The corporate battle between next-generation video formats is turning into a long and confusing one for consumers.

The two formats at stake, Blu-Ray and HD DVD, each offer similar features but are only supported by their respective players. This means that consumers must pledge allegiance to one or the other, without the promise of future compatibility – though recent announcements at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas prove that solutions are in the works.

One option available is LG Group’s recently released dual-format player that is capable of playing both Blu-Ray and HD DVD content. Samsung Electronics has also expressed interest in a similar player.

The other option was presented by Barry M. Meyer, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., when he announced that the current formatting deadlock has motivated Warner Bros. Studios to create Total Hi Def disc, which is described as a new optical disc that will carry a movie in both formats.

“The Total Hi Def disc is about giving consumers complete choice, providing creators and artists the greatest possible distribution of their work, and helping retailers thrive in the marketplace,” said Kevin Tsujihara, executive vice president of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group in a CES press release. “By eliminating potential apprehension over formats, we believe this new disc could help consumers fully embrace the greatest home entertainment experience available.”

According to the CES press release, titles and pricing for THD discs won’t be announced until the second half of 2007.

At the present time, Paramount Pictures, the only other studio that supports both formats, has no plans to release in THD.

“I’m glad that at least the technology is moving forward,” said James Roggenbuck, junior in aerospace engineering. “[If prices came down], yes, I would consider buying one.”