RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics, a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, continues to expand its lineup of Blu-ray format A/V products with its fourth-generation Blu-ray player. Featuring the latest in Blu-ray technology as well as advanced connectivity for use with other digital devices, it offers consumers exceptional functionality, compact design and remarkable viewing quality.

"Samsung is excited to continue its support of the Blu-ray format with our fourth-generation Blu-ray player," said Reid Sullivan, vice president of Audio/Video & Imaging at Samsung Electronics America. "We are confident that consumers now have the ultimate HD addition to complete their home theater package."

BD-P1500 - Fourth-generation Blu-ray Player

As the first company to introduce a stand-alone Blu-ray player, Samsung reinforces its support of the Blu-ray format with the next generation, full HD, BD-P1500. An ideal player for anyone who enjoys Blu-ray, DVDs or CDs in their home, this groundbreaking model significantly improves the home viewing experience and accommodates each of these formats in one unit. Further, the BD-P1500 can upconvert standard DVDs to 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions and offers Full HD video playback capabilities for a crystal-clear picture.

Designed with fans of multimedia technology in mind, the BD-P1500 easily connects to other digital devices through an HDMI 1.3 port with CEC for expanded color delivery and easy home theater control. The P1500 has BD Profile 1.1 Bonus View and is BD Live Ready. With its built-in Ethernet connection and USB input users can quickly upgrade their BD-P1500 with the latest firmware which ensures the player remains at the cutting edge of Blu-ray technology. By making these firmware upgrades simple and easy, Samsung allows consumers to continually upgrade their BD-P1500 with the latest features.

True audiophiles will love the BD-P1500 for going beyond standard Dolby Digital audio playback to include Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD High resolution (scheduled to available later this year via firmware update).

The BD-P1500 will be available in June 2008.

HT-AS720 5.1 Channel Receiver / Speaker System

Designed to compliment Samsung's Blu-ray disc players and offer consumers a full HD solution, the HT-AS720 5.1 channel receiver / speaker system provides powerful, theater-like sound. With its slick, deep black design and soft blue LED accents, the HT-AS720 seamlessly boosts both the audio presence and visual aesthetics of one's home theater to a new level. A fully powered subwoofer, accentuated by six satellite speakers, gives the HT-AS720 a rumbling 650W of total output power to ensure the supreme sound quality matches the picture, giving consumers a true cinematic experience at home.

The HT-AS720 is currently available.

Specifications

*Subject to change without notice

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, digital consumer electronics and home appliance products, including HDTVs, home theater systems, MP3 players, digital imaging products, refrigerators and washing machines. A recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology, Samsung is the HDTV market leader in the U.S. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.