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Samsung is withdrawing from the Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player market in the US, according to an official spokesperson.

Speaking to John Archer at Forbes, a Samsung spokesperson initially only confirmed that the South Korean electronics giant will no longer be making any 4K Ultra HD players, having last released a new model in 2017.

Since then, Samsung has clarified its stance to CNET and has confirmed that it has ceased development on all disc players in the US market, including 1080p 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.

The move follows the Chinese electronics firm Oppo's decision to also withdraw from the Blu-ray player market last year.

Physical disc sales have been falling steadily over the last couple of years due to the increased popularity of streaming and digital sell-through. While Blu-ray disc sales have largely held up, and 4K Ultra HD disc sales have been encouraging, it is clear for some time that the future lies away from physical media.

Samsung's own particular problems in the crowded Blu-ray hardware market could also have contributed to the decision. Samsung's decision to support the HDR10 and HDR10+ format over the much more popular Dolby Vision format also limited the appeal of its players compared to those from its rivals.

Rivals Panasonic and Sony have continued to launch new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players model, with the former having recently launched a new player in foreign markets, and the latter announcing a new model at January's CES.

[via Forbes, CNET]