LG drive backs both high-def formats

Plays back HD-DVD and reads and writes Blu-ray

LG has launched what it claims is the first Blu-ray burner to support playback of disks using the rival HD-DVD format.

The GGW-H10N drive can record up to 50Gb of data on to a dual-layer BD—R or rewritable BD-RE Blu-ray disk. It has a 4x write speed, which means it can burn a 25Gb layer in under 25 minutes, the company says.

The drive, which can can also read and write CDs and DVDs, will be available later this month.

LG also launched a standalone player, the Super Multi Blue, supporting the rival formats with full 1080p playback. It also supports BD Java, allowing advanced Blu-ray interactivity, though it lacks full support for similar functions in HD-DVD - LG claims it own proprietary menu system partly makes up for tjhis.

The PC drive will cost around £700-800 and the standalone drive around £1000.