Well, would you look at this. No sooner than
LG gets official with its second HD DVD / Blu-ray hybrid player, along comes
Samsung with more details on its forthcoming
competitor. The device will indeed support HDi and BD-Java, tout HQV video processing, and play back imagery at 1080p24. Additionally, users can look forward to "selectable DVD upconversion (720p / 1080i / 1080p)," coaxial / optical digital audio connections, Dolby Digital / Digital Plus / TrueHD / DTS-HD support, HDMI 1.3, component / composite / S-Video outputs, MPEG2, VC-1, H.264 and
HD JPEG decoding, and an Ethernet port for good measure. Unfortunately, the release date is
still a bit vague, but we do know it'll run you $999 when it lands sometime during Q4. [Warning: PDF read link]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Xyzzy @ Sep 5th 2007 3:37PM
Re: "composite / S-Video outputs,"
Why do they bother putting these connectors on an HD device? It's just asking for user error.... :(
Nfinity @ Sep 5th 2007 4:04PM
To be honest I simply can't see why I would buy this player..Sure it's awesome for HD DVD, but investing a $1000 into a piece of equipment that does incomplete Blu-Ray presentation is simply ridiculous. The thing is not even Profile 1.1 for Blu-Ray part.
When they release HD DVD / Blu-Ray where Blu-Ray is COMPLETE meaning BD Live, BD-J working properly and Profile 2.0 then I would say yes, but as it is now it's simply a waste of money.
You'd be better of buying a full featured HD DVD player for $199 today and Profile 1.1 BD Player starting next year.
Kris @ Sep 5th 2007 4:25PM
Nfinity, I'm just anxiously awaiting all of your "Cedia I told you so" predictions to come true :) Hope we hear something later today from the press conferences.
Xyzzy @ Sep 5th 2007 4:11PM
"You'd be better of buying a full featured HD DVD player for $199 today and Profile 1.1 BD Player starting next year."
Or hell, as much as I hate to say it, the HD DVD player for $199 and the PS3 for $600... (although Sony hasn't confirmed that it supports 1.1 or 2.0.... I can't imagine it won't though, or Sony's going to have a riot on its hands)
Andy @ Sep 5th 2007 4:34PM
Actually, this will be out on 10/21/07, and retail for 799.99 to boot. You'll see. :)
Nfinity @ Sep 5th 2007 4:40PM
Okay and how is this better then $300 XA2 and $499 PS3? You get so much more and you are so so future proofing. I just don't see a point of buying these units except for having 1 device, but when you consider that the device will become obsolete as fast as you can say 4-5 months, I can't justify the purchase unless it's a sub $500 device.
Ph8 @ Sep 11th 2007 3:27AM
"Okay and how is this better then $300 XA2 and $499 PS3? You get so much more and you are so so future proofing. I just don't see a point of buying these units except for having 1 device, but when you consider that the device will become obsolete as fast as you can say 4-5 months, I can't justify the purchase unless it's a sub $500 device."
Nfinity, If you are going to compare please use a fair comparison. This player has the Reon chip, 1080p24, 7.1 Analog outputs, HDMI 1.3 DTS-HD\MA (via firmware upgrade),ect, ect....For some this player will make a difference for others no. As for the Profile 1.1 the Ps3 hasnt been confirmed as complaint yet. If you want to the argument that it "should be" then you can do that for this player as well as it has the hardware for 1.1 AND 2.0 (broadcomm chip BCM7440) it may just need a firmware upgrade. As far as prices go please let me know a reputable place to buy a new Xa2 for 300$ that is NOT on sale. To be fair you need to compare apples to apples and not apples to oranges.
Nfinity @ Sep 5th 2007 4:45PM
Err..I meant $300 A20
Jeff N. @ Sep 5th 2007 5:19PM
I have no room for 2 DVD players in my home theater set-up so this product does interest me.Right now I can't see buying a Blu-Ray stand alone player or an HD-DVD stand alone player since I only have room for one.