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Australians are finally getting access to the latest, sharpest television content after Samsung revealed it had launched the first 4K Blu-ray Disc player in the country.
The device will play movies at four times the resolution of full high-definition content on the latest generation of big-screen TVs -something consumers had been told would not be available until September.
Samsung consumer electronics electronics vice-president Carl Rose said the ability to play 4K films on discs would “set the benchmark for home entertainment in this country,” and would be well received by high-end TV buyers.
Samsung is committed to providing the best possible technology so our customers can enjoy the highest standards of Ultra HD content, whether the format is digital or in the form of Blu-ray discs,” he said.
The Samsung UBD K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player is selling in Australia for $599, however the range of 4K Blu-ray Discs available to play on it will initially be quite limited.
Just a dozen are available now, with 30 titles expected to be released by August and 100 by the end of the year.
Panasonic will launch a competing 4K Blu-ray player, though not until September.
Both devices will be able to play 4K HDR, or High Dynamic Range, discs that will deliver a greater colour range and contrast on screen.
The Blu-ray players will also provide the first access to 4K content outside YouTube and Netflix in Australia, which is only available to viewers with internet connections faster than 25 megabits per second.
Panasonic consumer electronics group director Richard Tassone said consumers were buying more 4K TVs in Australia, with the big screens expected to make up 35 per cent of sales this year, and many buyers had been waiting impatiently for a 4K Blu-ray Disc player.
“It’s been a discussion point with some consumers,” he said.