LG Launches BH200 Super Blu Player - supports HDi!

[Ian]

I guess LG couldn't leave Samsung's challenge unanswered. They're going to release a new dual-format high-def player in mid-October. Unlike the BH100, the BH200 supports HDi interactivity. It sounds like they've updated BD-Java as well.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stori ... 707&EDATE=

LG Electronics, the first company to introduce a dual-format high-definition disc player, today unveiled its second-generation LG Super Blu(TM) Player (model BH200). Sporting both formats' logos, LG's new high-def player is capable of Blu-ray disc and HD DVD playback with advanced BD-Java and HDi interactivity, enabling consumers to choose from the widest variety of high-def content regardless of disc format.

On display for the first time at the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO 2007 (booth #720), LG's Super Blu Player will be available to U.S. consumers and custom installers in mid-October at a suggested retail price of $999.

It's still too expensive. I can't believe they didn't drop the price of the drive to say $700.. especially when they're selling their second-gen PC drives at half the price of the first-gen ones.

[dolphinius_rex]

Advanced BD-Java is normal I think. It's capable of doing everything HDi is able to do (and more) except for 1080p PiP, which is what BD-J 1.1 is for. BD-J 2.0 is BD-Live which handles internet connectivity. It doesn't sound to me like BD-J 1.1 or 2.0 are supported by this player

[MediumRare]

It's still too expensive.

It's even worse in Europe. According to heise it'll be selling for ca. 1600 Euros. I don't know what justifies a factor of 2 in this price region. It's completely absurd.

G

[Grain]

They obviously aren't looking to sell many units at that price, which begs the question, why bother?.

[dolphinius_rex]

They obviously aren't looking to sell many units at that price, which begs the question, why bother?.

I really can't help but agree

[vinnie97]

Advanced BD-Java is normal I think. It's capable of doing everything HDi is able to do (and more) except for 1080p PiP, which is what BD-J 1.1 is for. BD-J 2.0 is BD-Live which handles internet connectivity. It doesn't sound to me like BD-J 1.1 or 2.0 are supported by this player

And here's another reason why BD is going to have a hard time finding traction this holiday season...yay for unfinalized specs.

[dolphinius_rex]

Advanced BD-Java is normal I think. It's capable of doing everything HDi is able to do (and more) except for 1080p PiP, which is what BD-J 1.1 is for. BD-J 2.0 is BD-Live which handles internet connectivity. It doesn't sound to me like BD-J 1.1 or 2.0 are supported by this player

And here's another reason why BD is going to have a hard time finding traction this holiday season...yay for unfinalized specs.

Personally, I see having 1080P as the minimum resolution to be of greater importance then 1080P PiP capabilities.

But then again, I don't subscribe to the "it's good enough" concept that many who bought into HD DVD now use as a battle cry when raging flame wars against Blu-Ray supporters.

But that's the funny thing about me I guess... I buy DVDs and BDs for the MOVIE content.

[Dartman]

Well BD is screwed if they don't start dropping player prices to reality. I'm not paying a grand or 700 for a combo unit, and I wont pay that kind of money for a one format player either no matter how good it is. My DVD's look pretty good on a upconverting player and I can buy them dirt cheap, plus I more or less can do with them as I please no matter who says different
I have seen hd playback and it is steller but I can wait on price

[vinnie97]

Advanced BD-Java is normal I think. It's capable of doing everything HDi is able to do (and more) except for 1080p PiP, which is what BD-J 1.1 is for. BD-J 2.0 is BD-Live which handles internet connectivity. It doesn't sound to me like BD-J 1.1 or 2.0 are supported by this player

And here's another reason why BD is going to have a hard time finding traction this holiday season...yay for unfinalized specs.

Personally, I see having 1080P as the minimum resolution to be of greater importance then 1080P PiP capabilities.

But then again, I don't subscribe to the "it's good enough" concept that many who bought into HD DVD now use as a battle cry when raging flame wars against Blu-Ray supporters.

But that's the funny thing about me I guess... I buy DVDs and BDs for the MOVIE content.

Apparently, some strange folk out there want *more* for their money when chocking down $20-$30 on a film.

[Wesociety]

I applaud both LG and Samsung for their innovation in releasing dual format players, but I don't think we will see a reasonable price on this type of player until the Chinese manufacturers get involved.

With both Blu-ray and HD DVD camps boasting Chinese members now, it's definitely a possibility for the future...