HP desktops to offer combo high-definition drives

Hewlett-Packard will begin shipping personal computers that can read both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, the two high-definition formats competing to replace DVDs.

The high-definition player will come as an option on select high-end PCs, with pricing for the components expected to be available on Wednesday via hpshopping.com.

HP said in astatement Tuesdaythe dual format drive won't be immediately available in Canada.

"At this time, HP’s focus is to provide a dual format optical drive for consumer desktop customers within the United States," said Judy Chan, HP consumer desktop product manager,in a statement.

"However, as always, HP will continue to assess consumer needs and market trends across other regions when introducing new technology," said Chan.

The computers are the first to feature the LG Electronics-developed combo drive, first demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

LG's Super Multi Blue Blu-ray disc rewriter and HD DVD ROM drive can both read and write to Blu-ray, but can only read HD DVD discs.

LG is expected to make the drive available as a standalone product later this year.

The high-definition DVD format fight pits Blu-ray discs backed by a group led by Sony, against HD DVD discs being promoted by an alliance that includes Toshiba and Microsoft.

Both formats use a blue laser to store more information than a standard definition disc, which employs a red laser. The additional storage capacity can translate into better, more detailed picture quality and allows movie studios to include more features on a single disc.

But neither format has won over consumers, leading companies to offer alternatives to encourage adoption of the technology.

In January, Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner, unveiled a disc capable of playing programs in both formats.

HP's decision to offer LG's dual player is consistent with the company's stance to support both platforms. The company previously supported Blu-ray exclusively until adopting HD DVD as well in late 2005.

"Because HP wants to deliver the most user-friendly and cost-effective solution to our customers, we have decided to support both formats,"said Maureen Weber, general manager of HP's personal storage division, in a statement at the time.