Samsung announced that it will introduce the BD-UP5000, a dual format High-Definition (HD) optical disc player, next October. The announcement was made by Samsung's representatives yesterday in a press event in Hamburg, Germany, Heise.de website reports.

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 new Duo HD joins Samsung's next generation DVD line-up which includes Samsung's second generation Blu-ray player.

Samsung has been a member of the Blu-Ray Disc Association and the DVD Forum. The company has decided to market a dual format player, focusing on the consumer demands.

Samsung's new device is expected to retail in Europe next October, for approximately €550 ($400). Currently, Samsung's rival LG Electronics has also released its Blu-Ray /HD DVD combo player, the BH100 (MSRP $1300).