Samsung to upgrade Blu-ray player

Set-top will have improved picture, be Java-compatible

By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 9/14/2006

SEPT. 14 | Samsung will upgrade its Blu-ray Disc players in late October to improve the picture and make it Java-compatible, the company said Thursday.

The company will begin making the production line improvements on the BD-P1000 players the last week of October, just as Pioneer, Panasonic and Sony are expected to roll out Blu-ray players.

Samsung said the upgrades include a modified setting for the noise filter reduction circuit, which will provide a sharper picture. It also will allow the players to play Java-enabled bonus features expected on releases during the holiday season.

Owners of existing players can get the upgrade as a firmware update via download or on a disc through Samsung.com.

Samsung said all BD-P1000 players will be compatible with movies due for release on 50GB dual-layer Blu-ray discs this fall.