Samsung Debuts Slimmed-Down Combo HD Player

Sun Jan 6, 2008 5:02PM EST

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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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  • 1 Posted by draiken2000 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    If they support this product like they support their previous Blu-Ray players you can expect many Blu-Ray and HD DVD discs that will not play. The list of unplayable Blu-Ray discs on their players grows every week, and they are months behind in releasing firmware updates to make their players compatable. Buyer beware.

  • 2 Posted by garrito911 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:06PM EDT Report Abuse

    why would you spend 800 bucks on a dvd/blueray player when the ps3 plays both and its only 400. be smart dont be a retard

  • 3 Posted by mva5580 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    My HTPC laughs at a device which can only play movies and costs in the $700 range. I can play Blu-Ray/HD-DVD/SD-DVD, watch and record OTA HDTV plus standard cable stations through tuner, stream music, and whatever else you want to do with a PC for the same price. So I'll pass.

  • 4 Posted by willwixiv on Tue Jan 8, 2008 3:17PM EST Report Abuse

    interseting stuff on highvisionvideo.com... i just saw something great about blu ray and how its better on braintechs.com

  • 6 Posted by wwicks333 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    My blu-ray player was purchased from x-vision.net The have a great selection.

  • 7 Posted by hedgefundconsulting on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    Please let me wake up in the morning and find someone has won this DVD / Blu-ray war !!!

  • 8 Posted by lamplan on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:56PM EDT Report Abuse

    Don't waste your money, just go with the Blu- I mean, read the story from CES.

  • 9 Posted by webofhair on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    It's aboot time there is a more affordable Combo player on the market. Even though I still don't think either format will take over DVD anytime soon.

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