Hybrid HD player from Samsung and Toshiba?

[zombie]

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2006/06...g_and_toshiba/

http://tomshardware.co.uk/2006/06/21...mat_hd_player/

Blu-ray or HD-DVD? Just like VHS and Beta there is the question of who will survive and who with wither away unto death? This question is even more uncertain, now that Samsung and Toshiba have joined forces to create a hybrid player.

The player will include both Blu-Ray and HD DVD capabilities. The device is planned for later this year or early 2007. Samsung and Tosh both manufacturer their next-gen optical players at the same plant, a joint venture between the two.

Interestingly, it appears that Samsung is calling Sony's bluff - under the licensing agreement for Blu-ray, parters aren't allowed to dabble in HD-DVD. It seems that Samsung is testing whether Sony will really push that.

Toshiba so far has been quiet about a possible hybrid or Blu-ray only player; however, if business needs dictate the production of such a drive, there is little doubt that the company will have easy access to the technology and will be able to bring a player/recorder to market within a few months.