HP remains neutral when it comes to supporting the competing next-generation DVD formats, although until recently, the company had supported only the the HD DVD. Following the announcements for some laptops and desktops with built-in HD DVD-ROMs, HP announced at CES Blu-ray optical drives for their Pavilion PCs. The HP bd135 will offer both an internal drive and an external USB 2.0 BD drive solution.

The bd135 will begin shipping later this year at a target price between $600 and $700. HP already sells an HD DVD-ROM USB 2.0 drive, for $499.

The drives are capable of burning BD-R, BD-RE, DVD and CD discs. Cyberlink's PowerDVD BD software will be included for HD playback.