Expect to see an external Blu-ray drive later this year, joining the already available HD DVD drive.

HP developed and released the $499 HD DVD first, partly because it was easier and would be cheaper for consumers.

The Blu-ray drive casing is the same as the HD DVD drive’s and will be out in the second quarter. HP said no price was available yet, but it is likely to cost more than the HD DVD drive.

The drive needs a PC with a minimum Pentium D 3.2GHz or equivalent processor, an HDCP compliant graphics card and a TV or monitor that is similarly HDCP compliant. It connects to a computer via USB.

HP will also be bringing out an external HD DVD writer during the summer, allowing consumers to burn HD DVD discs. No other details were available.