The HD DVD format was on the losing end of the blue laser battle, but the early adopters of this original HD disc format may be interested in a set-top player that supports the playback of HD DVD and Blu-ray high-definition discs. Until all HD movies make the transition to the Blu-ray format, a combo HD disc player lets you focus on finding content you want rather than worrying whether that content is compatible with your hardware. And the Samsung BD-UP5000 Duo HD Player ($999 list) delivers the best image quality and disc performance I’ve seen in an HD disc player to date. The long-term enjoyment of any HD disc player depends on firmware updates that add new features and address any issues that arise, and the BD-UP5000 is the only dual-format HD disc player that can be conveniently updated directly over the Internet.

Although the BD-UP5000’s glossy black stylings are similar to those of other Samsung disc players, its face has been updated with rounded edges as well as a strip of recessed chrome-like trim along its lower lip. Its information display is positioned between the disc tray on the left and a circular control pad near the right-hand edge of the player’s face. The rack-friendly dimensions of the BD-UP5000 are 3.1 by 12.8 by 16.9 inches (HDW), and the unit tips the scales at 9.3 pounds.

More info at pcmag.com

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