Samsung updates Duo HD to Profile 1.1 (possibly 2.0) and full decoding with UDP-5500

[zombieflanders]

Looks like Samsung got stuck with a dual-format player:

Samsung Invites Newcomers into the World of HD Home Entertainment with New Duo HD Player

Samsung's BD-UP5500 Offers the Convenience and High-Performance of Blu-ray and HD DVD Playback for First-time HD Consumers
2008 International CES

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics, a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, introduces a new Duo HD disc player offering the ideal solution for those consumers new to the world of HD home entertainment. In addition to the Blu-ray and HD DVD playback capability found in the CES 2008 Innovation Award Honoree BD-UP5000, the next-generation BD-UP5500 is a fully functioning Blu-ray Bonus View player packaged in a slim and sleek cabinet design. Opening access to both HD formats for a wider consumer audience with this new Duo HD player, Samsung continues its commitment to developing products that make life simpler through its breadth of innovative technologies. Both the Samsung BD-UP5000 and BD-UP5500 Duo HD Players will be on display at booth #11033 during the International Consumer Electronics Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 7 through 10.

“With the excitement surrounding the launch of the BD-UP5000 in 2007, Samsung is equally excited to offer a next generation Duo HD player that gives consumers the convenience of enjoying both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats in one single HD player,” said Reid Sullivan, vice president of Digital AV marketing at Samsung Electronics America. “By supporting the latest interactivity in both formats, both Samsung Duo HD players enhance the experience of watching home movies with access to bonus content, alternative camera angles and behind-the-scenes footage.”

BD-UP5500 Duo HD Player

Designed to invite both novices and aficionados into a world of vivid HD picture quality, Samsung’s BD-UP5500 next-generation Duo HD player brings together the streamlined playback of both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats in one easy-to-navigate device. The HDMI 1.3 connection allows for expanded color and surround sound through one cable and CEC functionality enables users to effortlessly manage an entire home theater with only one remote. For added convenience, the BD-UP5500 features an easy-to-read display and direct touch controls.

With the latest BD-Java and HD DVD interactivity available, the BD-UP5500 takes movies to new heights with interactive menus, innovative picture-in-picture settings, and in-line bonus content such as alternate camera angles, behind-the-scenes footage, director commentary and actor interviews. Additionally, using the BD-UP5500’s ethernet connection, users can experience a broad array of immersive viewing options with numerous movies as well as download new firmware to easily upgrade the player’s capabilities.

For a true, cinema-quality experience at home, the BD-UP5500 supports the latest audio decoding. With 7.1-Ch PCM, DTS-HD High Resolution and Master audio, and Dolby TrueHD Bistream output via HDMI 1.3, the BD-UP5500 accurately reproduces every delicate nuance with lifelike precision, just as the directors intended. For those consumers who still want to enjoy their existing collection of DVDs and CDs, Samsung’s BD-UP5500 is also a fully-functioning DVD and CD player.

The BD-UP5500’s minimalist 2.3-inch slim design and simple piano-black finish makes it the perfect complement to most HDTVs and will serve as the centerpiece to any media or living room.

The BD-UP5500 will be available in the second-half of 2008.

I'd guess this is the last Duo HD model.

[Markers]

Very nice! The future is purple!

[g.k.]

2nd half of 2008? I wouldn't be surprised if this never sees the light of day.

[Markers]

Originally Posted by g.k.

2nd half of 2008? I wouldn't be surprised if this never sees the light of day.

Yeah, because after the WB announcement HD-DVD is so dead, that NOBODY will ever buy a red disc ever again. And the existing disc will all be returned!

[zombieflanders]

MSRP is $599, if it does come out.

[irrob]

Originally Posted by zombieflanders

MSRP is $599, if it does come out.

WOW
Prices are indeed dropping. Contrary to what some fanboys said.

"The BD-UP5500 (pictured after the break) handles Blu-ray / HD DVD discs and supports 1080p24, but otherwise remains functionality identical to the P1500. The pain? $399 for the BD-P1500, $599 for the BD-UP5500."

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/06/s...-combo-player/

[arrowspark]

Too bad no BD-Live...Gimme a 50% off coupon and I'll buy the thing.

[nesto719]

sounds good to me i need a dual player so i can still enjoy my hd dvds and soon to be bd's.

[brian451]

Originally Posted by Markers

Yeah, because after the WB announcement HD-DVD is so dead, that NOBODY will ever buy a red disc ever again. And the existing disc will all be returned!

your delusional if you think this wont sell well. otherwise, tell me where i can return my 50+ hd dvds purchased many months ago from numerous vendors. i'd love to know.

the way i see it, this is the best bet for reds that are forced to go blu.

[LiK]

very nice, but i would probably wait for a sale cuz it's still too pricey for me atm.

[littlealex]

Originally Posted by brian451

your delusional if you think this wont sell well. otherwise, tell me where i can return my 50+ hd dvds purchased many months ago from numerous vendors. i'd love to know.

the way i see it, this is the best bet for reds that are forced to go blu.

Or there's Ebay. That's what I did

[nusilver]

hope this thing works the way it's supposed to. i'm all over it if it does.

[MikeAK]

Originally Posted by g.k.

2nd half of 2008? I wouldn't be surprised if this never sees the light of day.

Are you serious? Do you know how many people have stacks and stacks of HD DVD media? This player and many like it would sell like hot cakes, it's just the sort of player some are waiting for. What better way to get HD DVD supporters to jump into BDM.

[hdmoviefan101]

Originally Posted by arrowspark

Too bad no BD-Live...Gimme a 50% off coupon and I'll buy the thing.

If it can meet the HD DVD specs, then it would seem very strange if it could not actually do BD-Live???

[polyh3dron]

waiting for dts-ma and truehd internal decoding + bd-live... then it'll be a buy for me.