Samsung touts dual-format next generation DVD player

By Steve Malone

Posted on 7 Sep 2005 at 11:02

While the Japanese consumer electronics giants slug it out to establish their products as the winner in the high definition DVD war, the South Korean manufacturer Samsung has come up with its own solution - it will make a dual format player.

Sony, the sponsor of the Blu-Ray format, and Toshiba, with its HD-DVD solution, have been lining up manufacturers and movie studios on their sides in order to gain a critical mass large enough to convince consumers to buy their format.

Earlier this year, with billions at stake, attempts to forge a unified format between the two opposing camps broke down. However, Speaking to the Financial Times Deutschland, Samsung's head of consumer electronics, Choi Gee-sung, said 'We would welcome a unified standard but if this doesn't come, which looks likely, we'll bring a unified solution to market .'

The fear is that many consumers will delay buying into the new high capacity DVD format until a clear winner starts to emerge. By providing a dual-format machine, Samsung will offer a solution that reassures buyers that they won't be landed with obsolete kit. 'It won't be simple,' said Gee-sun, 'but you'll see our solution in the coming year. Consumers will be too confused otherwise.'