Audio Video News

Don't know who to support in the format war between Blu-ray and HD DVD? Those who have firmly decided not to decide got another option Friday as Samsung announced the long-rumored BD-UP5000 combi player. That makes Samsung the second manufacturer to market a high-def combi, following LG.

Slickly nicknamed the Duo HD, Samsung's player joins the company's previous Blu-ray-only lineup, including the BD-P1000 (shown, disemboweled by Geoff) and BD-P1200. It will support BD-Java interactivity--as all Blu-ray players sold after October 31 are required to do--and will be available "in time for the holidays," according to the press release. Price has not been announced.

"Samsung is committed to making life simpler through technology," said executive VP Dongsoo Jun in a quote that really should win his company many new friends, adding: "This is a big win for the consumer." Indeed it is.