Samsung has told Forbes that it will not launch any new 4K Blu-ray players going forward. According to the publication, the company apparently had plans to launch a new high-end 4K Blu-ray player in 2019, but the plan has now been shelved. Confirming the news, the South Korean company told CNET that it has decided to stop making new 1080p models as well, effectively saying goodbye to Blu-ray players.
“Samsung will no longer introduce new Blu-ray or 4K Blu-ray player models in the US market,” a Samsung spokesperson told CNET. Interestingly, the statement leaves the possibility of the company launching new models outside the US, although the chances are very slim. Also, since the decision pertains to new models, the company may continue to make and sell existing models as long as it makes business sense.
One step closer to the death of physical discs
The move to abandon the Blu-ray player market is not surprising as the proliferation of cheap 4K streaming devices and services has made accessing 4K content easy, eliminating the hassle of dealing with physical discs. While it can be argued that Blu-ray discs still offer better picture and audio quality, it is evident that customers are willing to trade them for the convenience and cost efficiency of streaming services.
Last year, Chinese brand OPPO also quit the Blu-ray player market. With Samsung joining the list now, we are one step closer to the inevitable death of physical discs. Demand for discs and players was down last year and that's likely going to be the trend this year as well.
