Samsung Electronics on July 8 unveiled the BD-P1500, its new Blu-ray Disc (BD) player model, for immediate launch in the Taiwan market at a recommended retail price of NT$22,900 (US$753), with Blockbuster and Tsann Kuen being marketing partners, according to Samsung Electronics Taiwan.

The BD-P1500 features full HD (high definition) resolution of 1,080p and 7.1-channel surround sound, Samsung Taiwan indicated.

Blockbuster, in line with promoting sales of BD-P1500, will offer 50 movies, mostly produced by top Hollywood studios, in BD disc for sale/rent at its 134 chain retail stores around Taiwan by the end of July and the number of such BD movie will increase to 100 by the end of 2008, according to Lots Home Entertainment, which is the operator of Blockbuster in Taiwan.

Tsann Kuen, the largest retail chain of IT, communication and consumer electronics in Taiwan, will be the main retailer for the BD-P1500.

BD-P1500 is less expensive than BD player models offered by Sony, Pioneer and other Japanese vendors, Samsung Taiwan pointed out. The sales volume of BD players in Taiwan in 2008 is estimated to reach 30,000 units and Samsung aims to sell 15,000 units for a market share of 50%, Samsung Taiwan indicated.