Samsung delays the release of first Blu-ray player

Samsung has delayed the US launch of their initial Blu-ray player, the BD-P1000, from May 23 until June 25. In a statement, Samsung cited the need to perform complete compatibility testing with Blu-ray test discs, which will not be available until late April, as the reason for the delay.

Samsung also said it is still confident the BD-P1000 would be the first Blu-ray player available on the US market.

“The hardware development for Samsung’s BD-P1000 Blu-Ray player is complete and ready for mass production in Suwon, South Korea once these compatibility tests are passed,” the statement read.

“We still anticipate that the Samsung BD-P1000 will be the first Blu-Ray player to launch at a national level in the United Sates.”

Samsung is expecting the BD-P1000 to cost $999.

Toshiba has recently launched their first HD DVD player in Japan and is scheduled to release it in the US around mid-April.

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