Adding to their video handling capabilities, both models offer DivxHD playback and support AVCHD playback from BD discs made from HD camcorders.

ENGADGET: Denon outs 2009 line of Blu-ray players, AV receivers and headphones

Many had hope that eventually MS would come around and at least add native support for HD DVD, but considering the Blu-ray spec requires BD Java -- and we know how much MS loves Java -- MS insiders like Chris Lanier don't think it'll ever happen.

ENGADGET: Will there ever be integrated HD media support in Vista? HD

There are also three new home theater systems that feature Blu-ray players, which of course are also BD Live and feature NetCast, but more interestingly also sport TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. Unlike the LHB954, the LHB977 and LHB979 both feature Tallboy speakers and two HDMI inputs which will really come in handy for anyone with a game console or a STB -- so yeah like everyone.

ENGADGET: LG's 2009 Blu-ray revamp and new Blu-ray HTIBs HD

Samsung's Premium Blu-ray Player (model BD-F7500) features advanced upscaling capabilities, allowing users to experience ordinary SD and HD content in superior resolution.

ENGADGET: Samsung introduces its CES audio hardware, claims a world first

Samsung's Premium Blu-ray Player (model BD-F7500) enhances the joy of watching your favorite movies by transforming ordinary SD and HD content into a superior resolution, such as that delivered by Ultra High Definition (UHD)-supported televisions.

ENGADGET: Samsung introduces its CES audio hardware, claims a world first