Samsung Debuts Slimmed-Down Combo HD Player

Sun Jan 6, 2008 5:02PM EST

See Comments (167)

Samsung has just announced its second-generation Blu-ray/HD DVD combo player, and it definitely has an edge on its predecessor in the style department. But here's a bigger question: How much will it cost?

The glossy, piano-black, and just 2.3 inch-high BD-UP5500 comes with most of the older UP-BD5000's features, including full support for Blu-ray and HD DVD interactive features, playback of Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD soundtracks, as well as the ability to upconvert standard DVDs to full-on 1080p. Also included is out-of-the-box support for Blu-ray profile 1.1 (which allows for picture-in-picture commentaries on newer Blu-ray discs), an Ethernet port for downloading new firmware and accessing online content, and HQV processing for enhancing HD and SD video.

Overall, not bad, but here's the spec we really want to know: how much? Unfortunately, Samsung isn't releasing pricing info just yet, but hopefully it'll be lower than the $799 sticker price for the BD-UP5000—especially given that the demand for combo HD decks may dwindle now that HD DVD appears to be on the ropes.

Look for the BD-UP5500 to arrive in stores in the second half of the year.

Update: Reports are coming in that the deck will retail for $599—still pricey, but a veritable bargain compared to the $799 BD-UP5000.

Comments on Samsung Debuts Slimmed-Down Combo HD Player

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  • 46 Posted by adewilson_227 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    that's stupid! as great as blu-ray HD technology is, i'd rather find smarter uses for my $600

  • 47 Posted by jaimemgn on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    Wow, I'll buy one after I upgrade my tube! NOT! Waste of money! Get a PS3!

  • 48 Posted by dennis2r on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    here we go again and i bought beta=i hope sony gets it right this time

  • 49 Posted by nicole_wright11103 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    Sorry not for the blue ray, its goign to go out like a passing fad just like the laser disc. and its too expensive and people cant afford it. screw it.

  • 50 Posted by dew1325 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    I bought a Samsung Blu-Ray player when they first came out. To upgrade call Samsung and they will send the software FREE of charge. Load the disk and it will upgrade it for you. Personally i would not get the Combo HD is on its way out.

  • 51 Posted by howyk on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    HDD is dead..sorry Samsung..this will be useless..very soon..

  • 52 Posted by jgartma on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:34PM EDT Report Abuse

    I purchased a Dual Combo Player about 6 months ago. It has been really great not to have to worry about who wins the stupid war. I can play both so let the best format win. When I saw that some movies were on HD and others on BR it was easy to choose the Dual player. It was worth the extra money to be worry free. Always remember "You get what you pay for".

  • 54 Posted by seppeku2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    Garrito911, it is quite funny you flame people by pulling out the "don't be a retard" card, but last time I checked Ps3 doesnt play HD-DVD's only Blu-Ray and Std Dvd's. You may want to try and read an article befor you are so quick to Ostracise. It would easily cost, if you bought a Ps3 and an HD-DVD player it would be more than $600.00. With this new player you can play all three formats and use only one hdmi cable. Now I dont call names Garrito911 but "Be Smart..."

  • 55 Posted by rghogue on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    This is about an HD-DVD/Blu-Ray player, not a "dvd/blueray player". The PS3 doesn't play HD-DVD.

  • 56 Posted by sagopaseo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well, if I were the HD DVD group, I would launch final attack against Blu Ray by unloading players at around $100. I would also work with remaining HD DVD supporting studios to unload their movies at lower price. Mass adoption might deter Blu Ray from taking over. Even if this fails, it might drive Blu Ray manufacturers and studios to lower their prices.

  • 57 Posted by seppeku2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    I actually have been waiting for something like this to come out, the way companies are split on their format it could be a long time before the war is settled. With a player like this we can satisfy our Universal, Disney, and Dremawork needs w/o using two hdmi cables in order to get 7.1 dts-hd audio

  • 58 Posted by dborg40 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    At least HD-DVD Players are somewhat affordable...if the studios keep pushing only 1 kind of player, they will continue to lose consumers !

  • 59 Posted by atulmrc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well, only few BR/HD disc are available so far. I will wait for some more time for more discs and good player to come out in the market. Too expensive for few already watched movies...

  • 60 Posted by mcrosby53 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:13PM EDT Report Abuse

    Anyone who watches movies on a PC with a 20" screen is retarded.

  • 61 Posted by ccphilly1984 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:20PM EDT Report Abuse

    This will be a great product... announced $599... probially hit the streets at $399 or $499... amazon sale would make it $299-$399 = perfect price... would go great with my awesome samsung TV and will paly my 146+ hd dvds and my 44+ blu-rays (still buying both... i like blu-ray and i love HD DVD and will buy it if and until it is officially defunct)... I'll call all my friends on my samsung flipshot cell phone and tell them about this player... hopefully it will work better than the bdp-1200 i heard horror stories from... web firmware updates should help this player out big time.

  • 62 Posted by mrjeff39us on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'll just keep my Harman-Kardon DVD 22 for now. Streaming internet II is on the way...DVDs of all kinds will be dead.

  • 63 Posted by schissick on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    I bought a Sumsung DVD player. It never worked properly and was sent back for repair under warantee. It came back still not working and I put it in the trash. No more Samsung purchases for me!

  • 65 Posted by analyze_life on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    Why do these companies attempt to sell you some over price junk... consumers do read reviews, consumers are alot more savvy in terms of shopping these days. Samsung have you ever heard of a PS3, well you would know that your device is garage at the price you are selling it for. I agree with the rest of the smart individuals who've commented on here. This is a 599 piece of junk... Samsung try again and this time attempt to think that the customer is not a dumbie...

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