Samsung Unveils Middle East's First Blu-ray Disc Player

Samsung has introduced the Middle East's first Blu-ray disc player, offering a high-definition alternative to DVDs, which are championed by prominent electronics companies. This move comes as a response to the rival format, HD DVD, pushed by Intel, Microsoft, Toshiba, and NEC. The new Blu-ray player, BD-P1000, can read discs holding six times more data than DVDs, with Samsung planning to capitalize on its advanced technology.

Key Takeaways:

• The Blu-ray disc player is the first of its kind in the Middle East, offered by Samsung, and it is capable of reading discs holding 50 gigabytes of data.
• The player has a hefty price tag of Dh4,800, similar to a standard DVD player.
• Samsung has released high-definition LCD television sets with 40-, 46-, and 52-inch screens to complement the new Blu-ray player.
• Eight out of nine major Hollywood studios are backing Blu-ray, planning to release future titles on Blu-ray disks.
• Talaat Captan of Prime Pictures expects 200 Blu-ray titles in the coming year.

Statistics:

• The Blu-ray disk can store 50 gigabytes of data, compared to the 13 gigabytes stored on a standard DVD.
• The new player will cost consumers Dh4,800, a significant price for a high-definition alternative to DVDs.
• Eight of the nine biggest Hollywood studios are betting on Blu-ray and have begun plans to release future titles on Blu-ray disks.
• Talaat Captan expects 200 Blu-ray titles to be released in the coming year.

Sources:

• Gulf News
• Arvind Nair, COO of Jumbo Electronics
• Ashraf Sajid, senior sales and marketing manager of Samsung in the Middle East
• Talaat Captan, executive vice-president of Prime Pictures