Samsung will discontinue production of the
BD-UP5000 Blu-ray and HD DVD dual format player in May, only months after it was initially released. After experiencing months of delays, the player was released with multiple disc compatibility issues. Owners continue to experience these problem, which some suggest includes all Fox titles that make use of BD+, and has yet to deliver on its high performance promises.
To further the confusion, Samsung has also stated that the recently announced
BD-UP5500 would not be replacing the UP5000 as planned. That player was announced at CES (shortly after the UP5000 hit store shelves) and it appears that it might suffer from the same issues as the UP5000. It was set to be released during Q3, but plans now appear to have changed.
Engadget points to the Broadcom BCM97440 as the root of the issue, as both players utilize that platform (in addition to the
LG BH200 dual format player). It will be interesting to see what direction Samsung moves for the second half of the year, but interestingly enough, a dual format player may still be in the works.
Edit: Samsung is still planning to release the BD-UP5500 as planned, but it will not be considered a replacement, but rather a budget model.