Samsung to launch Duo dual-format HD player: BD-UP5000
At long last, LG's BH-100 dual format player could have a competitor.
In May last year, Samsung hinted that they'd be prepared to create a hybrid player if there was no chance of Blu-ray and HD DVD unifying.
Now they've announced that they will be manufacturing such a player in time for the holidays.
The Samsung Duo HD player (BD-UP5000) will fully support both HD DVD and Blu-ray formats, including full interactivity (HDi and BD-Java).
By adopting the full specifications, Samsung should avoid the trouble LG had with HD DVD certification.
There's little more information about the specifications, UK availability, or pricing. Hopefully, LG and Samsung, plus anyone else who might introduce a dual-format player this year, will spark some competition.
Analysts are expecting single-format high definition player prices to drop by 50% this year, Toshiba have cut the price of the HD-E1, and Sony has hinted at lower Blu-ray player prices, so we'd hope that dual-format players will follow that trend.
