OTHER TECH

HD DVD and BLU-RAY DISC Video enthusiasts in Japan are already using Blu-ray to make HDTV recordings, and the first Blu-ray recorders are expected to be introduced in the U.S. early next year. While it's now likely that the HD DVD camp won't introduce the first players and prerecorded movies until early next year, it's not clear when the first recorders will be out. Prices for recorders in either format have yet to be announced, but the first players are expected to sell for around $1,000. By the way, the two new disc formats are completely incompatible - but you probably figured that out already.