| HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "DUAL-FORMAT PLAYERS" | Receive High-Def Disc News via RSS |  |
CES: Samsung Bows New Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player
Sun Jan 06, 2008 at 06:24 PM ETTags: CES 2008, Samsung, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Updating its recently-released BD-UP5000, Samsung says it will introduce the new BD-UP5500 Duo HD player in the second half of 2008.
Like its predecessor, the BD-UP5500 will support both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, as well as the latest BD-Java and HDi interactivity available (including full support of Blu-ray Profile 1.1).
Samsung says the BD-UP5500 will also feature 7.1 PCM, DTS-HD High Resolution and Master audio, plus Dolby TrueHD Bistream output via HDMI 1.3.
The deck's ethernet connection will enable firmware upgrades and web-enabled features with compatible HD DVD discs. (Company reps tell us the deck will not be BD-Live compliant, meaning it will not support web-enabled features on certain Blu-ray discs.)
The BD-UP5500 is expected to retail for $599, making it the lowest-priced dual format player announced yet. (The BD-UP5000 is currently retailing at $799.)
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Samsung Invites Newcomers into the World of HD Home Entertainment with New Duo HD Player [Press Release]
CES: Samsung Bows New Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player
Sun Jan 06, 2008 at 06:24 PM ETTags: CES 2008, Samsung, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Updating its recently-released BD-UP5000, Samsung says it will introduce the new BD-UP5500 Duo HD player in the second half of 2008.
Like its predecessor, the BD-UP5500 will support both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, as well as the latest BD-Java and HDi interactivity available (including full support of Blu-ray Profile 1.1).
Samsung says the BD-UP5500 will also feature 7.1 PCM, DTS-HD High Resolution and Master audio, plus Dolby TrueHD Bistream output via HDMI 1.3.
The deck's ethernet connection will enable firmware upgrades and web-enabled features with compatible HD DVD discs. (Company reps tell us the deck will not be BD-Live compliant, meaning it will not support web-enabled features on certain Blu-ray discs.)
The BD-UP5500 is expected to retail for $599, making it the lowest-priced dual format player announced yet. (The BD-UP5000 is currently retailing at $799.)
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Samsung Invites Newcomers into the World of HD Home Entertainment with New Duo HD Player [Press Release]
LG's New Dual-Format High-Def Player Hits Stores
Mon Dec 10, 2007 at 04:00 PM ETTags: LG, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
After months of buzz (and a couple of launch delays), LG has announced that its BH200 second-gen dual-format player is finally on store shelves.
In a just-issued press release, LG says its long-awaited hybrid player is now available at leading consumer electronics dealers throughout the US. (We found active listings for the BH200 at both Amazon and Best Buy.)
As we've previously reported, the new player would seem to represent a nice turnaround for LG in its next-gen exploits. Although the manufacturer's first dual-format deck (the BH100) included primary BD-J support, it was roundly criticized for its complete lack of HDi support (the technology that powers HD DVD's interactive functionality).
By contrast, the company's second player not only features HDi and complete HD DVD network connectivity support, but also full Profile 1.1 compliance on the Blu-ray side, making it only the second Profile 1.1 player to hit stores (behind Panasonic's recently-released DMP-BD30 -- click to read our review).
Alas, it seems all these features don't come cheap -- LG has set a suggested retail price for the BH200 of $999.
Although LG is currently the only manufacturer with dual-format players on the market here in the US, it's due for some company in the coming weeks. Just last week, Samsung confirmed that its own dual-format player (the BDP-UP5000) is due to hit stores later this month with a price tag of $799.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Second-Generation 'Super Blu' High-Definition Disc Player Available From LG Electronics Retail Partners [Press Release]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Hardware Review: Panasonic DMP-BD30
- Samsung: Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player Now Shipping
Samsung: Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player Now Shipping
Thu Dec 06, 2007 at 01:00 PM ETTags: Samsung, Hardware, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Despite reports to the contrary, Samsung says its BD-UP5000 dual-format high-def disc player is shipping "as we speak," and will hit stores at a price lower than previously announced.
Rumors of a delay for the manufacturer's first dual-format player surfaced earlier this week after a listing at Amazon bumped the player's release to January 15, but a Samsung spokesman told Dealerscope on Wednesday that the player is currently shipping to stores, and that it should be on shelves by "mid-to-late December."
The spokesman added that due to "recent activities in the marketplace," the player's suggested retail price has been dropped to $799 (it was originally announced with a $1,049 price tag, but that price was reduced to $999 in early September).
As we've previously reported, Samsung will be the second manufacturer to market an dual player capable of playing HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, following the introduction of LG's BH100 in January of this year.
Samsung says its BDP-UP5000 will support both BD-Java and HDi, as well as web-enabled supplements on both formats, via an Ethernet connection. In late October, the manufacturer noted that the player will require an upcoming firmware update to actually play back Profile 1.1 discs.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Samsung Says Dual Player Still on Track For December, at Reduced Price [Dealerscope]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Samsung Confirms Profile 1.1 For BD-UP5000 Dual-Format Player (Oct 24, 2007)
- Samsung Lowers Price on Upcoming Dual-Format HD DVD, Blu-ray Player (Sep 07, 2007)
- Samsung Plans Dual-Format Blu-ray, HD DVD Player (Apr 16, 2007)
Samsung Confirms Profile 1.1 For BD-UP5000 Dual-Format Player
Wed Oct 24, 2007 at 04:22 PM ETTags: Samsung, Hardware, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Samsung has sent out a media alert confirming that its upcoming BD-UP5000 player will be Profile 1.1 compliant, but Gizmodo is reporting that the player will require an upcoming firmware update to actually play back Profile 1.1 discs.
As we've previously reported, the Blu-ray Disc Association has mandated that all Blu-ray players launched after October 31, 2007 include a series of features (including secondary audio and video support) in order to be Profile 1.1 compliant. The updates will enable several functions not supported by current Blu-ray players, including true video picture-in-picture playback.
Although we assumed the BD-UP5000 would include Profile 1.1 support when Samsung revealed a release date delay that would see the player hit stores after the October 31st deadline, today's news adds an interesting new wrinkle.
At press time there was no word on exactly why a firmware update would be required to enable playback of Profile 1.1 discs, nor was it clear whether other previously announced Profile 1.1 players (including LG's BH200 dual-format player, which is due to hit stores shortly) would require similar updates.
To date, no Profile 1.1 discs have yet been announced for release. As we reported earlier this week, Warner has made the decision to release its first PiP enabled title ('Terminator 3') in early December without utilizing Profile 1.1 technology, instead encoding entire sequences of the film with a "burned-in" PiP window.
Samsung says its BD-UP5000 player will hit stores in mid to late December at retail price of $1050. As always, we'll keep you updated as more information comes in.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Samsung's Already Awesome HD Disc Hybrid BD-UP5000 Upgraded to Profile 1.1 (Bye Bye Format Bitching) [Gizmodo]
- Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
- Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (Blu-ray)
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Blu-ray Association Sets Fall Deadline For BD-Java Hardware Support (Mar 26, 2007)
- Report: Samsung Cancels BDP-2400 Blu-ray Player, Delays BD-UP5000 Dual-Format Player (Oct 01, 2007)
- LG Goes Full Profile With BH200 Dual-Format HD DVD/Blu-ray Player (Oct 12, 2007)
- Warner Sets Record Straight on 'T3' Blu-ray PIP Track (Oct 22, 2007)
LG Goes Full Profile With BH200 Dual-Format HD DVD/Blu-ray Player
Fri Oct 12, 2007 at 02:18 PM ETTags: LG, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Due before the end of October, LG's new dual-format player may end up being the first Blu-ray player to hit the market with secondary BD-Java support.
As we've previously reported, the BDA has mandated all that Blu-ray players launched after October 31, 2007 include a series of features (including full BD-J support) in order to be Profile 1.1 compliant. The updates will enable a series of functions not supported by current Blu-ray players, including true video picture-in-picture playback.
Although to date, no manufacturer has released a Profile 1.1 player ahead of the BDA deadline, LG said yesterday that its soon-to-street BH200 dual-format player will include "full profile specifications" for Blu-ray players.
According to a Video Business report, the revelation came from LG product development director Tim Alessi while speaking on a panel yesterday at the HDTV DisplaySearch Conference in Universal City, California.
The announcement would suggest a nice turnaround in the works for LG in its next-gen exploits. Although the manufacturer's first dual-format player included primary BD-J support, it was roundly criticized for its complete lack of support for HDi (the technology that powers HD DVD's interactive functionality); now, its second player seems poised to include the most advanced interactive functionality available on both formats.
LG is currently the only manufacturer to have released a dual-format player in the US, but it's due for some company in the coming months. This past summer, Samsung announced plans to release its own dual-format player, the BDP-UP5000; the Samsung player is expected to hit stores later this quarter.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- High-def sides boast interactivity features [Video Business]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- LG's 2nd-Gen Dual Format HD DVD, Blu-ray Player Due in October
- Details in For Samsung's Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player
- Blu-ray Association Sets Fall Deadline For BD-Java Hardware Support
Report: Samsung Cancels BDP-2400 Blu-ray Player, Delays BD-UP5000 Dual-Format Player
Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 07:55 AM ETTags: Samsung, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Although they were among the most eagerly anticipated of the season, it seems two of Samsung's previously-announced next-gen players will not hit store shelves later this month as originally planned.
WesleyTech.com first broke the news late Friday that Samsung had cancelled its higher-end BDP-2400 Blu-ray Player. Later, it was revealed that the manufactuer would also delay the launch of its dual-format HD DVD/Blu-ray player, the BD-UP5000.
Both players had originally been expected to hit store shelves before November 1st.
As announced by Samsung back in July, the BDP-2400 was set to be a slightly higher-end cousin to the just-released BDP-1400, including all of the later player's features, plus Samsung's proprietary de-interlacing technology.
The dual format BD-UP5000 player is now expected to hit store shelves sometime in December.
As we've previously reported, Samsung will be the second manufacturer to market an dual player capable of playing HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, following the introduction of LG's BH100 in January of this year. LG plans to release its own new dual-format player (the BH200) later this month.
There's no official word yet from Samsung (nor any explanation for the apparent change in plans), but retailers are corroborating WesleyTech's report.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Samsung BDP-2400 Blu-ray player canceled (updated) [WesleyTech]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- LG's 2nd-Gen Dual Format HD DVD, Blu-ray Player Due in October
- More Details in for Samsung's Third-Gen Blu-ray Players
- First Details on LG's Blu-ray/HD DVD Dual-Format Player
Samsung Lowers Price on Upcoming Dual-Format HD DVD, Blu-ray Player
Fri Sep 07, 2007 at 01:38 PM ETTags: Samsung, Dual-Format Players, Hardware (all tags)
It only seemed like a matter of time before Samsung would lower the MSRP of its upcoming BD-UP5000 Duo HD player to match LG's recently-announced price-cut for their dual format player.
Samsung now says its BD-UP5000 will hit stores sometime in the fourth quarter at a $999 street price -- down $50 from its previously announced MSRP of $1,049.
The price drop is the latest in a series of tit for tat pricing moves between Samsung and LG, who are both marketing dual-format players for the upcoming holiday season.
Samsung made the first move in July, when it announced that its BDP-UP5000 would hit the market priced at $1,049 -- $150 less than LG's BH100 (which had been priced at $1,199 since its launch earlier this year). LG responded in August by announcing its own $200 price drop for the BH100, and now things have come circle with Samsung matching LG's $999 price.
Earlier this week, LG announced a 2nd-Gen dual format player -- the BH200 -- which also carries the $999 pricetag.
Of course, even at $999, all three players remain more expensive than buying two separate standalone players (Toshiba's HD-A2 and Sony's BDP-S300 currently retail at a combined cost of $898), but with the holidays just around the corner, perhaps yet another dual-format player price drop is in our future. Stay tuned...
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- Samsung's Duo Gets Re-Priced [TWICE]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- LG's 2nd-Gen Dual Format HD DVD, Blu-ray Player Due in October
- Hybrid Player Price War Brewing? LG Lowers Price of 'Super Blu' HD DVD/Blu-ray Player
- More Details in on Samsung's Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player
- CES: First Details on LG's Blu-ray/HD DVD Dual-Format Player
LG's 2nd-Gen Dual Format HD DVD, Blu-ray Player Due in October
Wed Sep 05, 2007 at 11:00 AM ETTags: LG, Hardware, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
Nine months after it debuted its first dual format HD DVD/Blu-ray player at CES, LG has officially announced its new updated player, due in October.
Unlike its predecessor, the new player -- dubbed the BH200 -- will support both BD-Java and HDi, providing interactive functionality for discs of both formats. The player will also feature 1080p output at 60Hz, and HD DVD network connectivity.
It still comes at pretty hefty pricetag, however, with the suggested retail for the new player expected to run $999 when the player hits store shelves.
In mid-August LG lowered the price of its existing BH100 by $200 to $999 following reports that Samsung's planned BDP-UP5000 hybrid player would retail for 1,049. Since then, readers have spotted the first-gen LG player retailing for as low as $795 at select stores.
No word yet on any further price cuts, but as always, we'll keep you posted. Stay tuned!
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- LG adds features, cuts price on dual HD DVD player [Reuters]
- New LG Dual High-Def DVD Player Coming Next Month [Electronic House]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- Hybrid Player Price War Brewing? LG Lowers Price of 'Super Blu' HD DVD/Blu-ray Player
- More Details in on Samsung's Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player
Hybrid Player Price War Brewing? LG Lowers Price of 'Super Blu' HD DVD/Blu-ray Player
Tue Aug 14, 2007 at 07:55 AM ETTags: LG, Hardware, Samsung, Dual-Format Players (all tags)
With the arrival of Samsung's $1,049 dual-format player on the horizon for this fall, LG has lowered the price of its existing BH100 HD DVD/Blu-ray player by $200.
The first dual-format player to hit stores shelves, LG's BH100 has remained at its original retail price of $1,199 since its introduction earlier this year.
Of course, even at its new reduced price of $999, the LG player remains good deal more expensive than buying two separate standalone players (Toshiba's HD-A2 and Sony's BDP-S300 retail at a combined cost of $898), but it's certainly a step in the right direction.
This latest pricecut from LG comes just a couple months before Samsung's planned BDP-UP5000 is scheduled to hit store shelves. That deck was previously announced with a retail price $1,049. Unlike the LG player, the Samsung is slated to include full support of both BD-Java and HDi, as well as web-enabled features on both formats.
No word yet from Samsung on any price drops for its upcoming BDP-UP5000, but we wouldn't be surprised if it hit the market at something below its originally announced MSRP. Stay tuned...
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
- Related links:
- LG Cuts 'Super Blu' Price [TWICE]
- Earlier on High-Def Digest:
- More Details in on Samsung's Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player (Jul 05, 2007)
- High-Def Goes Purple with LG Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player (Jan 04, 2007)
MORE HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "DUAL-FORMAT PLAYERS":
- More Details in on Samsung's Dual-Format Blu-ray/HD DVD Player Jul 05, 2007
- CES: First Details on LG's Blu-ray/HD DVD Dual-Format Player Jan 08, 2007
» High-Def Digest home page
