Samsung Begins Selling First Ultra HD Blu-ray Player Today at Video & Audio Center Stores for $399!

The industry's first Ultra HD Blu-ray player goes on sale today!  

Samsung has announced plans to release its UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player through Video & Audio Center stores in California. Though the retailer originally indicated that limited quantities of the player would be available for $399 later today, it appears that the store's initial stock has already been pre-sold.

Video & Audio Center will hold a press conference at its Santa Monica location at 5pm to announce the sale and debut the player. A demo unit will be on display at that same location as well. In addition, the first Ultra HD Blu-ray discs from 20th Century Fox are also expected to be on hand, including 'The Martian.' The UBD-K8500 is HDR compatible and features four times the resolution of a traditional Blu-ray player. Likewise, the device offers a sleek, curved design and includes upscaling capabilities, streaming apps, and Blu-ray 3D playback.

More units are expected to be available for purchase in 7-10 days. Video & Audio Center California locations include Santa Monica, Lawndale, Agoura Hills, and Woodland Hills. The UBD-K8500 is also currently available for pre-order through Amazon. 20th Century Fox's first Ultra HD Blu-ray titles are expected to be available nationally on March 1. Ultra HD Blu-ray players from Panasonic and Philips are also set to arrive later this year, and Sony just announced plans to offer its first Ultra HD Blu-ray player model by March 2017.

Sources: Video & Audio Center Facebook, USA Today, TWICE