While the HD-DVD camp is launching, the Blu-ray camp is stalling. According to the Samsung spokesperson, the delay is due to compatibility testing and according to Samsung the same common reason is behind all Blu-ray player delays, from other manufacturers as well.

“We’re still going to be first to launch the Blu-ray player in the U.S.,” a Samsung spokesperson reminds us, explaining that the delay is down to the testing software. “Our hardware development is completed. We’re finished. The only thing we’re waiting on is the compatibility testing.” This was something, the spokesperson added, that was delaying all manufacturers.

The compatibility testing discs will be available to Samsung in late April, after which the company will shop the devices to retailers priced at a shrewd $999. The original launch of May 23 had been the same day that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Lionsgate Films were to release their first Blu-ray disc movies, according to press reports. Sony Pictures though, is believed to still be committed to that date, even with no player on the shelves.

Source: Forbes