Samsung Readies Dual-Format High-Def DVD Player

Samsung Electronics, which last year broached the idea of introducing a high-def DVD player that could play both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, is now readying such a model for introduction later this year.

Unlike LG Electronics’ BH-100 hybrid player, which only fully supports Blu-ray’s Java-based interactivity, Samsung’s player—called the Duo HD BD-UP5000—will support both BD-Java and HD DVD’s iHD interactivity, which allows access to interactive features such as director’s commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, and more advanced interactive menus.

No pricing has been established. Although there are reports that the player will be available as early as this July, in a statement out of Seoul, Korea, Samsung only said that the player will be available “in time for the holidays.”

In the meantime, you can read our buying advice on how to choose a high-definition DVD player and, if you're a ConsumerReports.org subscriber, you can see how the latest models performed in our Ratings.

—James K. Willcox