Pictured on this page is the primary HD signal source used for this review, the LG BH100 Blu-ray/HD-DVD/DVD combo player.
The basic features of this player are:
1. The BH100 features both Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD playback, and is also compatible with standard DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW playback as well. Via the BH100's HDMI output, Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs can be played at full 1080p resolution on HDTVs that accept a 1080p/24 input signal.
The BH100 can also output Blu-ray and HD-DVD at 1080i resolution via component video outputs. Standard DVDs can be upscaled to match the 720p or 1080i native resolution of HDTVs. NOTE: Access to high-definition output from a Blu-ray, HD-DVD, or Combo player via both HDMI and Component Video outputs is determined by each studio on a case-by-case basis.
2. Standard DVD playback is limited to the DVD region where the unit is purchased (Region 1 for Canada and the U.S.). There is Region Coding for Blu-ray Discs, but there is no Region Coding for HD-DVDs.
3.The BH100 also features onboard decoding of Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD (2-ch.), DTS® and DTS-HD as well as standard Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1. In the HC4900 review setup, I used the standard digital optical audio output to access standard Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 soundtracks, with a 7.1 channel extension performed by an Outlaw Audio Model 950 preamp.
4.Audio and video connections include:
High definition outputs include: HDMI (hi-def video and uncompressed digital audio), DVI-HDCP video output with adapter.
Standard definition video outputs include: Component Video (progressive or interlaced), and standard composite video. There is no S-Video output on the BH100.
Audio outputs include: 5.1 channel analog (for access to the BH100's built-in surround decoders), two channel analog, digital optical, and digital coaxial outputs.
5. The BH100 has control, via wireless remote, over all content and features of Blu-ray Discs. However, LG has chosen to lay over its own software menu navigation system for HD-DVDs, rather than accessing the direct menus on the HD-DVDs. This means that although most of the common features on HD-DVDs, such as commentaries, deleted scenes, or added documentaries may be accessible via LG's menu system, more sophisticated interactive and internet features may not be. For this reason, LG cannot use the official HD-DVD symbol on the BH100.
For more details, on the LG BH100, read my full Review.