Samsung Considers Swinging Both Ways

By Geoff Duncan June 21, 2006

Electronics giant Samsung, currently the only maker with a Blu-ray movie player actually one the U.S. market, will decide later this year whether it wants to launch a movie player compatible with both Blu-ray and HD DVD high-definition disk formats.

At a briefing with reporters in Suwon, South Korea, assistant manager of Samsung’s home platform products division Kim Du-Hyon said the company is already working on a drive which can handle both Blu-ray and HD DVD, although Samsung doesn’t have any plans to release a player exclusively for HD DVD content. Kim did re-iterate Samsung’s position as a staunch Blu-ray supporter, predicting Blu-ray will ultimately defeat HD DVD in the marketplace.

Samsung doesn’t seem to be alone in considering supporting both HD formats in a single player: LG Electronics has publicly stated it plans to make drives which support both formats. However, no information is available on what such devices might cost in the market place, or whether licensing fees or manufacturing costs will make consumer prices prohibitive

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Audio / Video

Samsung Q-Series soundbars are up to $300 off

The Samsung Q-Series 11.1.4-channel surround sound system set up in a luxurious living room.

Buying from soundbar deals is the simplest and most cost-effective way of improving your home theater setup's audio output, and Samsung is one of the most trusted brands in the space. If you're already planning to buy one, you're in luck because there are discounts available from Samsung for its Q-Series soundbars. There's a $100 discount for the Samsung Q600C 3.1.2-channel soundbar, which brings its price down to $500 from $600, and a $300 discount for the Samsung Q990C 11.1.4-channel soundbar, which lowers its price to $1,600 from $1,900. If you're planning to use them with a Samsung TV, their Q-Symphony technology will allow the soundbar and the TV to operate as one for optimized audio. You're going to have to hurry with your purchase if you're interested in either of these Samsung S-Series soundbars though, as the offers may expire at any moment.
Samsung Q600C 3.1.2-channel soundbar -- $500, was $600

Samsung Q990C 11.1.4-channel soundbar -- $1,600, was $1,900

Audio / Video

This massive 98-inch Samsung QLED TV is $3,000 off this month

The Samsung Q80C placed in a living room on a TV stand.

If money's no object in your search for the biggest screens among TV deals, you're going to want to check out the 98-inch Samsung Q80C QLED 4K TV. Your budget may be limitless, but you might as well enjoy huge savings with your purchase as Samsung is offering a $3,000 discount that slashes the TV's price from $8,000 to $5,000. It's still not cheap, but this is the display that you want for your home theater setup if you're after a top-tier combination of size and quality. You'll need to complete the transaction quickly though -- the savings may be around for a while, but we're not sure how long stocks will hold.

Why you should buy the 98-inch Samsung Q80C QLED 4K TV
First and foremost, you're going to have to check out our guide on what size TV to buy because the 98-inch Samsung Q80C QLED 4K TV is simply gigantic. However, if you have enough space for it, you'll be getting a truly cinematic experience in your own living room. With 4K Ultra HD resolution, you'll be watching your favorite shows with sharp details and lifelike colors, and with QLED technology, you'll enjoy incredible brightness. The TV's Neural Quantum Processor, which uses AI and 20 neural networks, will further improve picture quality on the massive screen, as well as upscale all content to 4K quality.

Audio / Video

Samsung’s having a huge sale on some of its best 8K TVs — up to $3,000 off

The Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K TV in a living room.

If you've got some cash to spend for an upgrade to your home theater setup, why not go for an 8K TV? If you're interested, Samsung has slashed the prices of various sizes of the Samsung QN800C QLED 8K TV and Samsung QN900C QLED 8K TV, with discounts of as much as $3,000. They're still pretty expensive even with their lowered prices from these TV deals, but nothing will make your living room or bedroom look as eye-catching as one of these Samsung 8K TVs, so hurry up and complete your purchase for any of these models as soon as you can.
Samsung 65-inch QN800C QLED 8K TV -- $2,200, was $3,500

Samsung 75-inch QN800C QLED 8K TV -- $2,500, was $4,500