Samsung Launches HD-DVD/Blu-ray Combo Player
Samsung has announced the introduction of three new high-definition disc players, including one that will play both Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs. The format war for who will conquer DVD is still raging on, leaving many of you wondering which is the format to support, lest you get stuck with a modern equivalent of Sony Betamax.
The BD-UP5000 Duo HD makes the decision a little easier with its ability to play movies on both formats. In addition, this new Samsung player can handle the interactive menus and other goodies on both Blu-ray and HD-DVD (LG BH-1000 can only handle the interactive extras on Blu-ray discs). But, at an MSRP of $1,049, Samsung's new player is pricey: For the same money, you could potentially buy two standalone players (one for each for each format) and still have some money left over ... assuming you have room in your entertainment center and the necessarily inputs on your TV.
Samsung has also announced the $1,499 HT-BD2 "Home Theater Solution," the first home-theater-in-a-box setup to includes a Blu-ray player. It of course also includes a receiver and a set of speakers, with the entire system rated at 1,100 watts.
Finally, two new Blu-ray players will be added to the lineup, the $649 BD-P2400 and $549 BD-P1400. Both players will enable 24 frames-per-second output, matching that of the native film as projected in theaters and delivering a clearer picture than you'd typically get with the standard 60 frames-per-second many HDTVs expect. The 2400 model will also include a Hollywood Quality Video processor to enable it to upconvert standard DVDs to 1080i or 1080p resolutions, which should add some HD-like life to your collection of older discs.
The BD-UP5000 Duo HD players should be available before the end of this year, along with the HT-BD2 Blu-ray system in a box. The standalone Blu-ray players, meanwhile, are due out by October.
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