Chalk up another win in the high-def DVD dual format column.

Samsung, which was the first company to introduce a Blu-ray disc player, joins LG Electronics in providing both Blu-ray and HD DVD in one player as it has announced it will introduce a dual format high-definition (HD) optical disc player in time for the holidays.

Samsung’s Duo HD player (BD-UP5000) will fully support both HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats and their interactive technologies, HDi and BD-Java, the company says. For those who will be loyal Blu-ray supporters, Samsung’s second generation Blu-ray player is available at retail this month.

“We are very pleased to announce the upcoming release of our Duo HD player. Consumers are hungry for more HD content but are currently confused about competing formats. Samsung’s Duo HD player will allow consumers access to every HD movie title available regardless of the authoring format. Samsung is committed to making life simpler through technology and will market next generation DVD products which will satisfy the consumer and market requirement,” said Dongsoo Jun, executive vice president of the Digital AV Division at Samsung. “As a member of the DVD Forum and contributor to the DVD Industry, we recognize that both HD DVD and BD formats have merits. As such, we have decided to market a dual format player. Samsung is flexible to market a stand-alone HD DVD player whenever consumers demand it. Our main concern is not technology but consumer choice.”

So does that penultimate comment by Dongsoo Jun mean Samsung will soon be selling a Blu-ray player, dual player and an HD DVD player? And how soon will other manufacturers jump on board the dual format train?

Visit www.samsung.com for more.

Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!