Pioneer announced it will release a dual-format HD DVD and Blu-ray writer sometime next year. The BDR-103 will integrate both HD DVD and Blu-ray formats into one drive, and it will support recordable and rewritable discs on both formats as well as play back prerecorded content.

Other manufacturers such as Toshiba, Samsung and LG have dabbled with the idea of a combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player, and we're thinking that both home theater players and burners such as this upcoming Pioneer model dual-format HD DVD and Blu-ray writer are inevitable. It's information like this just released from Pioneer that will keep smart buyers on the sidelines until dual-format HD DVD and Blu-ray players and burners are available. - Charlie White