Dual format - Good or bad ?

[JimPullan]

With the industries and studios desire to have a single format for high definition DVD entertainment, doesn't this move to a dual format player simply extend the battle of the formats?

I'm sure the studios would like a single format, so they don't have to master Blu-Ray, HD-DVd and standard DVD's. It also appears that only LG is making this kind of move. The major players; Pioneer Elite, Denon, Yamaha don't seem at all interested in a dual format. They would have been amongst the first to do so if it appeared viable and profitable.

Right now, it may appear 'cool' to the consumer having it all in one player, but IMO, in the long run, this introduction will only delay the final selection of the format that will become our standard. My store carries both high definition formats, the Toshiba's for HD-DVD, and Sony, Pioneer Elite, Panasonic, and the Samsung for Blu-Ray. From the week prior to Christmas until this posting today, I've sold two Toshiba's, six Samsungs and fifteen Sony's, which tells me the consumer is interested in a broader choice in players and greater representation of studio releases for their movies and that price is 'not' the major consideration.

So, what's your opinion on this dual format from LG? Convenience? or double the trouble (bugs and glitches) ? Interested to know

Jim