Chris, kind of a dark secret of these forums is that for many people, the BH200 poses nearly no problems. If it was really bug-ridden, people wouldn't use it. I run it bitstream to an Onkyo AVR and I have almost no dropouts or other problems.

I am using bitstream to a Yamaha RX-V663 connected by HDMI through a VEEO switcher and now to a Sanyo PLV-Z3 720p LCD projector. Previously to a similar 720p LCD projector, the Panasonic PT-AE900U. I hope the remaining issues can fixed for most everybody, my good fortune is far from proof the player has been updated to a status of desirability.

Chris

Here are a few pics of the tiny reader & micro card (4gbs ought to be enough :) ) -

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k184/gixxerman001/IMG_0346.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k184/gixxerman001/IMG_0347.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k184/gixxerman001/IMG_0348-1.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k184/gixxerman001/IMG_0350.jpg

Sorry that they are not the greatest images but it's a tricky one to shoot with the heights of my stuff in the shelving. :o

Got work! :) Is there room to just plug the card into the wire/reader and just leave it inside and close the door?

Ted

Yes, this is possible with something like non-conductive sticky foam, very do-able. I also thought about adding a spacer between the usb female end, the back side has these springs which have some play and are used to just ground the card so there's room.

I was even think if it was possible to put this mini part inside the front panel flush against the inside of the case, this may work. I didn't have the correct size screws or standoffs to try this myslef.

Thanks. The target deal works great. Now to keep my three year old from this one :)

+1, I nabbed one as well. I wish this puppy had more USB ports. I like to use the mp3/wma player on the BH200, as well.

Problems with Witch Mountain using the latest firmware. Reverted to previous and it worked fine. I really wish I could use the latest firmware that includes BD-Live but this is the second disc that doesn't play (Cofessions of a Shopaholic was the other). Hopefully we can get a firmware update that will correct the BD-Java issues that the BD-Live update ending up breaking, until then I will stick with the April firmware.

+1, I nabbed one as well. I wish this puppy had more USB ports. I like to use the mp3/wma player on the BH200, as well.

Is there any reason why the usb drive can't pull double duty? Just keep an extra gig free, the rest as music... no?

Is there any reason why the usb drive can't pull double duty? Just keep an extra gig free, the rest as music... no?

Nah... I have music on dedicated USB's usually, but I understand what you're saying.

I bought the Kawau micro SD card reader that was mentioned here earlier ($3.99 inc P&P....even to the UK!).

You'll find it here - w.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.25558 (not sure if this site is full link friendly so I knocked off a couple of ww's & the http).

It is kind of counter-intuitive, you have to put the micro card in at the 'wrong end' but it is very neat.
It sticks out about 2 or maybe 3mm but that's enough so as not to be able to shut the little door.
Not exactly the worst thing ever but it would have been nice.

If no-one else puts a pic up here in the mean-time I'll see if I can get something decent up later, Ted.

(and sorry, I've no idea about how the USB slot is fixed etc - I've never been inclined to start opening up the case so far)

Got one of those myself (with a 2GB card). Neat little bugger ;)
However, it is still too big for the little door to shut completely, it will only shut halfways. Anyway, it is better than nothing.
Can't complain really ;)

Got the latest firmware, mainly to be able to play AVCHD. Still, both BH200s call them "data" discs and will not play them. I have tried both Windows 7 native disc burner and CDBurnerXP, both are able to burn blu-compatible discs. What are you guys using?? Thanks.

Got the latest firmware, mainly to be able to play AVCHD. Still, both BH200s call them "data" discs and will not play them. I have tried both Windows 7 native disc burner and CDBurnerXP, both are able to burn blu-compatible discs. What are you guys using?? Thanks.

You try this, yet? http://multiavchd.deanbg.com/

No, but just downloaded to try it out. Thanks for the pointer!
Gene

Got the latest firmware, mainly to be able to play AVCHD. Still, both BH200s call them "data" discs and will not play them. I have tried both Windows 7 native disc burner and CDBurnerXP, both are able to burn blu-compatible discs. What are you guys using?? Thanks.

Have the same issue as well.

Has anybody tried the "AIX Audio Calibration Disc/HD Music Sampler"? I couldn't get it to play in my BH200, it just skipped forward with a little video and audio here or there. Moved it to another player and it played fine. I don't recall seeing any other disc I couldn't play with this player.

Chris

I owned two BH200 players and thought they were great machines. However, I returned them because of the lack of BD-Live and I wanted Netflix streaming. I bought two Samsung BD-P2550 to replace the two BH200 and brought my HD-DVD players out of retirement. The picture upscaling I thought was on par with the BD-P2550 and my HD-XA2 HD-DVD player. If LG ever updates the firmware to include Netflix streaming I am going to a jealous man.

If LG ever updates the firmware to include Netflix streaming I am going to a jealous man.

No need to worry about that. Even though it woud be a revenue stream for LG they won't do it.

Hi!

I have successfully updated the firmware in my BH-200.

I also put in a 4GB USB disk in the USB slot.

I tried to access the BD-Live features on "pirates of the caribbean - curse
of the back pearl" but it did not work.

Then, I figured I should enable the BD storage on the USB disk.
When I go into the Home -> Setup -> Others menu,
I do not see a "BD storage" option. I looked at the manual again,
and it does have the "BD storage" and "HD-DVD storage" option.

Just that my player does not have the "BD storage" option.

What does this mean? Does it mean that I need to enable
something more before it works?

Does it mean that LG made two different versions of the BH-200, and
some of them can't support BD-Live?

I have used the on-line features of the Transformers HD-DVD
in the past, so I know my setup works.


Answers will be much appreciated.
-jjsc

Are you sure POTC1 has any BD-Live features?

Just that my player does not have the "BD storage" option.

What does this mean? Does it mean that I need to enable something more before it works?
"BD storage" disappeared with the update to 02090630A on our BH200. I wouldn't worry about it. With the addition of BD-Live, anything in the user guide/manual about BD storage is bound to be inaccurate.

Since BD-Live storage requires a minimum of 1GB, and the BH200 itself doesn't have that much, LG probably removed the option to select "on board".

As for why PotC:Dead Man's Chest didn't work...peterjcat's answered that already. :)

As for why PotC:Dead Man's Chest didn't work...peterjcat's answered that already. :)
Although it's Black Pearl, not Dead Man's Chest.... I agree nothing on my package says anything about BDLive.

"BD storage" disappeared with the update to 02090630A on our BH200. I wouldn't worry about it. With the addition of BD-Live, anything in the user guide/manual about BD storage is bound to be inaccurate.

Since BD-Live storage requires a minimum of 1GB, and the BH200 itself doesn't have that much, LG probably removed the option to select "on board".

As for why PotC:Dead Man's Chest didn't work...peterjcat's answered that already. :)

Thanks peter and oilblue, but I was trying to play "liar's dice" mentioned
in this review:

http://www.blueboard.com/bluray/movie_review_potc2.htm

The review is a bit confusing in that it also reviews the "dead man's chest".
Maybe it mixed up the two movies.

Can anyone else who has potc1 and potc2 confirm if this game works
(and on which one)?

Thanks!
-jjsc

No need to worry about that. Even though it woud be a revenue stream for LG they won't do it.

I am certain LG won't add Netflix streaming to the BH200 if it is possible as well. How would it be a revenue stream for LG if it was added?

Chris

Although it's Black Pearl, not Dead Man's Chest.... I agree nothing on my package says anything about BDLive.

D'oh. That's what I meant. :) Thanks for catching it.

Thanks peter and oilblue, but I was trying to play "liar's dice" mentioned
in this review:

http://www.blueboard.com/bluray/movie_review_potc2.htm

The review is a bit confusing in that it also reviews the "dead man's chest".
Maybe it mixed up the two movies.

Can anyone else who has potc1 and potc2 confirm if this game works
(and on which one)?

Thanks!
-jjsc
I don't have either title on hand, but from that review, "Liar's Dice" isn't a BD-Live feature. It's an on-disc game authored in Java (BD-Java), whereas BD-Live involves an Internet connection to pull down content or connect with other people. Here's a quote from the review:
For example, a couple of viewers voiced the opinion that it would have been "supercool" if they could somehow play the game against human opponents (something that would necessitate the existence of BD-Live and mandatory network connectivity in all Blu-ray players),...

Course that doesn't answer whether the game works on the BH200 or not. Just that it isn't a BD-Live feature.

I am certain LG won't add Netflix streaming to the BH200 if it is possible as well. How would it be a revenue stream for LG if it was added?

Chris

I don't know for sure. But generally how new technology works is the one that holds the technology pays those who adopt it for use. That gets the name out (advertising) and then gets the support which then in turn can be used to make money for all parties.

Because Netfilx does make money by streaming over mailing movies 2 ways. The will spend less and will want to get the technology out there so they can spend less. Netflix may even have some sort of per-use royality they share with hardware manufacturers.

Hi!

I have successfully updated the firmware in my BH-200.

I also put in a 4GB USB disk in the USB slot.

I tried to access the BD-Live features on "pirates of the caribbean - curse
of the back pearl" but it did not work.

Then, I figured I should enable the BD storage on the USB disk.
When I go into the Home -> Setup -> Others menu,
I do not see a "BD storage" option. I looked at the manual again,
and it does have the "BD storage" and "HD-DVD storage" option.

Just that my player does not have the "BD storage" option.

What does this mean? Does it mean that I need to enable
something more before it works?

Does it mean that LG made two different versions of the BH-200, and
some of them can't support BD-Live?

I have used the on-line features of the Transformers HD-DVD
in the past, so I know my setup works.


Answers will be much appreciated.
-jjsc
I finally upgraded the firmware on my BH200 and saw a new menu for BD-Live with the default of "Partial" selected. I changed it to "Permitted" and popped in "Knowing", which I had just watched in the living room on the Sony BD player. (On that Sony player I went into BD-Live and it was slow to load and the only features available for the title were movie trailers from the studio, Summit.)

On the BH-200 I received an error "Not enough internal storage" when I tried to access BD-Live on the "Knowing" disc, and realized I forgot to plug in the USB stick. Plugged in an 8GB stick, launched BD-Live again, and it loaded much faster than on the Sony.

So BD-Live works on the BH200 and if you had an issue with insufficient storage, it would tell you, so perhaps the disc you tried really does not have BD-Live (on "Knowing" the option for BD-Live was right in the top-level of the pop-up menu, so it was very apparent it was there - other discs may have it elsewhere). You could also check to see if you had BD-Live set to "Partial" or turned off in the Home menu...

Miracle no longer works since updating to the new firmware :mad:

Unfortunately, I described in detail in several posts, this update seems to break Lost season 1 Bluray. Goes to a black screen after the menu loading animation, although it bizarrely works if I load up a season 4 disc first. Works like a charm on previous firmware.



I can confirm this. Lost Season 1 Disc 1 has issues (not sure about the other discs yet). Goes to a black screen. If you let it sit it will then eventually try to reload itself but it goes to a black screen again. After that I just held down the disc menu button on the remote and it popped up the Menu. Ive only done this once Ill try and figure out exactly what the procedure is to get the menu to come up every time.

I can confirm this. Lost Season 1 Disc 1 has issues (not sure about the other discs yet). Goes to a black screen. If you let it sit it will then eventually try to reload itself but it goes to a black screen again. After that I just held down the disc menu button on the remote and it popped up the Menu. Ive only done this once Ill try and figure out exactly what the procedure is to get the menu to come up every time.

Well I couldn't figure out a pattern. So I installed the previous firmware just to get through S1.

Hannah Montana movie doesn't work with new software. Reverted and it worked fine.

Hannah Montana movie doesn't work with new software. Reverted and it worked fine.


Thats a feature :D

Hannah Montana movie doesn't work with new software. Reverted and it worked fine.

You need to install the stripper pole for it to function correctly after the FW update.

heh.

Joking aside, the anecdotes of certain titles failing to function after a FW update is a little alarming. Hopefully it is a very minimized and easily correctable issue. Breaking SW/FW that currently exists when you "fix" something else is a really big taboo, IMHO. Happens way too often in my industry...

shinksma

You need to install the stripper pole for it to function correctly after the FW update.

heh.

Joking aside, the anecdotes of certain titles failing to function after a FW update is a little alarming. Hopefully it is a very minimized and easily correctable issue. Breaking SW/FW that currently exists when you "fix" something else is a really big taboo, IMHO. Happens way too often in my industry...

shinksma

Welcome to the wonderful world of shot-gun testing QA. In the CE manufacturer's defense... There really is too much to test, it makes sense but sucks for us. They need some automated testing system with a huge bank of DVDs to run through. It's possible and quite easy to do... hmmmm maybe my $1m idea to create?

Looks like Adventureland is a no go

Looks like Adventureland is a no go

Thanks for the alert. I just watched a rental copy of the SD version but I almost rented a blu-ray copy.

What exactly happens when you load the disc?

Thanks for the alert. I just watched a rental copy of the SD version but I almost rented a blu-ray copy.

What exactly happens when you load the disc?

It goes directly to language selection. Once I select english, just a black screen . Titles and chapters change for awhile on the display, but the movie never starts. I hit skip a few times and it skips a couple on the display, but nothing ever shows. I loaded it in the PS3 and straight to the trailers and then the menu. No language selection page. I'm using the newest firmware.

Ebay is looking more and more likely after I finish watching my remaining HD DVDs.

Ebay is looking more and more likely after I finish watching my remaining HD DVDs.

Great story, bro. It would have been better if it had a robot in it.

The comedy will be you stuck with the BH200 trying to watch the latest releases. ;) It's good to hear your patience knows no bounds...some of us, especially those with combo players since 2007, are fed up.

The comedy will be you stuck with the BH200 trying to watch the latest releases.

By the time I see enough Blu-ray movies causing me problems (and assuming LG do nothing about it - I'd say that's a very big 'if' seeing as we just got profile 2.0 against all odds - even after what must have been a costly rebate program) then I'll just buy what will by then be a more up-to-date model for the much shrunken cost they will then be.

No comedy and no drama.

The BH200 is such a good player I'll hang onto mine just for the HD DVD playback (which, again, barring a few well known by now titles is superb).

It's good to hear your patience knows no bounds...some of us are fed up.

The thing is though Vinnie, as things stand, they're all a bit flakey one way or another.
It seems to be the nature of this tech.

I honestly couldn't say which player I'd go for next if I had to, they all seem to have their quirky nature.

The comedy will be you stuck with the BH200 trying to watch the latest releases. ;) It's good to hear your patience knows no bounds...some of us, especially those with combo players since 2007, are fed up.



Especially if the manufacturers won't provide proper FW upgrades for these things. :mad:

The problem is every time I consider putting my player on Ebay I compare the standard dvd upconversion to my other players (Toshiba HD-A3, Panasonic BD60 and Oppo 970) that I end up dropping the idea. The standard dvd upconversion is really good on the BH200. I basically use the LG as a standard dvd player now.

Hannah Montana movie doesn't work with new software. Reverted and it worked fine.

Is this the bluray version? Can you describe exactly what happens when you try to watch the movie?

It goes directly to language selection. Once I select english, just a black screen . Titles and chapters change for awhile on the display, but the movie never starts. I hit skip a few times and it skips a couple on the display, but nothing ever shows. I loaded it in the PS3 and straight to the trailers and then the menu. No language selection page. I'm using the newest firmware.


Just to confirm is this the bluray version? Over in the BD390 forum there is a report of the SD version not working correctly. Could be new copy protection that the LG does not like, I'll have to use anydvd to see exactly what the problem is.

Nevermind...

The (Hannah Montana) disc stop loading right after you select the language. Same issues I had with Confessions of a Shopoholic and Adventureland. Appears to be a java based problem as the screen goes blank after you make a selection of language and then keeps spinning the disc. When i revert it works fine. Why is it when my wife and children want to watch a movie I have problem discs, maybe someone is telling me to play better movies. Anyway i think I have had enough of the two plus years of frustration and now have purchased a PS3. Anybody want a BH200 with some HDDVDs?

The problem is every time I consider putting my player on Ebay I compare the standard dvd upconversion to my other players (Toshiba HD-A3, Panasonic BD60 and Oppo 970) that I end up dropping the idea. The standard dvd upconversion is really good on the BH200. I basically use the LG as a standard dvd player now.
Not a problem here, with a BD-UP5000 and a BDP-83 on the side. I still have over 100 HD DVDs unfortunately so both combo players come in handy.

The (Hannah Montana) disc stop loading right after you select the language. Same issues I had with Confessions of a Shopoholic and Adventureland. Appears to be a java based problem as the screen goes blank after you make a selection of language and then keeps spinning the disc. When i revert it works fine. Why is it when my wife and children want to watch a movie I have problem discs, maybe someone is telling me to play better movies. Anyway i think I have had enough of the two plus years of frustration and now have purchased a PS3. Anybody want a BH200 with some HDDVDs?

Well, for how much? ;)

Cheap.... Sent you a PM

I can confirm that the Blu-Ray of DISNEY NATURE: EARTH behaves in the exact same manner as HANNAH MONTANA, ADVENTURELAND and other recent Disney titles -- once you select the language the disc doesn't load, stays on a black screen and fails to register. If you keep hitting fast forward you eventually get an obviously non-functioning version of the menu to pop up, but even pressing play doesn't make the movie start.

Quite obviously a problem that needs to be on the next firmware revision list!

Those experiencing problems with these discs, are your units connected to your network?

Have tried connected and stand alone to no avail.

Those experiencing problems with these discs, are your units connected to your network?

Have also tried both, makes no difference.

I know this is probably a bit obvious, but I assume you guys that have troublesome titles are reporting it to LG customer support? That is the only way these playback issues will be addressed in a timely fashion. The more people that complain, the better response we should get on these problems....

I know this is probably a bit obvious, but I assume you guys that have troublesome titles are reporting it to LG customer support? That is the only way these playback issues will be addressed in a timely fashion. The more people that complain, the better response we should get on these problems....

It doesn't matter... I've said the same thing a thousand times. Yes, what you said is exactly correct and it's not fair or correct to assume that saying but only a few complain through the established channels. And that's the only way to get things done. Everyone should have the number on quick dial...
1800-243-0000

Hannah Montana movie doesn't work with new software. Reverted and it worked fine.

Same here. Also Return to Witch Mountain didn't work before reverting. Not looking too good for new Disney films on the new firmware...

so, with "dropouts" I usually get 1-2 per movie, and most likely early on. I have the latest firmware. When I ran the player directly to my plasma (zenith/lg z50px2d) I had no dropouts. going through my 3808ci now, I get the 1-2 per movie (but not everytime). I am guessing this is an hdmi issue, but in any event, the new firmware didn't fix this.

so, with "dropouts" I usually get 1-2 per movie, and most likely early on. I have the latest firmware. When I ran the player directly to my plasma (zenith/lg z50px2d) I had no dropouts. going through my 3808ci now, I get the 1-2 per movie (but not everytime). I am guessing this is an hdmi issue, but in any event, the new firmware didn't fix this.

I've only noticed dropouts through my receiver with the (not so) seamless branching feature in some movies (I.e. Hancock directors cut)

If I recall correctly, Samsungmaster (who works for LG) stated the latest firmware only addressed the introduction of profile 2.0, and that it did not include any other fixes. I believe he said another firmware update would be released to address bugs.

That being said, Samsungmaster, and idea when the firmware addressing bugs will be released?


so, with "dropouts" I usually get 1-2 per movie, and most likely early on. I have the latest firmware. When I ran the player directly to my plasma (zenith/lg z50px2d) I had no dropouts. going through my 3808ci now, I get the 1-2 per movie (but not everytime). I am guessing this is an hdmi issue, but in any event, the new firmware didn't fix this.

Since I am a new owner of the BH200, I am not certain if this tied to the new firmware or not, but is anyone else having issues with the LG sending 5.1 audio as 7.1 with no sound in the rear channels. Let me explain. On Pirates of the Caribbean COTBP, it has an uncompressed 5.1 soundtrack option. When the audio was sent to my Onkyo 705, it said it was getting a 7.1 soundtrack. That would have been fine except for the fact that there was absolutely no sound info being received by the rear channels of my 7.1 system. And since the receiver thinks it is getting a full 7.1 sound, it disables the normal Dolby PrologicIIx sound mode that provides rear channel sound. This also goes for the THX 7.1 modes also. Now, I just played the Collectors Edition of Casino Royale which has a 5.1 Dolby True HD soundtrack. I had the LG set for PCM multichannel output and again it sent a psuedo 7.1 PCM output to my receiver. When I switched to Primary Pass Through, it did correctly send a 5.1 bitstream to my system. I have also checked Bolt with a DTS 5.1 master audio track. In this case, it bitstreams 5.1 and decodes to PCM, the 5.1 soundtrack. No problem there. Really bizarre. Has anyone else with a 7.1 system notice these discrepancies?
Thanks

Yep, it's a known problem (I started a thread about it a while back), and it's not just the latest firmware:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1026027

As you said, it's a pain because the Onkyo can't expand the mix into a 7.1 mix because it thinks it's already 7.1.



Since I am a new owner of the BH200, I am not certain if this tied to the new firmware or not, but is anyone else having issues with the LG sending 5.1 audio as 7.1 with no sound in the rear channels. Let me explain. On Pirates of the Caribbean COTBP, it has an uncompressed 5.1 soundtrack option. When the audio was sent to my Onkyo 705, it said it was getting a 7.1 soundtrack. That would have been fine except for the fact that there was absolutely no sound info being received by the rear channels of my 7.1 system. And since the receiver thinks it is getting a full 7.1 sound, it disables the normal Dolby PrologicIIx sound mode that provides rear channel sound. This also goes for the THX 7.1 modes also. Now, I just played the Collectors Edition of Casino Royale which has a 5.1 Dolby True HD soundtrack. I had the LG set for PCM multichannel output and again it sent a psuedo 7.1 PCM output to my receiver. When I switched to Primary Pass Through, it did correctly send a 5.1 bitstream to my system. I have also checked Bolt with a DTS 5.1 master audio track. In this case, it bitstreams 5.1 and decodes to PCM, the 5.1 soundtrack. No problem there. Really bizarre. Has anyone else with a 7.1 system notice these discrepancies?
Thanks

I don't know if anyone's brought it up yet, but I can't seem to get my Lost season 1 disc 1 to play properly. All the stupid previews and such will play fine, but when it comes time to head to the menu, it just stays on a black screen. I tried disabling BD-Live, changing the speed of the network, etc., but the only way to get the disc to play was to revert to a previous version of the firmware, at which point the disc worked fine.

Slightly annoying, since this was my intro to BD-Live and I was hoping to enjoy the extra features on the disc. Anyone else have any issues with this disc? I'm travelling at the moment, but on Tuesday I'll try upgrading to the newer firmware again and throw in the other discs from season 1, as well as discs from season 2 and 3.

I don't know if anyone's brought it up yet, but I can't seem to get my Lost season 1 disc 1 to play properly. All the stupid previews and such will play fine, but when it comes time to head to the menu, it just stays on a black screen. I tried disabling BD-Live, changing the speed of the network, etc., but the only way to get the disc to play was to revert to a previous version of the firmware, at which point the disc worked fine.

Slightly annoying, since this was my intro to BD-Live and I was hoping to enjoy the extra features on the disc. Anyone else have any issues with this disc? I'm travelling at the moment, but on Tuesday I'll try upgrading to the newer firmware again and throw in the other discs from season 1, as well as discs from season 2 and 3.

It has been brought up...I think if you revert to an older firmware it will work.

Also, Samsungmaster...Any news on the drop out/hand shake/discs not playing issues being fixed???

Yep, it's a known problem (I started a thread about it a while back), and it's not just the latest firmware:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1026027

As you said, it's a pain because the Onkyo can't expand the mix into a 7.1 mix because it thinks it's already 7.1.

I am wondering if somehow the problem was made worse by the latest firmware..... According to another BH200 owner on High Def Digest, he claims that he can at least get the uncompressed soundtracks to play correctly(a 5.1 soundtrack being sent to the receiver) by making sure to select PCM multi out on the Audio setup. He says it only does the bogus 7.1 if he leaves it set at Primary Pass through. He is running the firmware from March, I believe?
I am going to test this myself also.... and will report results. Has anyone else noticed this?

should i hold off? re-reading the past few weeks of posts, it sounds like an invitation for trouble.

I've yet to update my 10-month old player and it's played everything I've put in it to date (a mix of only about 16 titles); BD-Live means nothing to myself. If it works, why break it?

I am wondering if somehow the problem was made worse by the latest firmware..... According to another BH200 owner on High Def Digest, he claims that he can at least get the uncompressed soundtracks to play correctly(a 5.1 soundtrack being sent to the receiver) by making sure to select PCM multi out on the Audio setup. He says it only does the bogus 7.1 if he leaves it set at Primary Pass through. He is running the firmware from March, I believe?
I am going to test this myself also.... and will report results. Has anyone else noticed this?

I can confirm that the latest firmware exacerbates the bogus 7.1 audio problem. I went to LG's site and downloaded the firmware BH02081205A( I assume this means it is Dec. of 08?) and immediately after loading it, I checked my POTC disc and found that it does now correctly pass the 5.1 uncompressed audio option using PCM multi out. I guess combined with the other issues noted with this latest BD-live enabled firmware, this is one update to stay away from unless you really like BD-live features.....

I have downloaded and installed the BH02090630A firmware update. The Setup screen now includes settings for BD-Live. The options are Permitted, Partially Permitted and Restricted. The Factory default appears to be Partially Permitted.

I have tried numerous disks with the BD-Live option and I still get the message that says I need to check for a firmware update. One disk the message said "coming soon".

I am wondering if anyone else has updated the firmware on their BH200 and actually been able to see any BD-Live functionality?

Mark
Ball Ground, GA

I have downloaded and installed the BH02090630A firmware update. The Setup screen now includes settings for BD-Live. The options are Permitted, Partially Permitted and Restricted. The Factory default appears to be Partially Permitted.

I have tried numerous disks with the BD-Live option and I still get the message that says I need to check for a firmware update. One disk the message said "coming soon".

I am wondering if anyone else has updated the firmware on their BH200 and actually been able to see any BD-Live functionality?

Mark
Ball Ground, GA

Did you try plugging in a 1GB (or greater) USB thumb drive to the unit? That is the only way to get the full benefits (if you can call BD-Live that)

Ah, that did the trick, thanks. It is disappointing they put the USB for the flash drive on the front of the unit.. Actually, I would have rather they put enough internal memory. I looked at one disk BD-LIVE stuff, not overly impressed. But, at least it works. :)

I can confirm that the latest firmware exacerbates the bogus 7.1 audio problem. I went to LG's site and downloaded the firmware BH02081205A( I assume this means it is Dec. of 08?) and immediately after loading it, I checked my POTC disc and found that it does now correctly pass the 5.1 uncompressed audio option using PCM multi out. I guess combined with the other issues noted with this latest BD-live enabled firmware, this is one update to stay away from unless you really like BD-live features.....

OK, I am a complete idiot.... The December 08 firmware does not fix the bogus 5.1 to 7.1 problem. It is exactly the same. I did not realize that when I reverted back to the older firmware that it also changed my HDMI output to PCM stereo and I was too stupid to realize that my PrologicIIx was simply expanding that to all 7 channels. So, according to the Hi-def Digest member I have been consulting with, he has the March 09 firmware.. Can someone point me to an active link for this so I can try it? Thanks....

OK, I am a complete idiot.... The December 08 firmware does not fix the bogus 5.1 to 7.1 problem. It is exactly the same. I did not realize that when I reverted back to the older firmware that it also changed my HDMI output to PCM stereo and I was too stupid to realize that my PrologicIIx was simply expanding that to all 7 channels. So, according to the Hi-def Digest member I have been consulting with, he has the March 09 firmware.. Can someone point me to an active link for this so I can try it? Thanks....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1009104

This will explain the different firmwares and give links to download them.

I just checked the LG USA website and they have the latest firmware listed. (BH02090630A )

OK, I am a complete idiot.... The December 08 firmware does not fix the bogus 5.1 to 7.1 problem. It is exactly the same. I did not realize that when I reverted back to the older firmware that it also changed my HDMI output to PCM stereo and I was too stupid to realize that my PrologicIIx was simply expanding that to all 7 channels. So, according to the Hi-def Digest member I have been consulting with, he has the March 09 firmware.. Can someone point me to an active link for this so I can try it? Thanks....

Ain't that a nice "feature", it caught me sevearal times. I know others have echoed the same experience.

I figured they did it to hide the HDMI bitstream problem on as many of us unsuspecting consumers as possible. AFAIK there are none of the audio bugs with PCM over HDMI. I'd say it's sneaky, but I also know that's most likely not the reason. It makes sense to reset all settings to a factory defauly when you change firmware to ensure proper behaviour. That said, I didn't think PCM would be the default setting for HDMI, but that's just my opinion.

I just bought a new Pioneer Receiver (current newest model) does anyone know if it has the same issues as the older ones with this player and DD+?

Did you get an Elite model and has there been any new models announced in 2009? The SC-05 is incapable of bitstreaming Dolby Digital or DD+ from the BH200, it modulates the sound into something unlistenable (might work well in a music/efx production studio where you're trying to morph the characteristics of audio but not when you want to hear dialog and everything else clearly ;)). Luckily, it manages okay with TrueHD.

Did you get an Elite model and has there been any new models announced in 2009? The SC-05 is incapable of bitstreaming Dolby Digital or DD+ from the BH200, it modulates the sound into something unlistenable (might work well in a music/efx production studio where you're trying to morph the characteristics of audio but not when you want to hear dialog and everything else clearly ;)). Luckily, it manages okay with TrueHD.

I got the VSX-23TXH (ELITE) and it does all formats. The price is great and it comes with five HDMI in and two out, which I have to have since I have both a plasma and front projection setup.

Very fortunate for you...that looks to be a 2009 model. The 2008 model I have combined with the BH200 is a fricking travesty. I couldn't even hear the TrueHD bitstream of Letters From Iwo Jima last night (nothing but silence) and was forced to switch to PCM. :mad:

Just to give everybody a heads up. A firmware update is being developed to fix some playback issues on Adventureland, Hannah Montana The Movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Race to Witch Mountain. This may fix other discs that are having problems. There is some new code on these latest bluray releases that the BH200 is having trouble with.

Just to give everybody a heads up. A firmware update is being developed to fix some playback issues on Adventureland, Hannah Montana The Movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Race to Witch Mountain. This may fix other discs that are having problems. There is some new code on these latest bluray releases that the BH200 is having trouble with.

That is good to hear. But, what about fixes for older titles and the dropout/handshake issues? Any word on that? Thanks as always Samsungmaster.

That is good to hear. But, what about fixes for older titles and the dropout/handshake issues? Any word on that? Thanks as always Samsungmaster.

What other titles are you referring to? No word on dropout fixes.

Just to give everybody a heads up. A firmware update is being developed to fix some playback issues on Adventureland, Hannah Montana The Movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Race to Witch Mountain. This may fix other discs that are having problems. There is some new code on these latest bluray releases that the BH200 is having trouble with.

Thank you very much for the update. Any news on the 4:3 stretch issue?

Just to give everybody a heads up. A firmware update is being developed to fix some playback issues on Adventureland, Hannah Montana The Movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Race to Witch Mountain. This may fix other discs that are having problems. There is some new code on these latest bluray releases that the BH200 is having trouble with.

Any word on making seamless branching a bit more...you know...SEAMLESS? :)

Thanks much for the updates.

Just to give everybody a heads up. A firmware update is being developed to fix some playback issues on Adventureland, Hannah Montana The Movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Race to Witch Mountain. This may fix other discs that are having problems. There is some new code on these latest bluray releases that the BH200 is having trouble with.

Any word on getting combo SACDs to play? This is quite a nasty bug and it means the BH200 should not show the Compact Disc logo anywhere.

Any word on making seamless branching a bit more...you know...SEAMLESS? :)

Thanks much for the updates.

There probably will be no changes it the seamless branching. For the 4x3 issue, no timeframe for that one.

What other titles are you referring to? No word on dropout fixes.

German Crank HD DVD, UK Planet Earth BluRay's etc. ? I assume these are all scripting incompatibilities, but...

German Crank HD DVD, UK Planet Earth BluRay's etc. ? I assume these are all scripting incompatibilities, but...


I only deal with U.S. releases unfortunately. I can pass along this information but other than that not much else.

SSM,

Any love for Clerks II ? :cool: :)

Very fortunate for you...that looks to be a 2009 model. The 2008 model I have combined with the BH200 is a fricking travesty. I couldn't even hear the TrueHD bitstream of Letters From Iwo Jima last night (nothing but silence) and was forced to switch to PCM. :mad:

My daughter called and my receiver arrived today. I will try to conect this evening and report back. If it doesn't play well, I will return it.

Can anyone elaborate on the "helicopter issue" on DD+ I heard of in this thread so I can check for it?

There probably will be no changes it the seamless branching. For the 4x3 issue, no timeframe for that one.

An issues I have is with the new RAMBO blu ray....the sound drops repeatedly, and this has nothing to do with HDMI...it does it over every single type of audio connection (I did call LG about this several months ago).

SSM,

Any love for Clerks II ? :cool: :)

No love, the copy I have works good.

An issues I have is with the new RAMBO blu ray....the sound drops repeatedly, and this has nothing to do with HDMI...it does it over every single type of audio connection (I did call LG about this several months ago).


PM me your model of TV and receiver if using one.

Any word on making seamless branching a bit more...you know...SEAMLESS? :)

Thanks much for the updates.

Does the dropout on the seamless branching occur only with bitstream or does it also occur when set to send the PCM stream?

Trying to decide if I need to upgrade the drive / audio card in my HTPC.

Any chance that BD-R disc support will return?
Still stuck on April 2008 firmware...

There probably will be no changes it the seamless branching. For the 4x3 issue, no timeframe for that one.
Well, that is quite the distracting bug (audio dropouts during seamless branching)...I'm glad I'm about to phase out this player.

German Crank HD DVD, UK Planet Earth BluRay's etc. ? I assume these are all scripting incompatibilities, but...
Seriously, why would anyone still expect HD DVD (much less an import) fixes at this stage?

SSM,

Any love for Clerks II ? :cool: :)
Good God Almighty (sorry, I am sick of hearing about this title) and, again, this is on the long defunct *cough* HD DVD format. The pressing/buggy HDi (I can't remember the source of the problem between the two) issue isn't LG's problem even if some other manufacturers (make that manufacturer, Toshiba) found a loophole to bypass it.

My daughter called and my receiver arrived today. I will try to conect this evening and report back. If it doesn't play well, I will return it.

Can anyone elaborate on the "helicopter issue" on DD+ I heard of in this thread so I can check for it?
Good luck...I thought you had already connected it and had reported success in a previous post.

You can't miss the "helicopter." The audio will simply be garbled as if it's being gaited at a high frequency (similar to the effect one hears on their voice when speaking into the moving blades of a fan).

Thank you very much for the update. Any news on the 4:3 stretch issue?

There probably will be no changes it the seamless branching. For the 4x3 issue, no timeframe for that one.

Sorry if I'm wrong, but this appears to mean that they have it in the pipeline to work on this (or have started). If this is the case, thank you very much. I'll patiently wait for that day...

Thanks for the update SSM.

I updated to the newest FW BEFORE anyone said that all it did was BD-Live, and hadn't watched any HD-DVDS since..
Well in MY player, using HD-DVD, this is no good at all, the player actually makes a GRINDING noise pretty consistently, and stutters ALOT, is very slow to remote commands, etc.....
VERY BAD FW for my player, so I reverted back to 620 and all is well again....

Grinding, I stand can't believe that they messed something internally up so bad with that FW Update, that the player was actually grinding.....
I'm trying to figure out what would make that type of noise, and I can't think of anything for the life of me except maybe a small gear or something.....

I tried like 5 different discs, and it did the same on all of them, and wouldn't even play my Matrix HD DVD anymore...

Hopefully the next update will actually fix stuff instead of break stuff.......BD-LIVE is DEFINITELY NOT worth giving up my HD DVD collection.

Vinnie :rolleyes:

I paid full price for it (when it came out) and I had no idea it did not work in most players besides my long gone Toshiba.


Besides.. I had to ask :p It's still in my collection and it's a shame to see it sitting there and I cannot watch it.


SSM,

Thanks for keeping us informed around here, we owe you.

P.S. I'll send my copy of Clerks II to you if there is hope. :D

Drop it now and cut your losses, please, lol.

I have 1 title out of 50+ BD's (+ god knows how many rentals) and 80+ HDDVD's that has any issues at all (Pans Labyrinth) and I can still play the movie using a workaround so Im pretty happy with the current FW.

Infact I actually have not had a single drop-out (connected to DVDO Edge) since upgrading to BD-Live and I no longer get the irritating flashing snow screens after my player has booted (before a disc is inserted & starts loading) that made it hard to navigate the setup menu's so Im a happy camper right now. :)

Seriously, why would anyone still expect HD DVD (much less an import) fixes at this stage?

Because by finding and fixing one problem you very often find and fix an entire class of problems - unless your software engineers are complete morons, an option I reserve to call on for this player's team.

The point of expecting HD-DVDs to work, even if the format is dead, is because the player was sold as playing them. Else why don't LG just put a replacement programme in place an offer everyone a BluRay player in exchange ?

Why do that?My BH200 players have so far worked with every BD and HD DVD I've put in it.
They also gave me $75 for each player($225 total) and still upgraded them to BD profile 2.0. I have been very satisifed with these players. And with a four year warranty from Bestbuy on all of mine, I plan on keeping them considering I still have around three years left on the warranty.

Why do that?My BH200 players have so far worked with every BD and HD DVD I've put in it.
They also gave me $75 for each player($225 total) and still upgraded them to BD profile 2.0. I have been very satisifed with these players. And with a four year warranty from Bestbuy on all of mine, I plan on keeping them considering I still have around three years left on the warranty.

It plays every mainstream US HD DVD. However, I have at least 50 discs that won't play or have issues with the BH200.

There probably will be no changes it the seamless branching. For the 4x3 issue, no timeframe for that one.

Awesome. My $30 Wal-Mart Durabrand DVD player can seamless branch, but this can't. LOL! Oh well...not shooting the messenger here SSM...thanks for the info.

Does the dropout on the seamless branching occur only with bitstream or does it also occur when set to send the PCM stream?

Trying to decide if I need to upgrade the drive / audio card in my HTPC.

Right now I'm optical only, so downconverting to DTS. I'm hoping when I upgrade to an HDMI preamp the problems will disappear, but realistically I know that won't happen, and in fact other issues I do not currently have will probably pop up! :)

Drop it now and cut your losses, please, lol.

NEVER! :D


I just picked up my second one of these on ebay for about 180.. seems like a no brainer now with BD-live and my large HD DVD library. \m/

maybe I can still get the 75 dollars.

Have had the BH200 for over a year and own 45 Blu-Ray's. Having my 1st problem with a Blu-Ray. I have the latest F/W installed and I am connected to a Onkyo SR-805 HDMI. Bought the BLU-RAY release of "Creepshow" and it will not play. Infact it is not even recognized as a BLU-RAY disc. All the BH200 does is "read" the disc for a long time then ejects it with "disc error". I even went as far as purchased a 2nd copy of "Creepshow" with the same exact problem. any thoughts. All other BLU-RAYS I own work fine. Just wondering if I have wasted $19.95 twice?

There seems to be something with the latest bluray releases that doesn't work well with the current firmware. Most people seem to be having luck just reverting back to the March 09 firmware. Of course that defeats the bd-live option, but most seem to prefer the improved playability over those extra features anyway. Like I have said before, be sure to place a call to LG support and complain. The more they hear from us, the more likely we will see another timely firmware fix, I hope!

Juts make sure you have at least a 1GB usb drive in. And the BD-Live titles will be fine.

Just to give everybody a heads up. A firmware update is being developed to fix some playback issues on Adventureland, Hannah Montana The Movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Race to Witch Mountain. This may fix other discs that are having problems. There is some new code on these latest bluray releases that the BH200 is having trouble with.

Do you know when this firmware update can be expected? I don't think I've seen one since June.

I hope it is soon. I have been unable to play two Disney titles, Race to Witch Mountain and another, they have multiple language selections you can make, maybe that is why the current firmware can't read them. I had no problem with these titles on a Sony Bray player, I would hate to have to dump LG over Sony to be able to watch the latest Disney titles:(

Do you know when this firmware update can be expected? I don't think I've seen one since June.

The date is unknown but I am sure happy it is being worked on.

Chris

This unit does not work via HDMI out to my Denon AVR-3808CI....audio and video dropouts..........I have used about 7 or 8 other units via HDMI to my Denon and all of them worked perfectly. These av dropouts occur with HDDVD and Blu Ray but Dvd's do not have any dropouts at all.

LG should fix this as the unit is useless to me unless I can bitstream the advanced codec's.

I'm in Canada and both units have newest firmware.

finally got my BH200 working 100% again. i see now that theres a firmware update for the BD live. do i need to save any files off the internet to do that or just update through ethernet on the player and im good ?

Just to give everybody a heads up. A firmware update is being developed to fix some playback issues on Adventureland, Hannah Montana The Movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Race to Witch Mountain. This may fix other discs that are having problems. There is some new code on these latest bluray releases that the BH200 is having trouble with.

Please don't forget the 1st 2 seasons of Lost too on that list. I reverted back to the old firmware to play those discs. I'm hoping this will fix them too since most likely it looks like a Disney problem.

Please don't forget the 1st 2 seasons of Lost too on that list. I reverted back to the old firmware to play those discs. I'm hoping this will fix them too since most likely it looks like a Disney problem.

Same here, it is (so far) the only reason I have to revert back to the older firmware. If they fix the first couple of seasons of Lost, as well as improving playback of Maximum Movie Mode extras if possible, I'd be a pretty happy camper! Most important is Lost however :).

i updated my BH200 with the latest firmware through ethernet and gave me a BD live connection option in the network setup. i have it on permitted but when i put in the dark knight and try to acess the BD live it pops up saying that to access this feature i need a firmware update for BD live. well i already updated it. is there something else im missing ?

is there something else im missing ?

You may need more memory for the BD Live functionality. Try again with at least 1 GB free on an attached USB memory stick.

For the 4x3 issue, no timeframe for that one.

I have to admit that I am very disappointed. Why is it so difficult to fix this problem? I would appreciate a comment....

I was just at a small electronics store here in town that was still selling brand new BH200 players for $799! As if!

I was just at a small electronics store here in town that was still selling brand new BH200 players for $799! As if! must be a small town

I was just at a small electronics store here in town that was still selling brand new BH200 players for $799! As if!

must be a small town
They probably got stuck with them at the higher price.

must be a small town

Population over 290,000 so no, not small. This is just a locally owned store that have always had the high-end stuff before everyone else. I remember them having a 100" rear projection TV several years back that was like $15,000 and had to be taken apart to get it in your house. When they have a sale their stuff is usually priced 20% higher than a big chain's everyday price. Pretty sad, but you can haggle with the salespeople and get some good deals if you know what you are doing. For example, I bought the high-end aluminum Toshiba HD-DVD player from them after blu-ray won, and made a $400 profit on ebay from it.

Snow White doesn't work either. It Does the same thing as Adventureland. I'm just about done with this damn thing. Luckily I have a PS3

Snow White doesn't work either. It Does the same thing as Adventureland. I'm just about done with this damn thing. Luckily I have a PS3

I'm done also. The firmware updates haven't come fast enough, the 4:3 issue still irritates me, and as good as the upconversion is, you can find similarly strong performance in other players.

Good thing you can recoup on the secondary market -- got $300 a piece for my two BH200's in the last 7 days.

I'm still vacillating on whether to sell off my BH200 or BDUP5000. :o The latter has been more stable as of late as a result of not introducing new features (like BD-Live) most likely but the former is more "up to date" (unfortunately, that hasn't guaranteed latest disc compatibility). Hmmm.

I'm still vacillating on whether to sell off my BH200 or BDUP5000. :o The latter has been more stable as of late as a result of not introducing new features (like BD-Live) most likely but the former is more "up to date" (unfortunately, that hasn't guaranteed latest disc compatibility). Hmmm.

Since most of the HD-DVDs I wanted have been reissued on BD, the main reason I still used the BH200 was for the region free capability. After I found out the Curtis Mathes player at Target is really a Momitsu clone (runs on its firmware), I picked one up. For $99 it runs all regions (PAL conversion included) but actually gets the 4:3 issue right and isn't nearly as buggy as far as BD playback goes. Also much faster response and load times. Uses a Broadcom processor (that some of the LG's have) and the upconversion via the Momitsu firmware is pretty solid too -- maybe not up to the QDeo but not shabby either. So for what I would use it for, it's like I upgraded my player and was reimbursed $200 in the process. :)

Hey guys.

It take:

Driver = 0702
Firmware = BH02090630A (2009-06-30)

Are still the latest? Thanks.

I'd go crazy is the BH200 was my sole BD player. Way to many issues right now.

In all the time I've owned the BH200 I've never had an audio or video dropout and have had literally one disc that refuses to work, none that work to an extent.

From my opinion it's still a fantastic player. The DTS Re-encode is enough reason for me to keep it. I cannot believe that doesn't come as standard on all BD Players (or DD Re-encode).

In all the time I've owned the BH200 I've never had an audio or video dropout and have had literally one disc that refuses to work, none that work to an extent.

From my opinion it's still a fantastic player. The DTS Re-encode is enough reason for me to keep it. I cannot believe that doesn't come as standard on all BD Players (or DD Re-encode).

For me, I review discs so I need a reliable player. I can't wait for an update play a movie and sadly it looks like the BH200 has too many issues with newer titles right now.

For me, I review discs so I need a reliable player. I can't wait for an update play a movie and sadly it looks like the BH200 has too many issues with newer titles right now.

Only if you have the newest firmware installed, you know the one that enables BD-Live.

By the way if you would be so kind, could you please reply to the message I send you awhile I go when you have a chance :o:o Pleeeease!!!

Only if you have the newest firmware installed, you know the one that enables BD-Live.

By the way if you would be so kind, could you please reply to the message I send you awhile I go when you have a chance :o:o Pleeeease!!!

I can't play that game when studios send me product to review. I needed a reliable player.

I did (last week). Let me check, maybe it didn't make it past my drafts.

I can't play that game when studios send me product to review. I needed a reliable player.

I did (last week). Let me check, maybe it didn't make it past my drafts.

I believe the BH200 as long as you don't install the latest firmware. So is LG's BD390 a reliable player then?

Fair enough Gizmo. I just mean, bar one disc, the BH200 has been rock solid for me. I don't tend to buy the "big hollywood" blockbusters too often and those with all there whizz this and whizz that, is what tends to make the BH200 fall over.

Anyone? Thanks:
Hey guys.

It take:

Driver = 0702
Firmware = BH02090630A (2009-06-30)

Are still the latest? Thanks.

I believe the BH200 as long as you don't install the latest firmware. So is LG's BD390 a reliable player then?

The only problem I see with the BD390 is that it consistently won't play any of my HD DVD's :D (J/K, of course I don't own one).

However, my BH200 has played / will play everything I own with the old trusty April 2008 firmware. I can live without BD-Live so until something doesn't play, I'm not upgrading.

Just for clarification, does Snow White work with older firmware?

Just for clarification, does Snow White work with older firmware?
Yes. I have a March 2009 firmware on my BH200 and watched it yesterday just fine.

I'm guessing that "Big" firmware update isn't gonna really happen, it's Mid October and not a sniff of a FW update that does anything.....

That BD-Live FW update was GARBAGE, it made my player grind and stutter like a POS.
BD-Live?!!!
Who gives a crap about a USELESS and ridiculous waste of time GIMMICK, how about they fix the INITIAL problems instead of adding new ones with GARBAGE fw that does nothing but cause more problems!!

Stop trying to dazzle with stupidity and fix the problems!!

I'm guessing that "Big" firmware update isn't gonna really happen, it's Mid October and not a sniff of a FW update that does anything.....
That happened in June with the BD Live upgrade, no?

That happened in June with the BD Live upgrade, no?

Yeah, technically...

Maybe by "big one" they meant the one that was going to stop your player from playing movies... :rolleyes:

I've had no problems with it period :).

I've had no problems with it period :).

Tried to play any newer Disney movies? I know I had 2 or 3 that wouldn't play after the latest update. Went back to the firmware before that and they all play fine again.

Having kids and a player that won't play Disney movies=:eek:

No. Lion King aside, I'm not interested in owning Disney movies. They don't appeal to me. Thanks for the heads up though.

Disney tend to fill their discs with interactive stuff. I imagine that's why the player struggles. Did you have a decent sized USB Stick in there?

No. Lion King aside, I'm not interested in owning Disney movies. They don't appeal to me. Thanks for the heads up though.

Disney tend to fill their discs with interactive stuff. I imagine that's why the player struggles. Did you have a decent sized USB Stick in there?

I believe that the size that was recommended was 2 gb - that is what I have.

But, even turning the BD features off in the player's setup did not help. Two of the moves off the top of my head were Race to Witch Mountain and the new Hannah Montana movie.

Caused havoc in my house :o

When, if ever, are we getting a firmware fix for Disney titles???????

The latest Disney/Pixar film ("Up") is coming out in a week or two and I'll be really upset if I can't watch it because the BH200 can't handle the disc when EVERY OTHER PLAYER OUT THERE can.

I've had no problems with it period :).

Wouldn't you first have to buy a player to install the FW update? ;)

No. Lion King aside, I'm not interested in owning Disney movies. They don't appeal to me. Thanks for the heads up though.

Disney tend to fill their discs with interactive stuff. I imagine that's why the player struggles. Did you have a decent sized USB Stick in there?
None of the Pixar stuff holds any interest for you? wow.

I have several BH200s. They are running the newest update and it has problems on the new Disney discs, and, the BD Live stuff has been a non-starter for me. I just want to play the movie. So, should I go back to March '09 or even further back?

It appears only two are left on the LG site and I am not sure which they are.

Which one do you all recommend?

I'm guessing that "Big" firmware update isn't gonna really happen, it's Mid October and not a sniff of a FW update that does anything.....

That BD-Live FW update was GARBAGE, it made my player grind and stutter like a POS.
BD-Live?!!!
Who gives a crap about a USELESS and ridiculous waste of time GIMMICK, how about they fix the INITIAL problems instead of adding new ones with GARBAGE fw that does nothing but cause more problems!!

Stop trying to dazzle with stupidity and fix the problems!!

It's working fine on my three BH200s.

Although since getting the LG BD390 the speed has spolied me. It's faster than the PS3 and when using the BH200 it is so slow in comparison.

I have several BH200s. They are running the newest update and it has problems on the new Disney discs, and, the BD Live stuff has been a non-starter for me. I just want to play the movie. So, should I go back to March '09 or even further back?

It appears only two are left on the LG site and I am not sure which they are.

Which one do you all recommend?

Use the March 2009 firmware as it works well with the current Disney discs.

^^^
+1.
March 2009 firmware if you don't need AVCHD or BD-R. My BH200 played every movie I've thrown at it. PM me if you need one; the LG website only has June 2009 and Dec 2008 FW.

The latest Disney/Pixar film ("Up") is coming out in a week or two and I'll be really upset if I can't watch it because the BH200 can't handle the disc when EVERY OTHER PLAYER OUT THERE can.Huh? They can? And how do you know that if the disc isn't coming out for a week or two?

Let's all pollute this thread with more "I'm really gonna be mad if..." posts. :p

It's working fine on my three BH200s.

Although since getting the LG BD390 the speed has spolied me. It's faster than the PS3 and when using the BH200 it is so slow in comparison.

I agree, I am still impressed by this player - it literally does everything I want: plays both HD format, plays all SD formats, plays all region, scales all discs on Earth; a true multi-region, multi-system gem for me.

Yes, sometimes it takes long minutes to load some BDs and even so sometimes they are really-really buggy - but after many years of Netflix and lately Blockbuster (after Netflix jacked up HD prices) so far everything played for me.
I had way more issues with my DVDO EDGE scaler than with this player.

My only complaint is that I never got any money back from LG... :(

^^^
+1.
March 2009 firmware if you don't need AVCHD or BD-R. My BH200 played every movie I've thrown at it. PM me if you need one; the LG website only has June 2009 and Dec 2008 FW.

Thanks. I will send you a PM. I have saved several of the updates on my computer for future use, but I never saved a copy of that file.

Thanks. I will send you a PM. I have saved several of the updates on my computer for future use, but I never saved a copy of the file.

Can you PM me too?

Thanks.

Huh? They can? And how do you know that if the disc isn't coming out for a week or two?

Let's all pollute this thread with more "I'm really gonna be mad if..." posts. :p

Have there been any reports about Snow White, Disney Earth and other titles not working in other blu-ray players? No. There has not. (If you don't trust me, do an Internet search.) No other player is having problems with ALL new Disney releases. It's hardly "pollution" (or Internet FUD) to think that the next big Disney release(s) will also have issues since there has been no adjustment to the BH200 from LG.

My BH200 would not load "The Final Patient", an Echo Bridge budget Blu-ray title. I moved it to a PS3 and it loaded immediately. I assume there is no Java on the disc, just the most basic of releases as with the other Echo Bridge titles I have played. I don't recall if I have ever tried one in the BH200 previously.

Chris

The "Final Patent" played okay on my machine. Actually I have a number of the Echo Bridge movies and, fortunately, have not had any problems.

I do not, however, have the latest firmware loaded (too many horror stories, and I don't really care about DB-Live). What version of firmware are you running?

For those people who are having no trouble with discs not playing, please tell me what firmware you are using and what country you are in.

The "Final Patent" played okay on my machine. Actually I have a number of the Echo Bridge movies and, fortunately, have not had any problems.

I do not, however, have the latest firmware loaded (too many horror stories, and I don't really care about DB-Live). What version of firmware are you running?

The latest.

Chris

Those Echo Bridge titles have been out for some time. At least a year.

Sounds to me like the problems with the latest firmware update are deeper then just some compatibility issues with new disc code.

That happened in June with the BD Live upgrade, no?


NO, it wasn't.
That didn't fix jack jhgs;djkh and caused problems just so they could get that POS BD-Live out for folks that were whining about it.
I THOUGHT that SSM said it was NOT the FW for fixes, but basically to enable BD-Live, and that another one was coming.

It's working fine on my three BH200s.

Although since getting the LG BD390 the speed has spolied me. It's faster than the PS3 and when using the BH200 it is so slow in comparison.

Good for you Aaron, I couldn't play HD DVDs anymore because the player made a grinding noise(audibly loud-mecahnical-consistently like 15 seconds apart), and caused it to stutter BADLY, tried on a bunch of movies- the same thing everytime.....
Rolled back to the previous FW and the stuttering and grinding went away.

The only thing I saw was BD-Live works....too bad it doesn't PLAY anymore..as long as that POS BD-Live works, I guess thats all that matters.......:rolleyes:

BD-Live works, but it won't play Disney!!!
How Ironic, those kjcnS/C,NC/J,DCB are one of the reasons that idiocy was even created......they get what they deserve.:p

I couldn't load the second Echo Bridge Blu-ray I tried, "Salem Witch Trials". It tries for a while then spits it out indicating disc error. It appears that the simple bare bones Echo Bridge titles won't play with the latest firmware.

Chris

Add Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs to the list of movies that won't play. Gotta love it.

Add Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs to the list of movies that won't play. Gotta love it.

Ouch. That sounds bad. I'm assuming your referring to the BD version. I ordered it from Amazon. But being animation, I bought the DVD version instead.

Add Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs to the list of movies that won't play. Gotta love it.

Firmware version???

Add Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs to the list of movies that won't play. Gotta love it.

I have that one sitting beside me and was going to try it using the latest firmware. I now know what to expect and the list is getting really long, I think I have about 30 different titles the player won't play with this firmware version. What a shame, I had hoped LG had turned the corner and gotten this player working better, not worse.

Chris

Interestingly, I seem to be doing OK with the April firmware. I think BD live is not worth the hassle...yet.

Add Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs to the list of movies that won't play. Gotta love it.

"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" loaded fine and is playing fine. I have jumped around a few chapters and let it play several minutes. No issues noted at all. It looks amazing. I am using the latest firmware.

Chris

I'll have to try it again, I put it in right after I watched monster vs aliens and it would not load.

I tried it again and it still didn't work. The "newest firmware info" screen comes up and it looks as if it's going to load and then just sits there.

Well, I removed the USB memory and was able to get it to load. Then I initialized the USB memory and everything worked fine. Not sure what that was all about.

Well, I removed the USB memory and was able to get it to load. Then I initialized the USB memory and everything worked fine. Not sure what that was all about.

Sounds like the fun of an incomplete standard with the use of a virtual machine in what we call BD-Live fun.

But being animation, I bought the DVD version instead.

This has got to be one of the most puzzling statements I've seen in a while...
my only response is...

WHAT?

I'm hoping that you are just not that interested in animation, and not that you think animation on DVD is almost as good as HD video. I can understand what you would be thinking about the transfer process, but that's only 1/2 the process. There is still the need to get it encoded for the disc and that's where the HD shows a big difference.

Have you done a side-by-side comparison of BD and DVD in animation?

Don't get me wrong, DVDs of digital movies look good, but HD versions do look a lot better.*

*Dependant on your display size. Small size don't even worry about it. But anything over 40" and you should be able to notice a big difference.

Ouch. That sounds bad. I'm assuming your referring to the BD version. I ordered it from Amazon. But being animation, I bought the DVD version instead.3D-type (computer-gen) movies from Disney, Dreamworks and Pixar are meant to be seen in HD. But personally, I'm content having only classic 2D stuff on DVD.

This has got to be one of the most puzzling statements I've seen in a while...
my only response is...

WHAT?

I'm hoping that you are just not that interested in animation, and not that you think animation on DVD is almost as good as HD video. I can understand what you would be thinking about the transfer process, but that's only 1/2 the process. There is still the need to get it encoded for the disc and that's where the HD shows a big difference.

Have you done a side-by-side comparison of BD and DVD in animation?

Don't get me wrong, DVDs of digital movies look good, but HD versions do look a lot better.*

*Dependant on your display size. Small size don't even worry about it. But anything over 40" and you should be able to notice a big difference.

I think animation in 1080p is amazing on a big screen and although I don't plan on replacing animation classics I already own on DVD, I am sure glad I purchased the Blu-ray version of this film. The difference is worth the premium to me, it cost me $20 at Wal-Mart if my memory is correct. I don't know what the DVD version costs.

Chris

This has got to be one of the most puzzling statements I've seen in a while...
my only response is...

WHAT?

I'm hoping that you are just not that interested in animation, and not that you think animation on DVD is almost as good as HD video. I can understand what you would be thinking about the transfer process, but that's only 1/2 the process. There is still the need to get it encoded for the disc and that's where the HD shows a big difference.

Have you done a side-by-side comparison of BD and DVD in animation?

Don't get me wrong, DVDs of digital movies look good, but HD versions do look a lot better.*

*Dependant on your display size. Small size don't even worry about it. But anything over 40" and you should be able to notice a big difference.

I hear you. I kind of thought I wouldn't see that much difference on a 50inch 720 plasma. I'll try one in BD in the future.

When I read that post I completely understood, but I now see it was for a different reason than I have. Most of our animated titles are going to be watched in the play room by my 3 year old, so we buy animated titles on DVD because there is no hd player - nor do I want to put one in a room with a 20" crt tv. Horton Hears a Who is pretty much his favorite non-dinosaur title now, and we only own it on blu-ray, and he's not very happy when he can't watch it. (family room is next to my wife's home office, and therefor off limits during the week)

That being said, I am very happy that recent Disney titles have been released with blu-ray and dvd, as I can stick one copy upstairs, and have the blu-ray copy in the family room. It's easy to convince myself and my wife when there's only a $5 difference in price - and lately many titles are the same price.


This has got to be one of the most puzzling statements I've seen in a while...
my only response is...

WHAT?

I'm hoping that you are just not that interested in animation, and not that you think animation on DVD is almost as good as HD video. I can understand what you would be thinking about the transfer process, but that's only 1/2 the process. There is still the need to get it encoded for the disc and that's where the HD shows a big difference.

Have you done a side-by-side comparison of BD and DVD in animation?

Don't get me wrong, DVDs of digital movies look good, but HD versions do look a lot better.*

*Dependant on your display size. Small size don't even worry about it. But anything over 40" and you should be able to notice a big difference.

Anyone know when the next firmware update is due and what will be new or what will be resolved from problems with the current firmware?

Anyone know when the next firmware update is due and what will be new or what will be resolved from problems with the current firmware?

We don't know, there was SUPPOSEDLY a BIG update coming in the summer, that was gonna take care of alot of the issues, but all we got was a BS BD-Live update that was useless UNLESS you wanted that GIMMICK BD-Live!!

It made my player Grind...yeah, GRIND when I tried to play an HD-DVD, tons of dropouts, etc...it was rather pathetic.

As long as folks get that GOOFY and USELESS BD-LIVE GIMMICK everything else is fine over in LG Land!!
What ever happened to having a player actually PLAY the format/s it was designed for before worrying about FLUFF?!

Fix the Helicopter issue, fix the 4x3 issue, fix the dropouts, fix the discs that won't play, including a little studio called DISNEY (who ironically had a big hand in interactivity)!

This has got to be one of the most puzzling statements I've seen in a while...
my only response is...

WHAT?


I have a DVD player connected to just about every display I own (including the computers, cars and boat). I have a Blu-ray player connected to one (home theater). Some movies, especially kids and family, must be purchased on DVD.

Thank God Disney has seen the light and includes a DVD with the Blu-ray.

John

I can't find the previous firmware to downgrade so that my BH200 actually works. Can anyone help?

Clearly, LG has no plan to actually make sure consumers can play Blu-Ray discs on their Blu-Ray player as we're at five months and counting without a fix, or even word of one being imminent. I guess I'll have to deal with constant nag screens to update firmware--assuming I can find an older version and successfully downgrade--in order to watch ANY new disc. To say I'm disgusted and annoyed with LG's treatment of this VERY expensive player doesn't even begin to cover it. I actually called LG today and was told they'd had "no reports" of Disney Blu-Rays not working. (This despite the fact that I, personally, have previously reported it, both via phone and email, and it's been acknowledged via this forum as a known issue by LG employees.) Undaunted by this info, they tried to get me to submit a repair on my player, again, in lieu of actually taking a report and/or actually helping me. Arrggh!!!

I can't find the previous firmware to downgrade so that my BH200 actually works. Can anyone help?

Clearly, LG has no plan to actually make sure consumers can play Blu-Ray discs on their Blu-Ray player as we're at five months and counting without a fix, or even word of one being imminent. I guess I'll have to deal with constant nag screens to update firmware--assuming I can find an older version and successfully downgrade--in order to watch ANY new disc. To say I'm disgusted and annoyed with LG's treatment of this VERY expensive player doesn't even begin to cover it. I actually called LG today and was told they'd had "no reports" of Disney Blu-Rays not working. (This despite the fact that I, personally, have previously reported it, both via phone and email, and it's been acknowledged via this forum as a known issue by LG employees.) Undaunted by this info, they tried to get me to submit a repair on my player, again, in lieu of actually taking a report and/or actually helping me. Arrggh!!!

What FW version are you using now?
I had to revert to the one before that USELESS BDLive one, I have that one.

I have a DVD player connected to just about every display I own (including the computers, cars and boat). I have a Blu-ray player connected to one (home theater). Some movies, especially kids and family, must be purchased on DVD.

Thank God Disney has seen the light and includes a DVD with the Blu-ray.

John

I was just saying that to think animation was somehow not benefitting from HD transfer was silly.

And I agree with the others... it's a great thing Disney has going with the combo packs. It's rare for Disney to do something in the consumer's favor, but in this case I think they have. We even get the digital copy for our PC!

I think they realized that at the cost (what <$1/disc) the consumer gets a big win by paying a premium price (not so big a gap when Disney DVDs rarely get below $20) Who am I kidding... they've got some angle on this thing that will make them more $$$.

I just know that the animation movies we have that are both classic cell animation and CGI do look great in HD, well worth the costs. The CGI stuff looks WAY better, but the restored classic stuff is still amazing.

I may not be the best to judge the value as I own multiple copies of all those classic titles... VHS, LD and (gasp) DVD. If they release a different version in any of those formats I was one of the suckers that bit.

Found the March09 firmware here: h*ttp://rs713.rapidshare.com/files/22..._03-04-09_.zip

This one has been the most stable and seems to let u play Disney films with minimal issues.

Sorry for the * symbol in link just remove it.

Found the March09 firmware here: h*ttp://rs713.rapidshare.com/files/22..._03-04-09_.zip

This one has been the most stable and seems to let u play Disney films with minimal issues.

Sorry for the * symbol in link just remove it.

I get an error message when I use that link. I'm trying to revert to the last firmware just before the BD Live update.

Good for you Aaron, I couldn't play HD DVDs anymore because the player made a grinding noise(audibly loud-mecahnical-consistently like 15 seconds apart), and caused it to stutter BADLY, tried on a bunch of movies- the same thing everytime.....
Rolled back to the previous FW and the stuttering and grinding went away.

The only thing I saw was BD-Live works....too bad it doesn't PLAY anymore..as long as that POS BD-Live works, I guess thats all that matters.......:rolleyes:

BD-Live works, but it won't play Disney!!!
How Ironic, those kjcnS/C,NC/J,DCB are one of the reasons that idiocy was even created......they get what they deserve.:p

I haven't tired any recent Disney titles but the few older Disney titles I tried played fine on my BH200s with the BD-Live firmware.

I haven't noticed any difference though other than being able to access BD Live content. Every HD DVD and BD I've put in my BH200's have worked since the BD Live firmware. Although I've probably only put around 30 or 40 titles in them since receiving the new firmware.

I'll be getting UP and Monster INC. next week so i'll be sure to throw them in the BH200s and see what happens.

I'll be getting UP and Monster INC. next week so i'll be sure to throw them in the BH200s and see what happens.

It's already been reported in another thread that Up also doesn't work and I'd guess that Monsters, Inc. won't either. I'm still looking for a working link to the previous firmware so I can downgrade and watch these movies (and Disney Earth and Snow White, which I also just have sitting there).

I'm trying to revert to the last firmware just before the BD Live update.

I'm still looking for a working link to the previous firmware so I can downgrade and watch these movies (and Disney Earth and Snow White, which I also just have sitting there).

FYI -- quick search of the main thread (LG BH200 Mini-FAQ + Firmware) found this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17311952#post17311952) for me. No fuss, no muss.

FYI -- quick search of the main thread (LG BH200 Mini-FAQ + Firmware) found this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17311952#post17311952) for me. No fuss, no muss.

That looks like the MARCH/april 09 firmware(works good for most stuff).

If it works for most stuff then fine, but that is REALLY J<GL:GVV:UG PATHETIC being it's NOVEMBER OF 09!!

LG needs to get with the program and quit screwing around, they are PATHETIC in thinking that folks just wanted that BULL JHz;ukahcv.sdjkg BDLIVE, folks REALLY wanted a PLAYER THAT WORKS and plays BOTH formats, and DISNEY as well!!

Geez, what the .zxmcbhas.djkvf is going on, are we dumb now...is that what it is............?

That looks like the MARCH/april 09 firmware(works good for most stuff).

If it works for most stuff then fine, but that is REALLY J<GL:GVV:UG PATHETIC being it's NOVEMBER OF 09!!

LG needs to get with the program and quit screwing around, they are PATHETIC in thinking that folks just wanted that BULL JHz;ukahcv.sdjkg BDLIVE, folks REALLY wanted a PLAYER THAT WORKS and plays BOTH formats, and DISNEY as well!!

Geez, what the .zxmcbhas.djkvf is going on, are we dumb now...is that what it is............?

If you go looking in the April - June time frame here, it was clear that the complainers wanted BD-Live....even after they took the $75.

BD-Live is a gimmick, FUNCTIONALITY is what matters, actually being able to PLAY a disc is what matters.....
Maybe they just can't find any Disney BDS where they are..yeah, that must be it.....:rolleyes:, no other titles have issues....sure...yeah, uhhhhhhh ok..........they can't find a Pioneer AVR for the Helicopter noise(they got lucky that DD+/HDDVD died, they'll never fix that one), there was never a dropout(which is inexcusable in this day and age)and the 4x3 issue doesn't exist......

Plenty of work to do here instead of dropping support for a player that cost over SIX HUNDRED BUX!!

If you go looking in the April - June time frame here, it was clear that the complainers wanted BD-Live....even after they took the $75.

Yes even as a "complainer" in your humble opinion I wanted and got BD-Live finally and no this "complainer" did got go for and take the $75 bribe. It's time to move on from that and stop going on and on trying to knock those who wanted/demanded a function that had been promised by LG from the start. BD-Live IS functional and worth it, IMO in spite of some in this thread that think otherwise.

Yes even as a "complainer" in your humble opinion I wanted and got BD-Live finally and no this "complainer" did got go for and take the $75 bribe. It's time to move on from that and stop going on and on trying to knock those who wanted/demanded a function that had been promised by LG from the start. BD-Live IS functional and worth it, IMO in spite of some in this thread that think otherwise.

BD-Live at the cost of not playing discs it played before, hardly worth it. BD-Live along with the current functionality before hand should have been the goal and the only way the firmware should have been released. I just have a gut feeling that LG rushed this "major update" out to stop the talks and threats of a class action lawsuit. (I.e. greased the squeaky wheel, but lost a lug nut in the process, so now the car vibrates a lot.)

Hmm...

Listen.. BD-Live functionality current in newest firmware or not, the player was advertising as BD-Live "Ready" as a feature/incentive to buy. The $75 rebate was a nice olive-branch extension (for the record, I did not take advantage of..). I didn't care about the money - I just wanted to get the player that I thought I was paying for.

Now with the release of 'Up' and 'Monster Inc.' in Tuesday, this situation really brings everything to a head. LG has no problems keeping their newest BH lines updated and has relegated the BH-200 to the scrap-pile (even though it was - and still is in some ways - a top of the line machine).

I call BS on LG's part, plain and simple, with this device. And I will never purchase an LG product (probably of any type) ever again because of this very negative experience. There are other companies out there that do a much better job at device support. LG (should of) known what they were getting into when they decided to add HD stand-alone players onto their line. This wasn't some finished-spec or completed piece of tech. They knew it would require periodic updates to keep up with format(s). You don't throw you hat into the ring unless your willing to do the leg-work to play ball with the rest of the field.

BD-Live - meh.. I really don't care about it personally but it should be an option to use if I choose to do so. The fact that I will have to downgrade my firmware to the March/April '09 in order to play my Disney/Pixar discs come next week is plain sad. I shouldn't even have to come to the AVS forum to "keep up with the status" of the BH 200 anymore at this point. Don't get my started about the functionality they keep stripping out and or re-adding to the firmware revs. at will without fixing the 4:3 stretch issue (I mean LG.. really.. how did this unit get shipped with this issue on first build to begin with!?..).

That said, I paid good $ for this player in the hopes for it to be my HD/Blu player for many years to come (or until it dies on me..). Again, the fact that LG is still very much in the HD standalone player game makes this whole situation even more irksome.

LG - get your **** together, fix this player and let's all move on.

-a.

I do appreciate LG putting out a BD-Live update - they really didn't need to, contrary to what some have said. But I do think with such an update comes a basic requirement to support, if not all disks, certainly to prevent substantial incompatibilities with major US releases. The bug with Disney disks is that.

So, LG folks - you've had a while where you've known about this problem to work on it - gonna show us once again how awesome you are and give us a timeframe for the patched firmware?

My own view, as a personal importing UK based BH200 owner and therefore unable to benefit from the $75 rebate, is that BD Live is welcome.
It may seem irrelevant right now but that may well change in future.

I have had to accept that the HD DVD issues are never going to be fixed (so I've sold my HD DVD box set of Planet Earth and changed it for the Blu-ray version, and thankfully not losing any money in the process).

However, I do not accept that the player should now be just left where it currently is when it comes to the Blu-ray issues and and necessay firmware fixes.
Blu-ray is simply still far too immature - and surely these players were designed and built from day 1 to accomodate that fact and reality?

I can't say as I have any complaints yet myself (which is very pleasing) but knowing some do have issues and seeing as there has yet to be a firmware fix issued is not very confidence inspiring.

The only comfort I can see is that all Blu-ray players seem to have issues, excepting the PS3 (surprise surprise :rolleyes: ).

Sorry but I simply am not and never will be prepared to put a damned kids game console in my a/v rack..

BD-Live is something I'm unlikely to ever use and I'm guessing that most people feel/act the same way. Doesn't mean I don't think the player should have it, but I definitely think it shouldn't come at the expense of playing THE best-selling Blu-Ray titles available (i.e. Disney). As of right now, "Up" on Blu-Ray is Amazon's best-selling DVD (both standard or hi-def). And, of the 10 current best-selling Blu-Rays today on the site, THREE are Disney titles that will not play on the BH200 ("Up," "Monsters, Inc.," and "Snow White") and one is "Harry Potter," and who knows if that one will work.

Who has a copy of UP? I thought it was released on November 10, 2009. We'll see if mine works with the good old April 2008 firmware in the near future :)

BD-Live is something I'm unlikely to ever use and I'm guessing that most people feel/act the same way. Doesn't mean I don't think the player should have it, but I definitely think it shouldn't come at the expense of playing THE best-selling Blu-Ray titles available (i.e. Disney). As of right now, "Up" on Blu-Ray is Amazon's best-selling DVD (both standard or hi-def). And, of the 10 current best-selling Blu-Rays today on the site, THREE are Disney titles that will not play on the BH200 ("Up," "Monsters, Inc.," and "Snow White") and one is "Harry Potter," and who knows if that one will work.


Harry Potter works as does most discs.
I personally have not run into any disc playing problems with my BH200's. Although I will cetainly try out the UP and Monsters INC. this week.

I also use the BD Live function which is why I got a 4GB SuperTalent PICO USB drive in each of my three BH200's. The SuperTalent USB drives were the smallest I could find, and are fairly unobtursive since they only stick out around 17 mm.

Harry Potter works as does [sic] most discs.


Unless I'm wildly misinformed (possible) even pre-release copies of the latest Harry Potter Blu-Ray won't be in the wild for several weeks now (about two weeks before a disc's public release is standard), so it's unlikely we have confirmation that the most recent Harry Potter Blu-Ray release, which is what I was referring to, does, in fact, work with the current BH200 firmware. (Not saying it won't, and hoping it will, but it's probably too early to say for sure.)

It has already been confirmed that both "Up" and "Monsters, Inc.," like ALL recent Disney studio Blu-Ray releases, will NOT work with the BD-Live firmware on the BH200.

And, by the way, I didn't buy this player with the expectation that it would play "most" discs ... I bought it to play ALL the discs I want to watch.

Unless I'm wildly misinformed (possible) even pre-release copies of the latest Harry Potter Blu-Ray won't be in the wild for several weeks now (about two weeks before a disc's public release is standard), so it's unlikely we have confirmation that the most recent Harry Potter Blu-Ray release, which is what I was referring to, does, in fact, work with the current BH200 firmware. (Not saying it won't, and hoping it will, but it's probably too early to say for sure.)

It has already been confirmed that both "Up" and "Monsters, Inc.," like ALL recent Disney studio Blu-Ray releases, will NOT work with the BD-Live firmware on the BH200.

And, by the way, I didn't buy this player with the expectation that it would play "most" discs ... I bought it to play ALL the discs I want to watch.


I was talking about the previously released Potter movies.

Even the PS3 didn't play all discs. I had one BD that had to be replaced for the PS3 to be able to play it. Even though it played fine in the stand alone players, the PS3 wouldn't play it. The manufacturer replaced the discs for people who used a PS3.

Every player has had problems with certain discs at some time or another. The problem with the BH200 is that they have not released a firmware update yet to address the new problems. And since it is not a newer player, it is probably lower on thier priority list.

I do know of one Blu-Ray that I owned worked on my and another person's BH200 but not on another person's PS3. I don't own that disc anymore, but I always found that peculiar.

Bottom line is that LG needs to fix the BD issues. I don't expect the issues with the indy, adult or import HD DVD's to ever get fixed. However, they do need to fix the BD issues. However, rather than complain in this thread, individuals with these issues need to call LG everyday, until a fix is available.

you know, I have no trouble with the disney dicss on blu that I have, no problem either on hd dvd's. this player is one of the highest rated early on for hd quality (blu or hd).

I haven't run the newest blu rays from disney, but, given that I am a follower of this forum, I realize that I might need to downgrade the firmware.

does that suck. yes
it that the end of the world? no.


when aliens vs. monsters and kung fu panda work just fine....I think that we can roll back on Disney stuff to make it work. BTW, I ordered Up and Monsters, Inc...so I will be rolling back on the firmware, but I am not crying.

individuals with these issues need to call LG everyday, until a fix is available.

I second that motion. Though it is easier to complain on a forum versus a phone, the chances for results are much higher if the latter is done.

Just ask Congress.

However, rather than complain in this thread, individuals with these issues need to call LG everyday, until a fix is available.

LG current contact page:

http://www.lge.com/us/support/contact/support-here-to-help.jsp

Just so people don't have to search.

I am sooo glad I never bothered to upgrade to the BDLive firmware on my 3 boxes. It really is a shame we can't get the disc compatibility issues fixed first and foremost.

I am sooo glad I never bothered to upgrade to the BDLive firmware on my 3 boxes. It really is a shame we can't get the disc compatibility issues fixed first and foremost.

But it should be no surprise since the player contains an obsolete format which in their eyes makes the player obsolete.
although I would still be pissed if these were my primary players.

Who has a copy of UP? I thought it was released on November 10, 2009. We'll see if mine works with the good old April 2008 firmware in the near future :)

I've had it for 2 weeks (reviewer).

LG current contact page:

http://www.lge.com/us/support/contact/support-here-to-help.jsp

Just so people don't have to search.
Here's a transcript of my on-line chat with an LG rep at their website:

Amanda: Hello Luis Saltiel. Welcome to LG Electronics! How may I provide you with excellent service today?
Luis Saltiel: Hi Amanda. A firmware update to enable this player to play the new Disney BluRay titles (Snow White, Up etc.) would be very nice. The latest firmware enabled BD Live support but removed compatibility with these discs.
Amanda: Let me see what I can do to assist you with this.
Amanda: LG is currently working on this update.
Luis Saltiel: Thanks! It would be great if this is available by Thanksgiving.
Amanda: I understand. We are working on it.
Luis Saltiel: Thanks. Bye now..
Amanda: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Luis Saltiel: That's it for the moment.
Amanda: Thank you for your time and patience. It has been a pleasure to assist you today. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again. Thank you for choosing LG Electronics. We appreciate your business. Have a great day!

Well... at least they state that they are working on it...

isn't that the standard response? less pissed off people with that response. Whether true or not.

Most of the online CSR stuff is pre-typed responses they just 'click'.

Well, not sure if anybody posted this yet but Monsters Inc works with the latest firmware, no issues I can find, even loaded the latest Disney BD Live software.

Who has a copy of UP? I thought it was released on November 10, 2009. We'll see if mine works with the good old April 2008 firmware in the near future :)

Up works for me with the April 2008 FW. :)
I use April 2008 for its BD-R support too.

Well, not sure if anybody posted this yet but Monsters Inc works with the latest firmware, no issues I can find, even loaded the latest Disney BD Live software.

Yes. Monsters INC works fine for me with the BD-Live Firmware
UP did not. I just tried them a few minutes ago.

Monsters INC was probably authored a while ago since it was a postponed title and that is why it works.

UP did not work for me with latest firmware. Rolled back to BH02090304A and UP plays just fine.

Got it here (no subscription needed):

http://www.aaronwt.net/downloads/BH200Firmware/

Only watched first fifteen minutes to confirm working, but saw no problems. With newest firmware, I couldn't even get to the menu screen. Hope this helps.

UP did not work for me with latest firmware. Rolled back to BH02090304A and UP plays just fine.

Got it here (no subscription needed):

http://www.aaronwt.net/downloads/BH200Firmware/

Only watched first fifteen minutes to confirm working, but saw no problems. With newest firmware, I couldn't even get to the menu screen. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the report. Did you notice any momentary audio dropouts?

I'm running the December 2008 firmware release (BH02081205A) and the Up Blu-ray played perfectly except for a handful of momentary audio dropouts. I'm guessing there were something like 6 or 8 dropouts that lasted a fraction of a second during the course of the entire movie. These weren't a big deal but they were noticeable.

I ran the audio from the BH200 TOSLINK optical connection to a Denon AVR-3801 AV receiver. I am running the video directly to my Sony KV-36XBR800 display through an HDMI to DVI adapter.

I might update to the March 2009 release (BH02090304A) if that would correct the audio dropouts.

I did hear one or two dropouts, but they were very slight. Nothing that would take away from the movie too much.

I'm running HDMI to my Yamaha RX-V863 and then HDMI to a Samsung PN58-B860 Plasma.

Running the latest firmware, I couldn't get disc 1 or disc 2 from "Sunrise Earth: The Seaside Collection" to load. Several attempts resulted in disc being spit out with disc error message. I wanted something quiet and peaceful with no action to run while I did something else and I got more than I hoped for in that regard. These are again simple discs without fancy Java features that should load quickly and do with other players, just like the Echo Bridge releases I couldn't get to load using the BH200. There is no doubt the last firmware update was a step backwards in terms of discs playable.

Chris

It's all well and good that the older FW does work on some titles, but what are we supposed to do, Update back and forth to play a b.zds;bjkh movie?

Should we plug the movie in ahead of time when we have folks coming over just to make sure that it'll work, or should we wait till the sit down and THEN put the disc in and get BS?
I know my family will just love waiting to upgrade/rollback/forth to find the firmware that'll work...and then do it again if they stay for another movie!!

Sweet, bonding even longer....yeah, I'm sure that's what they will be thinking......I know that will be my thoughts......

New LG Commercial " Buy LG, you can get to know your machine well, cuz you WILL have to learn how to update the machine constantly cuz it's a P**... we wanna know or test subjects....ahhhh owners well"!!

They need to stop making excuses and FIX IT, there is no excuse that some discs won't play, ESPECIALLY HUGE STUDIOS!!

CrashGordon - thanks for that link. It solved all the problems I was having with the UP! B-r discs. My 8 yr old daughter is very happy I found this website and thread!

Quick reminder, when you apply the older firmware (or any firmware for that matter), be sure to go back and reapply your settings (e.g., pass-thru for hdmi).

I put in a blu ray tonight after rolling back to the april 09 firmware, and couldn't figure out why I wasn't getting truehd and 24p. DUH!! :rolleyes:

CrashGordon - thanks for that link. It solved all the problems I was having with the UP! B-r discs. My 8 yr old daughter is very happy I found this website and thread!


No problem. Glad it helped. Tuesday night was very disappointing in my house when we couldn't get it to play. I didn't find the link until yesterday.

I haven't had a problem with this firmware version, so I'm just going to keep it for a while. I don't care that much about the extra content anyway. Maybe when LG gets it right and releases a good BD Live firmware update I'll do it then.

By the way, I'm very impressed with UP. Two things I haven't seen before on a Bluray disc--DTS HDMA 6.1 and the movie returns to your stopping point even after removing the disc. Maybe I don't watch as many movies as some, but these are both firsts for me.

But it should be no surprise since the player contains an obsolete format which in their eyes makes the player obsolete.
although I would still be pissed if these were my primary players.

Agreed, but first and formost it is a Blu-ray player. Even the bootup screen says super blu...

It is as simple as this: The vendors want to make money, the Blu-ray technology implies that firmware has to be up to date on all players, no matter what brand. You pay a price when you buy cheap, but the BH200 was never intended to be a cheap player. Therefore it should be treated like any other premium priced high quality blu-ray player. New firmware releases have to be made available to the customer as soon as possible. Not 6 months after the movie release. No one wants to wait for 6 months before he or she can play back those new Disney movies. Kids are impatient ("by design" :)). What was the intention of Disney to make those movies incompatible with Blu-ray players?

If a vendor does not play his part by delivering new firmware that can play Blu-ray movies with new features, that vendor will not win over new customers and loyal customers will go and look elsewere when they have waited enough for a firmware release. Those customers will remember what happened to them and they will never buy products from that vendor anymore. And even worse, they will tell their friends and colleagues at work what happened to them. Collateral damage? No, it is much worse, and as soon as the industry finally understands how the customer behaves in such cases, this will be a win win situation. But it seems that those managers only are interested in selling new products. Support is what counts today. Keep the loyal customers happy. Don't they tell those managers in seminars that it is important to treat the customer as king?

Besides, it is extremely bad for the environment to buy stuff, use it and then throw it away because vendor A decides that he does not like to bring out new updates. This perfectly fine product then will have to be retired. The BH200 is basically a Blu-ray player and not a nice looking paper weight.

If a vendor wants to be in business he has to do what the Blu-ray standard requires: constant firmware updates for a lifetime. No customer has the will and money to buy a new machine every time a vendor decides to discontinue the support.

This is what Blu-ray made what it is now: an incomplete format basically brought to us by a company that's only intend is to sell us overpriced gamer consoles.

Agreed, but first and formost it is a Blu-ray player. Even the bootup screen says super blu...

Superblu means specifically both blue laser formats, HD DVD and Blu-ray, if it was just Blu-ray foremost it would just indicate Blu-ray.

I am not happy that the BH200 can't play so many discs with the current firmware. I really don't know what happened, I expected a much improved player and didn't get it. I also own the subsequent LG Blu-ray player the BD300 and it loads fast, plays everything I have tried and the support has been first rate. I can only assume that the dual format player was a much more problematic design. I am still willing to wait and I hope LG has another firmware update that fixes these problems.

Chris

Superblu means specifically both blue laser formats, HD DVD and Blu-ray, if it was just Blu-ray foremost it would just indicate Blu-ray.

Even at the time of release, when no one knew which format would "win" the LG BH200 was primarily a Blu-Ray player, which also included an HD-DVD laser. It was always marketed as, and defined, in that way. Several consumer electronic publications, which took it apart and reviewed it, also emphasized that. Blu-Ray is it's "native" format. HD-DVD was the add-on.

I find the lack of any sort of on-going HD DVD support annoying but predictable.
I'm not so bothered about it, I have about 150 HD DVDs & there are only a couple (of the HD DVD discs I have) that give problems.
As deals and prices come up I'm slowly replacing the problem discs & selling on my HD DVDs on eBay to the HD DVD collectors out there.
God bless 'em one and all. :)

What does concern me more than anything though is the apparant low level of Blu-ray support.
That part is, IMHO, simply unacceptable.

Everyone but everyone knows Blu-ray is still being tweaked & adjusted
(and Lord help us when the next big BD+ revision appears)
so I just do not believe that this player, with facility for firmware updating and all the rest, is 'outdated'.

I know it's not a current model but nevertheless it was an expensive model and surely - especially after the advent of the industry-wide group to ensure growing uniformity and a reducing number of playback issues - there is no credible reason why we should just be left behind.

I realise that in todays consumer society we're just supposed to drop £350/$600 on a CE item, use it for 12mths and then move on to the next one but some of us really don't 'do' that sort of wasteful idiocy.
Especially in today's climate of reducing waste, sustainability and low carbon footprints.

I am by no means a Technology expert, but I did find it odd that in order to get my newest BR disc to play, I had to rollback to a previous firmware level. UP! wouldn't work with the August firmware, but would work with the March firmware. That right there says to me that there is a serious problem with that August update. How can Disney's latest BR authored disc not work on the latest LG firmware, but will work on an older LG firmware. It sure seems to me that they missed something in that latest update, or they took something out that was working.

I'm perfectly content on sticking with the 030409 firmware, and being able to watch my BR discs without BD-Live support. I've even disconnected my ethernet cable just so no one accidentally does an update. I'll keep an eye out on this forum to see when the next update lands and if it solves problems, or creates more, before I plug that cable back in and do another internet update.

My BH200 with latest firmware didn't load "Night Train" Blu-ray. I tried twice and it spit it out with disc error both times. I moved it to another player and didn't try a third time.

Chris

I would tend to agree. We're not talking about some discount electronics manufacturer. We're talking about LG. Supposedly one of the preeminent OEM manufacturers in the world.

At the time of it's release the BH200 was considered a "flagship" offering. The top of the line unit. I don't remember seeing anything in the BH200 owners manual, or any of their marketing literature, saying that they would no longer offer support two years after release.

I can understand LG's no longer providing support for the HD-DVD format. But as far as Blu, and regular DVD for that matter, these are still active formats. I would expect LG to fully support them.

And the fact that what support we do get seems to do more harm then good is especially inexcusable.

As for the argument that Blu is still an "evolving" format, I don't buy it. Everybody in the industry knew what Blu was when it was initially released.

If this is going to be the norm from now on then why bother buying top of the line units. you're better off just buying the cheapest module you can find and expect to replace it every one to two years.

I, for one, will think long and hard before I buy any more LG products in the future.

Look everyone, it comes down to this: we can complain as much as we want, but if we are not calling LG with these complaints it does nothing. So, each person on here should give LG a ring at least once EVERY single week until the problems are solved.

I would tend to agree. We're not talking about some discount electronics manufacturer. We're talking about LG. Supposedly one of the preeminent OEM manufacturers in the world.

At the time of it's release the BH200 was considered a "flagship" offering. The top of the line unit. I don't remember seeing anything in the BH200 owners manual, or any of their marketing literature, saying that they would no longer offer support two years after release.

I can understand LG's no longer providing support for the HD-DVD format. But as far as Blu, and regular DVD for that matter, these are still active formats. I would expect LG to fully support them.

And the fact that what support we do get seems to do more harm then good is especially inexcusable.

As for the argument that Blu is still an "evolving" format, I don't buy it. Everybody in the industry knew what Blu was when it was initially released.

If this is going to be the norm from now on then why bother buying top of the line units. you're better off just buying the cheapest module you can find and expect to replace it every one to two years.

I, for one, will think long and hard before I buy any more LG products in the future.

I did too and am extremely pleased with my LG BD390. I've owned around 11 or 12 BD players since June 2006 and the BD390 is easily the best one I've used. And that includes a PS3 Fat and Slim. The BD390 is easily better than those too.

I've owned it for a month or so and there have already been three firmware updates. LG is giving more priority to their newer products and I would expect that.

The situation with this player is crazy. LG needs to release firmware updates on a regular basis like every other manufacturer does. If not, then they should offer a replacement program to at least give us a player that will play whatever Blu-Ray licensed software is out there. This was a Blu-Ray licensed product and it should be able to play all Blu-Ray software. I wish a lawyer would start a class action suit or something as it is plainly obvious LG is doing the least possible to meet their customer's needs. Nobody bought this player knowing that t would not do what it was designed to do. In fact, most bought this player to be on the safe side and be ale to play which ever format ended up the winner.

The situation with this player is crazy. LG needs to release firmware updates on a regular basis like every other manufacturer does. If not, then they should offer a replacement program to at least give us a player that will play whatever Blu-Ray licensed software is out there. This was a Blu-Ray licensed product and it should be able to play all Blu-Ray software. I wish a lawyer would start a class action suit or something as it is plainly obvious LG is doing the least possible to meet their customer's needs. Nobody bought this player knowing that t would not do what it was designed to do. In fact, most bought this player to be on the safe side and be ale to play which ever format ended up the winner.


I got $75 for each of my three players. It was known a long time ago that there would be problems with discs without regular firmware updates. This is nothing new. the question is how quickly should a company come out with updates for an obsolete player.

They have a finite amount of resources which unfortunately means most of teh effirt for firmware updates will go to the newer players. They still support the BH200, they just aren't updating it as freqently as their newer players.

I got $75 for each of my three players. It was known a long time ago that there would be problems with discs without regular firmware updates. This is nothing new. the question is how quickly should a company come out with updates for an obsolete player.

They have a finite amount of resources which unfortunately means most of teh effirt for firmware updates will go to the newer players. They still support the BH200, they just aren't updating it as freqently as their newer players.

The player's not obsolete. It's discontinued. It's a BD-Live player with advanced video processing and internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD. It's more advanced than a brand new Insignia or Magnavox player on the shelf.

The weird thing about the player working better with previous firmware also affects the Samsung BD-P2550/2500. I wonder if the common Broadcom chipset software is to blame.

I don't believe it's obsolete at all, AAMOF I think it is a VG player compared to what is on the market now, and there is ZERO excuse why it won't play discs from one of the largest studios in the world.
Simply inexcusable that they are not fixing the problems with this player.

The player's not obsolete. It's discontinued. It's a BD-Live player with advanced video processing and internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD. It's more advanced than a brand new Insignia or Magnavox player on the shelf.

The weird thing about the player working better with previous firmware also affects the Samsung BD-P2550/2500. I wonder if the common Broadcom chipset software is to blame.

I have asked if the Broadcom BCM7440 is difficult to implement and creates firmware problems but nobody has offered any evidence that might be true. I believe the LG BD300 which I own uses the same chip and I have found no problems playing any Blu-ray disc with it. I believe the highly regarded LG BD390 uses the same chip as well. Early Toshiba HD DVD playes used a Broadcom chip and do rather well playing HD DVD. Without some evidence the Broadcom chip is a contributing factor to the LG and Samsung firmare debacles, I am going to say the answer is it has nothing to do with what we are experiencing.

I am inclined to believe resources are being used to keep the new LG Blu-ray players operating properly. It may just be that a combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player creates challenges that just aren't going to be solved.

Chris

After getting the LG BD390 I consider the BH200 obsolete. Mainly because of the speed of the BD390. It is a night a day difference using the BD390. It's the first player I've had that has speeds similar to a DVD player. By comparison the BH200 is extremely slow. But where I use my BH200's I also need the capability to play HD DVDs since I don't have room to stuff two players in the location. So I'm not concerned about the transport speed tehre. But at my main display the fast BD390 is nice. I won't even use my Panny BD35 anymore. That player was faster than the BH200, but the BD390 even blows the BD35 away by alot.

After getting the LG BD390 I consider the BH200 obsolete. Mainly because of the speed of the BD390. It is a night a day difference using the BD390. It's the first player I've had that has speeds similar to a DVD player. By comparison the BH200 is extremely slow. But where I use my BH200's I also need the capability to play HD DVDs since I don't have room to stuff two players in the location. So I'm not concerned about the transport speed tehre. But at my main display the fast BD390 is nice. I won't even use my Panny BD35 anymore. That player was faster than the BH200, but the BD390 even blows the BD35 away by alot.
I would not consider the BH200 obsolete. The DB390 unit may be faster, or have different capabilities, but that does not necessarily render any previous unit obsolete.

Following that logic every time a manufacturer releases a new unit that would absolve them of any obligation to support anything they already have in the field.

If that's LG's approach to customer relations I would be extremely leery of ever purchasing another LG product in the future. And I would not expect to see much support for the DB390 after next years model is released.

After getting the LG BD390 I consider the BH200 obsolete. Mainly because of the speed of the BD390. It is a night a day difference using the BD390. It's the first player I've had that has speeds similar to a DVD player. By comparison the BH200 is extremely slow. But where I use my BH200's I also need the capability to play HD DVDs since I don't have room to stuff two players in the location. So I'm not concerned about the transport speed tehre. But at my main display the fast BD390 is nice. I won't even use my Panny BD35 anymore. That player was faster than the BH200, but the BD390 even blows the BD35 away by alot.

I am just curious, can the BD390 be made Region Free for BD playback?

I would not consider the BH200 obsolete. The DB390 unit may be faster, or have different capabilities, but that does not necessarily render any previous unit obsolete.

Following that logic every time a manufacturer releases a new unit that would absolve them of any obligation to support anything they already have in the field.

If that's LG's approach to customer relations I would be extremely leery of ever purchasing another LG product in the future. And I would not expect to see much support for the DB390 after next years model is released.

The Blu-ray business model requires continual firmware updates be provided by the manufacturer for a reasonable period, let's assume 5 years, or customers are going to be upset. Even after 5 years, I wouldn't expect total abandonment, but accept the player will not be at the top of the priority list. So far, I am confident Sony, Oppo and Panasonic will do a great job with that obligation but whether or not Samsung and LG will is another matter. So far Samsung is a resounding no to the question while LG has done a nice job with players subsequent to the BH200 but has fallen short here. I don't recall a consumer audio/video product previously with such an obligation expected from manufacturers.

Chris

The Blu-ray business model requires continual firmware updates...the BH200 but has fallen short here.One must wonder at this point whether it's possible that LG might decide, rather than trying to keep the BH200 abreast of BD disc changes, they might offer some sort of trade-up deal.

Seems unlikely, but OTOH it was very odd of LG to offer $75 and then try to make BD Live work anyway, wasn't it. Seems to me they are thrashing-about a bit with this situation...

The Blu-ray business model requires continual firmware updates be provided by the manufacturer for a reasonable period, let's assume 5 years, or customers are going to be upset. Even after 5 years, I wouldn't expect total abandonment, but accept the player will not be at the top of the priority list. So far, I am confident Sony, Oppo and Panasonic will do a great job with that obligation but whether or not Samsung and LG will is another matter. So far Samsung is a resounding no to the question while LG has done a nice job with players subsequent to the BH200 but has fallen short here. I don't recall a consumer audio/video product previously with such an obligation expected from manufacturers.

Chris
Well stated.

I would agree with your overall assessment. However the point I was trying to make as far as LG is concerned is that, and remember, they supported the BH200 fairly well after initial release, if they were that quick to throw the Bh200 under the bus that makes them suspect with any other player they sell.

I'm not trying to turn this into a bash LG session, but for a few years now they have been trying to shed the GoldStar reputation of manufacturing low cost, low end electronics. Since the merger with Lucky and release of the LG brand they have done some outstanding work and released some superior products, and I still consider the BH200 one of them.

But for them to fully compete with the big boys like Sony and Toshiba they need to manufacture a quality product, and that includes design, manufacture, and support. Otherwise they will continue to carry the reputation for substandard product.

I would not consider the BH200 obsolete. The DB390 unit may be faster, or have different capabilities, but that does not necessarily render any previous unit obsolete.

Following that logic every time a manufacturer releases a new unit that would absolve them of any obligation to support anything they already have in the field.

If that's LG's approach to customer relations I would be extremely leery of ever purchasing another LG product in the future. And I would not expect to see much support for the DB390 after next years model is released.

Then I'll sell the BD390 and get something newer. I've had around 11 BD players since June 2006. I obviously upgrade too often. the BD390 is the first player I felt that I could use for a long period.

One must wonder at this point whether it's possible that LG might decide, rather than trying to keep the BH200 abreast of BD disc changes, they might offer some sort of trade-up deal.

Seems unlikely, but OTOH it was very odd of LG to offer $75 and then try to make BD Live work anyway, wasn't it. Seems to me they are thrashing-about a bit with this situation...

The reason for the BDlive update was the CEO of LG ordered it due to the complaints received about the lack of bdlive. You the consumer did this. My advice is to call/write about the slowness of s/w updates just like you did for the bdlive issue.

Then I'll sell the BD390 and get something newer. I've had around 11 BD players since June 2006. I obviously upgrade too often. the BD390 is the first player I felt that I could use for a long period.

Obviously, you have much more discretionary income than most of us ;)

The reason for the BDlive update was the CEO of LG ordered it due to the complaints received about the lack of bdlive. You the consumer did this. My advice is to call/write about the slowness of s/w updates just like you did for the bdlive issue.

Consumer gets angry, CEO gets involved...mistakes happen. Like this everywhere not just LG.

Wait...Do you mean that we're going to have to constantly bug LG to get disc compatibility updates for Blu-ray on the BH200? Ummm, no thanks. It's not my job to remind a company to support it's products.

I'm been very happy with my BH200, except for the disc compatibility problems introduced with the latest firmware update. I've reverted back to a prior firmware to be able to play the new discs, but I can't support a company that won't support it's players. When I come across a disc that I can't play with the older firmware, I'll be moving on.

Thanks for your support though, samsungmaster. You've been a great asset to your company.

John

Wait...Do you mean that we're going to have to constantly bug LG to get disc compatibility updates for Blu-ray on the BH200? Ummm, no thanks. It's not my job to remind a company to support it's products.

I'm been very happy with my BH200, except for the disc compatibility problems introduced with the latest firmware update. I've reverted back to a prior firmware to be able to play the new discs, but I can't support a company that won't support it's players. When I come across a disc that I can't play with the older firmware, I'll be moving on.

Thanks for your support though, samsungmaster. You've been a great asset to your company.

John

I echo all that John said, including "samsungmaster's" support via this forum.

It's doubly frustrating when consumers who DO bother to call and/or email LG will likely be told to UPDATE their firmware to improve compatibility and that LG has no record, or no reports, of Disney discs not working on the BH200. Who knows if they're even logging these emails or phone calls? More likely they're entering them as "solved" by sending out firmware update discs to callers. (That's what they did to me.)

Not to cast doubt on what "samsungmaster" said, but I'm betting it was the amount of $75 dollar rebates being claimed--i.e. money out of LG's pocket--that actually spurred them into action regarding BD-Live. With no threat of revenue loss (other than hypothetical future sales) I don't think we'll have the same reaction. (And remember how long it took, and how successful the BD-Live update has been.)

The person here who says they've owned 11 Blu-Ray players to date is a few-and-far between kind of consumer. I think most are quick to write of poorly performing and poorly serviced brands for future purchases.

I really do think a MINIMUM of five years is the support time frame for a high-end consumer electronic device and, even after that, a really good company, will still continue to help customers if/when they can. (Heck, I don't even like them, but look how long Microsoft supports former operating systems.) LG has shown, just about from the start, discarding the $1,000 BH100 within 12 months, and being SO slow to care for the BH200 just what kind of company they are, at least to my mind.