LG BH100 Combo Player

After Sony we're moving on to LG to continue our high-def buffet; and this time we have something even cooler: a combo player. Yes, here's an example of HD DVD and Blu-ray in the same chassis, the release of which I was thrilled to cover back when it released globally. The folk at LG have taken the trouble to specially send us a piece even before it’s launched here. I had a word with them about official availability; it should be available in India very soon.

Design and features
Black is back (sorry, I had to say that). It’s been a while since an all-black unit has come for review; this one is stout and straight-edged, with a smooth black surfaces possessing a mild gloss. The top panel has a texture that looks like a faux finish, though the surface is smooth. It bears huge logos in a dark color that's not too loud.

The buttons are on the top panel rather than the front, and light up in a luminescent white, though they don’t stay lit throughout. The front is thus quite plain, with just the tray and LED display to its right. Overall I like the looks of this player, as it seems futuristic and minimal.

Features included are primary, though rock solid. It supports both HD DVD and Blu-ray disc formats, plus all kinds of DVD playback including RWs. MPEG 4 (DivX, Xvid) playback is also supported. Connections range from an HDMI-out to the usual composite, component etc video suite, and digital audio-outs. Video resolution hits 1080p (this needs to be set when you turn the player on, or the default is 1080i). A universal remote rounds up the package.