Microsoft: "LG will not be able to sell" BH100

[zombieflanders]

It looks like the problems with HDi may put a kibosh in LG's plans:

LG may have a difficult time bringing its newly announced BH100 hybrid Blu-ray and HD DVD player to the market, BetaNews has learned, because it will not receive certification from the DVD Forum. Without such certification, LG cannot publicly claim the player supports HD DVD as it is doing now.

The problem stems from the lack of support for HDi, the advanced interactivity technology used by HD DVD. LG has only included support for BD-J, Blu-ray's interactive menu system, in the BH100. Without HDi, only the video content from HD DVD discs will play back; menu systems and other interactive features will simply not be usable.

Kevin Collins, Microsoft's representative for the HD DVD group who sits on all the steering committees, says LG will not be able to sell the product and claim it supports the format if it leaves out HDi. Collins said LG provided no advance notice before announcing the BH100 player at CES, and noted he was surprised by the move.

In fact, Collins explained to BetaNews that the DVD Forum could pursue legal action against LG for claiming the hybrid player supports the HD DVD and using the HD DVD logo, just like it does against pirate hardware manufacturers in Asia that build DVD players without paying licensing fees.

LG plans to begin selling the BH100 in the first quarter of this year for $1,199 USD. But objections from Microsoft's Collins and other companies involved in HD DVD could force LG to make changes, or scrap the player altogether. Collins noted that studios would be "very upset" if consumers could not playback HD DVD movies as they were intended, with interactive menus and special features.

BetaNews was awaiting a response from LG on the matter by press time.

[Aodh]

I think that was the biggest concern, a multi-format player that doesn't really support both formats. Would be interesting to hear LGs comments as to why there is no support in the system, being a technological, cost or political issue.

[Overseer]

You want the logo, you support the logo. That means all the standards that go with it: HDi, network connectivity, etc.

Was pretty excited when this was first announced, but after reading about the haphazard approach to supporting HD DVD my enthusiasm did a 180.

[Blurry]

Originally Posted by Overseer

You want the logo, you support the logo. That means all the standards that go with it: HDi, network connectivity, etc.

Was pretty excited when this was first announced, but after reading about the haphazard approach to supporting HD DVD my enthusiasm did a 180.

I agree, and that is what I have been saying for the last couple of days. If they don't support all of the required features of HD DVD, I would rather the device not come out at all - and it would not be HD DVD.

[AV_Integrated]

LG is a complete fuck up of a company. They were extremely gung-ho about Blu-ray from day one, and actually made claims that they would have the first Blu-ray players out. They have demoed and shown Blu-ray prototypes, then made wild claims.

They have followed up with even more ridiculous claims along the way, but have delivered absolutely nothing.

A Combo player that costs more than a X360+PS3 put together? Who cares!

Really, M$ is stupid for not just making it clear that LG must include a full spec. HD DVD player inside the box, but talking about lawsuits and crap like that from the beginning just makes HD DVD look weak. Really what HD DVD needs is this player on the market ASAP so they can claim that TWO whole companies are actually manufacturing drives.

Really, I don't care about the LG combo drive at all, as I think most people shouldn't. LG couldn't engineer a stick properly, I sure as hell don't want their electronics anytime soon.

[Legobricke]

Well.... Word out of CES had the dual player only playing Blu-ray....

[dobyblue]

Warner showed the TotalHD version of Superman Returns playing on LG's player.

[dobyblue]

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/l...e-coming-soon/

Looks like the PC drive will support the iHD features of HD DVD.

[Blurry]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/l...e-coming-soon/

Looks like the PC drive will support the iHD features of HD DVD.

Most likely because LG does not need to do anything. Any PC HD DVD playback software will handle the rest.

[hersheytx]

Originally Posted by Overseer

You want the logo, you support the logo. That means all the standards that go with it: HDi, network connectivity, etc.

Was pretty excited when this was first announced, but after reading about the haphazard approach to supporting HD DVD my enthusiasm did a 180.

I am with you on this one. I got friends who work at Tweeters (Manager) who would hook this baby up when it comes out. I will not buy it unless it works the way HD-DVDs and Blu-Ray disks should on a regular stand-alone player.
Sure hope they get this worked out before release. I was really wanting this puppy.

[Dammenion]

I remember reading a few weeks ago that to get BDA certified hardware the license forbits duel playback with HD-DVD. So it's either a BD drive that does HD-DVD or vise-versa. However I can't find where I read that to verify. That might be why LGs player is crippled.

[zombieflanders]

Originally Posted by Dammenion

I remember reading a few weeks ago that to get BDA certified hardware the license forbits duel playback with HD-DVD. So it's either a BD drive that does HD-DVD or vise-versa. However I can't find where I read that to verify. That might be why LGs player is crippled.

This has been publicly and directly refuted by the BDA multiple times.

[Dammenion]

Originally Posted by zombieflanders

This has been publicly and directly refuted by the BDA multiple times.

Might be why I wasn't able to find a single article before posting (either stating the restiction or denying it). I just remember reading it and not caring at the time

[StingerNLG]

I think this is good. If you want to make an HD DVD player, and HD DVD has a standard, you follow the standard or you don't make it.

[Sir Terrence]

This universal player will also not support Dts HD master audio with a HDMI 1.2 output. This player is a non starter for me because of that. It is not a forward looking design. I would have waited until 1.3HDMI IC are more available before announcing this player.

Most likely because LG does not need to do anything. Any PC HD DVD playback software will handle the rest.

They mention in the article it won't because its a hardware issue and not a software