The new Samsung Blu-Ray recorder is able to wirelessly broadcast content to compatible PCs and store data/video on a build-in hard disk.
The concept is true and will be showcased at Samsung's booth (Hall 20, stand 101) at IFA Berlin. The company presents the BD-HR100 Blu-Ray recorder, which supports WLAN and ethernet connections with PCs. The device also offers a 400GB capacity on its hard disk, and is compatible with DVD and CD (playback).
High definition videos are able to be transferred and played on displays through an HDMI interface. The recorder is also DivX certified and supports the MP3 format.
The BD-HR1000 is "powered" by a Sony Blu-Ray chipset. As for the BD Pick-up unit, it currently uses a dual-laser set, in order to be backward compatible with red laser media (CD/DVD).
Samsung also showcases the BD-P1000 Blu-Ray disc player, which supports playback of HD video (1920x1080p), features an interactive HD graphics menu and improved HD subtitles.
The BD-P1000 (player) will be available in the US market first market during 2006 for less than $1400, while the hard disk Blu-Ray recorder (BD-HR1000) will be available for approximately $2000.
According to company representatives, Samsung has followed the strategy of entering the "Blue" laser market by directly introducing a recording device, in order to fulfill the upcoming market demand for storing data/movies, at high volumes and capacities.
Entering the market with a -ROM (player) Blu-Ray device would not be a wise decision, according to Samsung. The case is very different than it was in the past, where releasing a reader first, was the normal way to proceed.
Commenting on the HD-DVD format, Samsung says that it has the sufficient resources to additionally support it in the near future. Current target of the company is to be ready for a super-combo recorder, capable of recording on both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD media.