Samsung cancels HD DVD/Blu-ray combo player
At CES in January of this year, Samsung showed a new HD DVD/Blu-ray combo player to replace the current model later this year. When asked if they would keep it in the line up after Warner announced plans to drop HD DVD, Samsung said the combo player was still a “practical solution.”
Well, things change. Toshiba, the main backer and creator of HD DVD, dropped all plans to develop, manufacture and support the next-generation format last month. Samsung has now announced they “will not introduce the BD-UP-5500 Duo HD Player.”
“Now that Blu-ray has been chosen as the next-generation format, the consumer can move forward with confidence and enjoy the incredible experience that Blu-ray offers.”
It doesn’t appear like any new HD DVD players will be made available from anyone. Of course there is the strange announcement from LG that they’re still behind both formats. Makes you wonder what they’re thinking.
It’s funny, I talked to some LG reps at CES in Vegas and they stated that their Super Multi Blu player would be a great solution for all of those HD DVD owners who are now looking to jump over to Blu-ray, but still maintain the ability to playback their HD DVD collection. It seems like they were happy that HD DVD was dying…
I would like to if a HD player can be converted to blue ray ? thanks.
No, you cannot convert an HD DVD player to Blu-ray.