30 July 2007 – Another development in the omnipresent Blu-ray versus HD-DVD scrap as Samsung unveils its freethinking, non-conformist BD-UP5000 dual format playing disc doctor.
Announced a few months ago now, it promises 1080p playback in both next-gen formats, as well as with your bog standard DVD courtesy of the HQV upconversion paraphernalia as seen in Samsung’s BD-P2400. In line with Pioneer’s latest spinners, it will sport 24p mode meaning films are reproduced at the correct cinematic speed ensuring no motion jitter and perfect audio. Next-gen audio formats like Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD are compatible via the 7.1-channel support.
The big plus comes after the problems with LG’s similar dual disc playing Super Multi Blue, which plays back Blu-ray in all its next-gen glory but offers very limited HD-DVD access in terms of special features etc. No such problems with Samsung’s player, which is fully compliant with both formats.
Going on sale in the States for a middling $1,050, no price details have been confirmed for the UK October release. Still looking forward to seeing it though.
