Samsung Unveils Duo HD Deck

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 8/6/2007

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. — Samsung formally introduced its latest HD optical disc player line last month, including the company's previously announced first dual-format HD DVD/Blu-ray model.

The new dual-format player — dubbed the BD-UP5000 Duo HD player (shipping in the fourth quarter at a $1,049 suggested retail) — is the new flagship of Samsung's high-definition player line. In addition to playing back HD DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, DVDs and music CDs, the deck includes Silicon Optix's HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) video processing chip, offering a professional quality signal of up-converted video source material. The unit will output video in multiple video formats including HD 720p, 1080i and 1080p. The player is also the first on the market to support both HD formats' interactive capabilities using the HDi and BD-Java systems.

The company also introduced two new Blu-ray Disc players and a home theater system supporting Blu-ray Disc playback.

"Samsung is excited to introduce a new line of high-definition players that will enrich the theater experience at home," stated Reid Sullivan, digital A/V marketing VP at Samsung Electronics. "In 2007, the market for stand-alone high-def players will grow more than six times to over 850 thousand units. From the top-of-the-line BD-UP5000 to the entry BD-P1400 to the company's first home theater system with Blu-ray disc playback, Samsung offers a range of products at different price points to suit the growing consumer demand."

New Blu-ray only models — the BD-P2400 (shipping in October at $649) and BD-P1400 (shipping in September at $549) — will support a range of advanced HD audio decoding formats including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS audio playback, as well as new lossless formats including, DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD.

The models also feature HDMI v1.3 inputs with HDMI CEC (Anynet+) technology, allowing consumers to use a single remote control to operate the BD player, TV and other A/V products from Samsung.

Each model supports both 60 fps and 24 fps playback and will up-convert standard DVD discs to full HD 1080p resolution via the HDMI connection.

The BD-P2400 adds Silicon Optix's HQV video processor that de-interlaces and up-converts single sources including standard-definition DVDs to HD formats with professional quality images. The players will output video singles in a variety of formats including HD 720p, 1080i and 1080p formats.

Both models are compatible with standard DVD and CD formats (including DVD-ROM, DVD-+/R, DVD-+/RW, CD, CD-R and CD-RW).

An "Easy Top Menu" allows consumers to change font and color of subtitles and menu titles according to their tastes, as well as the background color and menu graphics.

The new Blu-ray home theater system — model HT-BD2 (shipping in the fourth quarter at $1,499) — is a single component system offering a range of video output formats including HD 720p, 1080i and 1080p, as well as a range of multichannel music formats.

Styling is highlighted by a piano-black design and blue LED accents. Sound is supported by up to 7.1-channel surround including five tower speakers, two satellite rear speakers and a fully powered subwoofer. Total power is rated at 1,100 watts.

The system's Blu-ray player offers support for both 60 fps and 24 fps video playback. Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS HD sound formats. It also includes HDMI v1.3 inputs.