LG Super Multi Blu Player

LG Super Multi Blu Player-Peace Offering for the Format War

Remember the last time Toshiba and Sony teamed up to help us consumers? Yeah, neither do we. LG's olive branch for the HD DVD/Blu-ray battle comes in the way of the Super Multi Blu Player. This innovative piece of hardware boasts the ultimate home theater pipe dream: HD DVD and Blu-ray playback all in one unit. Being neutral isn't always best though (we're watching you, Switzerland). The lack of interactive menu support for HD DVDs, and the sparse HD audio options are perplexing. Paired with its lack of CD playback, this player is practically a step backward for early adopters. Although we love the concept behind the Super Multi Blu, a next-gen product really should be outfitted with next-gen features.

WIRED Totally sticks it to the format war. Equally crisp visuals when playing both formats. Quiet operation. Decent 1080i upscaling of regular DVDs. Can change aspect ratio on the fly.

TIRED Very pricey. No HDi support means generic menus for your HD DVDs. 1080p only at 24fps. Dolby TrueHD can't play in surround. Touch sensitive controls located on top of unit prevent stacking. No S-video port. Slow startup time for both formats.

• Video Components: Blu-ray players
• Manufacturer: LG
• Price: $1,300
Release Date: February 04, 2007