation optical disc drives for personal computers. (See separate news release) The GGW-H10N, also available in the first quarter of 2007, is compatible with both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats. The Super Multi Blue 50GB drive is compatible with Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD read/write and HD-DVD-ROM (read), offering the most universal unit available.

"We know our customers want high-definition content for their HDTVs. We also know a format war keeps people on the sidelines," said Mike Vitelli, senior vice president of merchandising at Best Buy. "With this new dual-format player, LG is offering a viable solution to this dispute. This is the kind of customer-focused approach that Best Buy looks to bring to our customers."

Warner Home Video President Ron Sanders added, "We enthusiastically welcome LG's introduction of the Super Multi Blue high-definition disc player. This is a great first step towards resolving consumer confusion and uncertainty due to the two high-definition formats. The Super Multi Blue Player will allow studios to better meet consumers’ growing demand for high-definition content in both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats."

"By providing a high-definition player that supports both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD discs, LG is delivering a product that puts the customer first," said Randy Wick, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of consumer electronics at Circuit City Stores, Inc. "We applaud the LG customer-friendly approach, as it will serve to alleviate customers’ confusion about the two formats."

Michael Ahn, president and CEO of LG Electronics North American Headquarters, echoed comments from Hollywood and leading retailers in support of LG's dual-format approach. "The American consumers' love affair with HDTV is now even stronger thanks to LG's marriage of Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. What's more, our player upconverts standard DVDs to 1080i resolution, providing compatibility with consumers' existing movie libraries while improving the picture quality of those discs, too."

In addition to offering Full HD 1080p picture quality from high-definition discs, the player incorporates interactive functions based on BD-Java, which allows advanced menus and functions to be displayed over the video of Blu-ray discs. And, while the same level of advanced menu interactivity is not available while playing HD DVD discs, the powerful combination of Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD audio-video playback technologies is like no other on the market.

The unit supports various A/V formats, including MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264 video, MPEG1/2 audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, DTS and DTS-HD audio, and includes multiple inputs/outputs such as HDMI out, component/composite video outputs, and optical/coaxial/discrete 5.1 channel audio outputs, among others.
The strikingly designed unit incorporates elegant and easy-to-use backlit touch sensor buttons along with an ergonomic remote control that delivers an effortless command of the next-generation home entertainment experience.

LG's Super Multi Blue Player (BH100), available to U.S. consumers during the first quarter of 2007, is expected to sell for about U.S. $1,199.

A lot of people are missing the statement on iHD. They did not say "no iHD support". They said, "not full iHD support".

The HD DVD spec requires at least some part of iHD to be supported to be granted a license. There will have to be some capability there.

As I mentioned earlier, the LG demo for HD DVD was with Batman Begins and they showed the Batman menu which uses HDi. No mention of the PiP feature being used and that may be one of the non working HDi functionality but we still need confirmation on this.

Batman Begins is playing on HD DVD, looks pretty sharp. Don't ruin the ending! Mr. Kim is showing of the flashy menu, looks pretty simple, and doesn't get in the way of the movie playback.

...
11:37 - "Full interactive support?"

Not quite. "Because of limited hardware, most everything essential is supported, but not all IHD features."

PS: Is it back to iHD now and not HDi? :)

while the same level of advanced menu interactivity is not available while playing HD DVD discs
Well, this makes it an obvious no sell to me (not that I was really considering it in the first place). Why the bias to Blu-Ray, why not make a player that treats both formats equally. This is obviously a Blu-Ray player with limit HD DVD functionality add on. This maybe great for some but, I want full support for both formats before I consider a combo drive. Is there some technical reason why they couldn't have full BD-J and iHD support?

A lot of people are missing the statement on iHD. They did not say "no iHD support". They said, "not full iHD support".

The HD DVD spec requires at least some part of iHD to be supported to be granted a license. There will have to be some capability there.

I thought HD DVD features (HDi, advanced codec support) were mandatory on any player bearing the HD DVD logo?

Seems like this LG is more a BR player with HD DVD functionality tacked on as an afterthought. Without full support for all HD DVD's advanced features it would be selling HD DVD short - which may be the whole point of it.

Updated the OP, thanks guys.

A lot of people are missing the statement on iHD. They did not say "no iHD support". They said, "not full iHD support".

The HD DVD spec requires at least some part of iHD to be supported to be granted a license. There will have to be some capability there.


That's what my assumption above notes as well. iHD has some pretty broad features.

A lot of people are missing the statement on iHD. They did not say "no iHD support". They said, "not full iHD support".

The HD DVD spec requires at least some part of iHD to be supported to be granted a license. There will have to be some capability there.All HDi features are mandatory for logo support. There are a few exceptions to this. (for instance, you didn't need the network stack right at the beginning, as long as the player could be updated for it). I have not seen pictures or video of the demo, but if they were using the normal batman begins menus, then they have to be supporting most of HDi.

All HDi features are mandatory for logo support. There are a few exceptions to this. (for instance, you didn't need the network stack right at the beginning, as long as the player could be updated for it). I have not seen pictures or video of the demo, but if they were using the normal batman begins menus, then they have to be supporting most of HDi.

The pics posted in the first post seem to show the LG sporting the HD DVD logo.

As I mentioned earlier, the LG demo for HD DVD was with Batman Begins and they showed the Batman menu which uses HDi. No mention of the PiP feature being used and that may be one of the non working HDi functionality but we still need confirmation on this.



PS: Is it back to iHD now and not HDi? :)

lol!. Actually I've seen both used ex:http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/09/14/hd-dvd-cedia-promotional-tour/

which uses the acronym iHD

I assume it decodes TrueHD? I did not see that mentioned.

http://www.hometoys.com/news.php4?section=view&id=16371351

LG ELECTRONICS UNVEILS NEW SUPER MULTI BLUE DUAL-FORMAT DRIVE AT INTERNATIONAL CES
For more info visit http://www.lge.com

Functioning as Blu-ray Disc Rewriter and HD DVD-ROM drive, Product Highlights LG's 2007 Optical Storage and Flash Ram Lines


LG ELECTRONICS UNVEILS NEW SUPER MULTI BLUE DUAL-FORMAT DRIVE AT INTERNATIONAL CES

Functioning as Blu-ray Disc Rewriter and HD DVD-ROM drive, Product Highlights LG's 2007 Optical Storage and Flash Ram Lines

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2007 – LG Electronics (LG), a leader in consumer electronics and mobile communications, today introduced Super Multi optical storage drives featuring enhanced flexibility for the next-generation DVD formats and security features at the 2007 International CES® (Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center).
Key products from LG - the largest optical storage manufacturer in the world and the leading drive supplier in the U.S. - include the groundbreaking “Super Multi Blue” Blu-ray Disc Rewriter and HD DVD-ROM Drive (GGW-H10N) and the new Super Multi DVD Rewriter with Security Function featuring “SecurDisc”™ technology co-developed with Nero®.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF OPTICAL STORAGE
LG offers flexibility to consumers in the next generation in optical disc drives. The GGW-H10N is compatible with both Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVD formats. The Super Multi Blue drive is compatible with Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD read/write and HD-DVD-ROM (read), offering consumers with the most universal unit available.
The GGW-H10N can record up to 50GB of data, equivalent to 4-1/2 hours of high-definition video or 22 hours or standard definition video (on a dual layer 50GB BD-R/BD-RE recordable media). Surpassing the market standard, LG is providing a 4x recording speed of Blu-ray Discs, which means that it takes only 23-24 minutes to burn a full single layer BD-R disc (25GB), compared with 46-47 minutes for conventional 2x recording.
The product will be released during the first quarter of 2007, priced under US $1,200. The core technologies of Super Multi Blue Drive are Optical Pickup* technology, which supports Blu-ray disc write/playback, HD DVD playback and DVD/CD write/playback, as well as the system controlling the Optical Pickup securely and effectively. All of these are LG’s proprietary technologies. (Optical Pickup is the device reading and storing data by converting the code of the light reflected by an optical disc to electric code.)
The LG-developed Optical Pickup is the world’s first device supporting both Blu-ray disc write/playback, HD DVD playback, which proves the company’s unsurpassed technology in the optical storage field.
Super Multi Blue, also available from LG in the first dual-format high-definition disc player (model BH-100) available in early 2007, is expected to end customers’ confusion caused by the format war between Blu-ray disc and HD DVD and promote the growth of next-generation DVD market. (See separate news release.)
A NEW LEVEL OF SECURITY
Using SecurDisc technology co-developed with Nero, LG new Super Multi DVD Rewriter with Security Function meets the demand for enhanced features to enable secure data protection and content access control when writing data on CD and DVD formats. While some optical disc drives support password encryption as the only security function, LG new drive with Security Function offers multiple features to protect a disc at the user and storage level:
• Password Encryption – Protects user data against unauthorized access through password protection
• Disc Creator Authentication – A digital signature is applied to all data to allow recipients to verify data authenticity
• Integrity Checker – Detects altered data through checksums to verify data integrity and readability
• Data Insurance – Increases data reliability through redundantly stored data
LG’s DVD Rewriter with Security Function provides both professional and private users with the means necessary to protect and share data securely.

ADDITIONAL INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PRODUCTS
Other LG external and internal optical disc drives showcased at CES 2007 include:
Internal
• GSA-H42N – This internal drive has a writing speed of 18x DVD+R and DVD-R
• GSA-H42L –This internal drive has a writing speed of 18x DVD+R and DVD-R. Further the unit is incorporates LightScribe, direct disc labeling technology
• GSA-H30N – The Internal Super Multi features Serial ATA interface

External
• GSA-E30N – This external drive has a writing speed of 18x DVD+R and DVD-R
• GSA-E30L – This external drive has 18x DVD+R and DVD-R write speeds, one of the highest speeds on the market. Further the unit is incorporates LightScribe, direct disc labeling technology
• GSA-E50L – This slim portable external drive integrates USB BUS Power, with an AC adapter for high speed. The unit has up to 8x DVD+R and DVD-R write speeds in addition to 8.5GB double layer recording
• GSA-T10N – The internal Slim Super Multi features a writing speed of 8x DVD+R and DVD-R
• GSA-U10N – The internal Slim Super Multi - Ultra Slim drive features a writing speed of 8x DVD+R and DVD-R

FLASH RAM
In addition to its optical storage drives, LG also showcased its cutting-edge Mini Retractable – Chocolate Style Flash RAM USB drive. Building on LG’s popular Chocolate design, this retractable Flash RAM USB Drive is compact, stylish and a great tool for anyone in need of an external storage device. The ‘Chocolate design’ is a sleek, ultra thin minimalist style and silky-
smooth design created by LG earlier this year. With no cap to lose, it features storage capacities ranging from 1GB to 2GB, and features a red eye LED to let you know when it is working. Additionally, there is added security with the password lock feature.

-30-

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS USA, INC.
Based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., LG Electronics USA, Inc., (LGEUS) is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $43.4-billion global force in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LGEUS sells a wide range of digital display and digital media products, digital appliances and mobile phones under LG’s “Life’s Good” marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.LGusa.com.

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS, INC.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 06657.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 72,000 people working in over 120 operations including 80 subsidiaries around the world. Comprising four business units -- Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media with 2005 global consolidated sales of US $43.4 billion -- LG Electronics is the world’s largest producer of CDMA handsets, residential air conditioners, plasma panels, optical storage products, DVD players and home theater systems. For more information please visit www.lge.com.


CONTACTS:
John I. Taylor (847) 941-8181, jtaylor@lge.com
Chris Neff (201) 816-2241, cneff@lge.com
Brent Tongco (773) 454-2148, brent.tongco@ogilvypr.com


Nero® and SecurDisc™ are trademarks of Nero AG and its subsidiaries.

To clarify, there is support for iHD. It seems no one is sure yet what iHD isn't functional at the time. The LG demo did feature Batman Begins and they showed the "fancy menu system."
What about the video commentary?

Anyone want to make bullets of the codecs it supports so I can add it to the OP?

Quote in part from Strategy Analytics press release at CES

an 07, 2007 15:56

Strategy Analytics at CES: LG Throws Down the Gauntlet with Super Multi Blue Player

Move Benefits Blu-Ray, not HD-DVD, Say Analysts
BOSTON --(Business Wire)-- Jan. 7, 2007 LG's launch of the first dual-standard Blu-Ray Disc/HD-DVD player shifts the balance toward Blu-Ray Disc (BD) in the battle of the two formats, according to Strategy Analytics.

"Dual-standard players will help expand the market for next generation DVD players," says David Mercer, VP and Principal Analyst at Strategy Analytics. "But owners of the LG device will likely choose Blu-Ray over HD-DVD for the same title because the player does not support the full range of interactive features available on HD-DVD discs."

In spite of LG's launch, Strategy Analytics remains cautious on the future level of demand for standalone next generation DVD players. "Sales of standalone BD, HD-DVD and dual-standard players will be dwarfed by the millions of PS3s that will be sold worldwide during 2007," notes Mercer.

About Strategy Analytics ...............

The unit supports various A/V formats, including :

MPEG-2
VC-1
H.264 video

MPEG1/2 audio
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital+
DTS
DTS-HD audio


"LG’s Super Multi Blue Player (BH100), available to U.S. consumers during the first quarter of 2007, is expected to sell for about U.S. $1,199."

Quote in part from Strategy Analytics press release at CES

an 07, 2007 15:56

Strategy Analytics at CES: LG Throws Down the Gauntlet with Super Multi Blue Player

Move Benefits Blu-Ray, not HD-DVD, Say Analysts
BOSTON --(Business Wire)-- Jan. 7, 2007 LG's launch of the first dual-standard Blu-Ray Disc/HD-DVD player shifts the balance toward Blu-Ray Disc (BD) in the battle of the two formats, according to Strategy Analytics.

"Dual-standard players will help expand the market for next generation DVD players," says David Mercer, VP and Principal Analyst at Strategy Analytics. "But owners of the LG device will likely choose Blu-Ray over HD-DVD for the same title because the player does not support the full range of interactive features available on HD-DVD discs."

In spite of LG's launch, Strategy Analytics remains cautious on the future level of demand for standalone next generation DVD players. "Sales of standalone BD, HD-DVD and dual-standard players will be dwarfed by the millions of PS3s that will be sold worldwide during 2007," notes Mercer.

About Strategy Analytics ...............


Are these the same strategists which predicted an early demise for HD DVD in this format war?

Well, this makes it an obvious no sell to me (not that I was really considering it in the first place). Why the bias to Blu-Ray, why not make a player that treats both formats equally. This is obviously a Blu-Ray player with limit HD DVD functionality add on. This maybe great for some but, I want full support for both formats before I consider a combo drive. Is there some technical reason why they couldn't have full BD-J and iHD support?

Couldn't agree more. I'm somewhat surprised by a half a## support for HD DVD.

"LG’s Super Multi Blue Player (BH100), available to U.S. consumers during the first quarter of 2007, is expected to sell for about U.S. $1,199."

I thought I saw TrueHD support as well?

Without a network port it is a NO GO for me. and no that is not an Ethernet port in the back, its a service port, like a console port on routers and switches


Jorge

^ The list I got was taken from another AVS poster elsewhere as a generic bullet point which I felt was a bit better then the OP's.

After more reading it seems Java works on this but iHD does not. But then someone else said they say iHD work. I'm not sure if it's getting muddied. The person that said they saw iHD work mentioned they saw the menu options come up, but that may not be the interactive parts they are talking about. IMO we still would need further clarification. I cannot tell you exactly at this time as the news is just getting out and it's less detail and more high-level

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8203311&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat87100050010&id=1165610378688

"BD-Java interactive capability with compatible media (not included)"

AVI

- no network interface
If it's true, no networked iHD nor networked BD-J (aka BD-Live).

nice!

I'm somewhat surprised by a half a## support for HD DVD.

Agree, it makes it seem like LG is making HD-DVD the gigantic favor of including bare-bones support for it in its mostly-BD stand-alone deck. Then again, without ethernet support I'm not sure the Java implementation and future updates will make BD supporters pleased to spend their dough here. What do they say about jacks of all trades? :rolleyes:

I look at this more like the first step in the right direction. It seems like we are stuck with two standards. That means that Universal players are the future.

This LG product seems like it will be inferior to having stand alone players for each format, since it doesn't support all of the HD-DVD features and costs $1200. Since you can get the HD-A2 for $400 and the new gen 2 Samsung Bluray player will probably hit the market selling for below its $799 MSRP, LG's only real advantage is the single box. Hopefully when the LG hits the market it too will quickly drop in price, maybe dulling the price difference somewhat.

My hope is that this move by LG forces its competitors to make Universal players as well. I'd just like my first purchase of 2008 to play HD-DVD, Bluray, DVD, SACD, DVD-A, and CD, and say Denon on the front and weigh 25 pounds. Anybody else want one of those?

yeah, I want one of those Denon universal players...but in 2007 not 2008! Will have to resist the temptation to be an early adopter. I was in the process of trying to convince myself to splurge on an AX2, now not so sure.

My hope is that this move by LG forces its competitors to make Universal players as well. I'd just like my first purchase of 2008 to play HD-DVD, Bluray, DVD, SACD, DVD-A, and CD, and say Denon on the front and weigh 25 pounds. Anybody else want one of those?

Whoo yeah, that's what I'd love to see. With a $500 MSRP (or less), of course.

I love my SACD/DVD-A multi-channel audio. And I love the HD video of HD-DVD (or BR, though I only own HD-DVD currently).

For now, my A2 and Oppo 970 will do the trick, with an el-cheapo BR player to fill the title-void sometime in 2007 if I feel the need, unless the combo players are very attractive in price.

The Denon name would be very nice...!

shinksma

I look at this more like the first step in the right direction. It seems like we are stuck with two standards. That means that Universal players are the future.

This LG product seems like it will be inferior to having stand alone players for each format, since it doesn't support all of the HD-DVD features and costs $1200. Since you can get the HD-A2 for $400 and the new gen 2 Samsung Bluray player will probably hit the market selling for below its $799 MSRP, LG's only real advantage is the single box. Hopefully when the LG hits the market it too will quickly drop in price, maybe dulling the price difference somewhat.

My hope is that this move by LG forces its competitors to make Universal players as well. I'd just like my first purchase of 2008 to play HD-DVD, Bluray, DVD, SACD, DVD-A, and CD, and say Denon on the front and weigh 25 pounds. Anybody else want one of those?

It appears to support all the features necessary to have the HD DVD logo. Which means all the current iHD capabilities minus something which likely is not now being used on the current software. It also appears to support TrueHD, DD+. So I'm straining to see what's missing. Analogs out. That's a huge plus. 1080p/24,30,1080i/p/60 seems to have an excellent feature list.

PC Mag: (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2079911,00.asp)

"While the BH100 appeared to play HD DVD movies just fine, popup menus appeared quite generic as the on-screen chapter selection lacked the thumbnail images seen on other HD DVD players."

PC Mag: (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2079911,00.asp)

"While the BH100 appeared to play HD DVD movies just fine, popup menus appeared quite generic as the on-screen chapter selection lacked the thumbnail images seen on other HD DVD players."

Wow, if that is so then WTF

It appears to support all the features necessary to have the HD DVD logo. Which means all the current iHD capabilities minus something which likely is not now being used on the current software. It also appears to support TrueHD, DD+. So I'm straining to see what's missing. Analogs out. That's a huge plus. 1080p/24,30,1080i/p/60 seems to have an excellent feature list.

You're right. Maybe I can't get over its appearance (I think it's super ugly). I also want a universal player that has the realta processor or something similar. Does the LG have a good chip like that?

It appears to support all the features necessary to have the HD DVD logo. Which means all the current iHD capabilities minus something which likely is not now being used on the current software. It also appears to support TrueHD, DD+. So I'm straining to see what's missing. Analogs out. That's a huge plus. 1080p/24,30,1080i/p/60 seems to have an excellent feature list.

I certainly could be wrong, but it doesn't seem to have an Ethernet port. My understanding of HD DVD was they require an Ethernet port to be compliant. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

I certainly could be wrong, but it doesn't seem to have an Ethernet port. My understanding of HD DVD was they require an Ethernet port to be compliant. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Well as stated it's missing some iHD features which would include what is now being demonstrated (so we've been told) at the press (invitation only) gathering for HD DVD:

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070107005033&newsLang=en

Secondly as this site notes the iHD is further diluted in this way:

First, inexplicably, LG's designers chose not to accommodate CD playback. Second, the player is more Blu-ray friendly than HD DVD. LG is a member of the Blu-ray camp, and the BH100 is a full-fledged Blu-ray player. HD DVD is kind of an add-on. The player plays HD-DVD, but cannot handle its interactive features. In the show demo, for example, it used an onboard menu instead of the typical on-disc menu, to navigate.

http://blog.scifi.com/tech/archives/2007/01/07/the_full_story.html

I certainly could be wrong, but it doesn't seem to have an Ethernet port. My understanding of HD DVD was they require an Ethernet port to be compliant. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

If you look at the pics of the back there is an ethernet port, maybe its a modem but it defnatly looks like ethernet to me.

Wow. I never thought it would really happen.

If you look at the pics of the back there is an ethernet port, maybe its a modem but it defnatly looks like ethernet to me.

But it is labeled as a Service port:

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2007/01/1.07.07.bh100.back.jpg

But it is labeled as a Service port:

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2007/01/1.07.07.bh100.back.jpg
Are firmware updates "service"?

PC Mag: (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2079911,00.asp)

"While the BH100 appeared to play HD DVD movies just fine, popup menus appeared quite generic as the on-screen chapter selection lacked the thumbnail images seen on other HD DVD players."

Damn, not even "animated" HDi support. Truly disappointing. Along with no cd playback, it's looking very much that this player will not be HD DVD compliant. I'm guessing no TrueHD either.

I also noticed no USB ports, aren't those required on players also?

Looks like a Blu-ray player where LG contacted Toshiba and said, "Look. We know you got nothing. Do you want some vague support from us or not?" And Toshiba, looked around and nervously said, "Sure. Sure. We appreciate anything you give us. Throw us a bone!"

So far, this looks like a Blu-ray player that adds weak HD DVD support. Not an HD DVD player with Blu-ray. I think anyone who loves HD DVD's going to steer clear of this device, which will make it DOA.

I do hope it supports Dolby TrueHD or it's not going to last long.

Are firmware updates "service"?

Possibly, but certainly online HD-DVD fetures arent ;)