THE world's first DVD player compatible with two rival disc formats is set to launch in the UK.

Called the Super Multi Blue, it plays both Blu-ray and HD DVDs - the next generation replacements for DVDs.

Players for the two rival disc formats launched in the UK last year, prompting comparisons with the battle between Betamax and VHS.

The Super Multi Blue - also known as the BH100 - goes on sale next month with a recommended price of £999.

Daniel Aziz, marketing manager at manufacturer LG Electronics , said the launch would end confusion over the two rival DVD formats.

"It gives consumers the freedom to watch either Blu-ray or HD DVDs without being limited to only the films available on each individual format, or being forced to buy two separate players," he said.

LG Electronics said it was the first manufacturer to launch a "solution" to the format wars.

Scene selection

The new machine's software plays HD DVD discs and gives access to scene selection via the main menu.

Users won't be able to access some HD DVD interactive menu features such as games. Blu-ray discs can be played as usual.

Tom Bailey, commissioning editor of gadget magazine T3, said the launch was good news for consumers.

"It is a no-brainer - given that there is no clear winner in the format war it is too risky to choose one at the moment, so why not get a machine that plays both?," he said.

"People thought this was a publicity stunt and it would never come to market because the war between the two format camps is so ferocious."

But Mr Bailey said the new machine's £999 price tag made it more expensive than buying one of the cheapest available HD DVD and Blu-ray players put together.

LG Electronics said its new machine would initially go on sale at John Lewis and some other stores.