Quick question for the S1 owners. In light of the fact this was a first generation player, is $289 for a mint condition S1 "open box" a good deal? Or wait for a deal on a newer player in box with the 5 free movies? Looking to go neutral and this seems like a good deal for a flagship player.


Thanks

Glenn

$289 is a very good deal, but it doesn't do DTS-HD MA. The question is, does it me your needs? Remember...internal decoding only and no bitstreaming for advanced audio.

Jump on it and do a FW upgrade right away, I've had mine for 2 months and I'm very happy with it. NOTE: It does not play CD's. I bought mine as an "Open Box', but it was in mint condition. What sold me was the analog outputs and build quality, it will hold me over until I get my Denon 3808.

Quick question for the S1 owners. In light of the fact this was a first generation player, is $289 for a mint condition S1 "open box" a good deal? Or wait for a deal on a newer player in box with the 5 free movies? Looking to go neutral and this seems like a good deal for a flagship player.


Thanks

Glenn

Picked it up today. Unit is in mint condition. Had "Superman Returns" in the disc tray, I will get at least one free bluray disc;) As this was purchased during the holiday shopping period, I will have until January 25th to decide if I will keep it.

At first, before changing the firmware, Superman Returns would not play. After I upgraded the firmware to 3.2 everything appears to be fine. Also, before the firmware upgrade, the unit froze when using the remote to attempt to check the existing firmware. Remote seems much more responsive after update.

I would surely like to have the Panasonic BD30, but current pricing is too high even though you get 5 free movies. I will stay vigilant during the "trial period" as to what special sales the Holiday will bring! Retail sales are off to a sluggish start, lots of BLU inventory in stores, maybe we will see some serious offers.

For now I am temporarily "PURPLE" and will rent lots of Blu from Netflix to be sure to give the player a good workout. $308.82 out the door!!!:D

Hi everyone. If anybody needs the latest 3.20 FW update and doesn't have a burner,I have 2 copies I just received from Sony(worked flawlessly). Just email me @skydash55@bellsouth.net and I'll mail one to you.:D

Hi everyone. If anybody needs the latest 3.20 FW update and doesn't have a burner,I have 2 copies I just received from Sony(worked flawlessly). Just email me @skydash55@bellsouth.net and I'll mail one to you.:D

Email sent - thanks.

Hi everyone. If anybody needs the latest 3.20 FW update and doesn't have a burner,I have 2 copies I just received from Sony(worked flawlessly). Just email me @skydash55@bellsouth.net and I'll mail one to you.:D

you're not in San Francisco are you ?

if so, I'll take one :p

3.2 FIXED Ratatoullie

Starting to get frustrated with the time new titles are taking to load up their menus. Last three movies (Cars, Ratatouille and Reign Over Me) took excessively long times (almost 7 minutes for Reign) to load the menus which I then immediately skipped and played the movie...

I guess newer models don't/won't suffer so badly (and I drool when I read reports of PS3's doing these movies in 10s of seconds) but I don't think I'm ready to buy a new player just yet - too much confusion over HDMI/profiles/codecs etc to buy another soon-to-be obsolete model. Guess I just need to rough it out a while longer.

Consider this a venting post. I feel better now :)

Mark

Weird. Reign Over Me loaded pretty quick on my BDPS1. Seven minutes is an eternity. My longest loading time so far is 2 minutes (still long).

Just picked up an open box BDP-S1 (no remote) from BB. Is it possible to set this up without a remote? Can anyone point me to where I can get a remote quickly (and cheaply)? Thanks in advance....

Just picked up an open box BDP-S1 (no remote) from BB. Is it possible to set this up without a remote? Can anyone point me to where I can get a remote quickly (and cheaply)? Thanks in advance....

If you want the original remote you buy one from Sony:

RMT-100A (http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/viewItemDetail.do?operation=getItemDetail&itemID=629729&searchOperation=modelSearch&searchText=bdps1)

Just picked up an open box BDP-S1 (no remote) from BB. Is it possible to set this up without a remote? Can anyone point me to where I can get a remote quickly (and cheaply)? Thanks in advance....
BB is notorious for stuff like this. Same thing happened with me. I got lucky however, a few weeks after purchasing my S1 I found the remote at the same BB. It was in a TV stand drawer. I explained this to the guy in Magnolia and also happened to have my receipt in my wallet. Sales guy let me have it. You can set it up and have most functions with a Sony TV remote with DVD controls.
The S1 remotes is pricey and not easy to come by on EBAY.

I've got two of these remotes. When Sony swapped my S1 out for an S2000ES, I forgot to pack up the remote and the cables. I thought it was just getting serviced. The remotes are the same, except for color. S1 is silver, 2000 is black. Since my S1 didn't work very well, the remote is just like new ;)

By the way, the S2000ES works like a charm. I hope the S1 BB special works for you. My S1 AVS special must have been dropped a few times on its way to NC.

The "open box" S1 appears to be working OK so far. Tried a few SD's (not too impressed with PQ), and a couple of Blu-Rays (Casino Royale, Apocalypto). Both looks fantastic. It did "choke" on a rental copy of "Die Hard" bluray. Loading took forever, and then it got stuck at the main menu. I'm going to call Sony for the latest firmware...
BTW, this unit is faster than my 1st gen Toshiba (XA1). Love the "build quality" on both units.

Starting to get frustrated with the time new titles are taking to load up their menus. Last three movies (Cars, Ratatouille and Reign Over Me) took excessively long times (almost 7 minutes for Reign) to load the menus which I then immediately skipped and played the movie...

I guess newer models don't/won't suffer so badly (and I drool when I read reports of PS3's doing these movies in 10s of seconds) but I don't think I'm ready to buy a new player just yet - too much confusion over HDMI/profiles/codecs etc to buy another soon-to-be obsolete model. Guess I just need to rough it out a while longer.

Consider this a venting post. I feel better now :)

Mark

Allow me to join you in this venting...I AGREE!!!! What's up with this crap?!? I think they're loading java stuff for the stupid games or something - which is extremely rude if we're having to wait to watch the movie just for this extra crap they're putting in these extras. Why not have this crap load when you select that extra? Is anyone really doing all this extra crap on the disc, beyond deleted scenes and "normal" extras? Why can't the studios just concentrate on the sound and picture???

Whew. Thanks. :)

I have S1 and just bought ps3 and the load times on the s1 are slowwww on it compared to the ps3. I agree with you Ron just load the movie and give me best sound and picture.

before upgrading to version 3.2 on the sony bdp-s1 the movie rattatoille played perfectly, now after the upgrade it takes you to the main menu but there are no icons or messages to select, all there is is a picture of the kitchen with some mice running back and forth but the menu names never appear on the screen, you arte unable to selct anything, anybody seen this before?

before upgrading to version 3.2 on the sony bdp-s1 the movie rattatoille played perfectly, now after the upgrade it takes you to the main menu but there are no icons or messages to select, all there is is a picture of the kitchen with some mice running back and forth but the menu names never appear on the screen, you arte unable to selct anything, anybody seen this before?

Plays fine on mine. Do a reset and try it again.

I had received a bad disc from Netflix that would not load.
2nd disc loaded fine.
(There must be some bad discs out there..)

Anyone else had issues with Die Hard on this unit? I can't get past the menu. The disk played fine on a PS3...

If you referring to Live free die hard it worked just fine for me.

If you referring to Live free die hard it worked just fine for me.

I'm talking about the original - "Die Hard". I have not tried any of the other movies yet.

Anyone else had issues with Die Hard on this unit? I can't get past the menu. The disk played fine on a PS3...

Watched Die Hard this past weekend. Played fine. Had no problem with the menu. Running 3.2.

i found this feature via the Sony Japan site on the background and design of the Sony Blu-Ray BDP-S1 http://www.sony.net/Fun/design/activity/product/blu-ray_01.html

Interesting article (and nice pictures). I converted to PDF to save. Posting for your reading pleasure.

^^^ Thanks, that was a great read.

I haven't read through all of this thread, but aren't the guts of the BDP-S1 basically a Pioneer? Too bad Sony didn't design this one completely from the ground up like they usually do. If they would have added CD and SACD playback to the S1, I think it would have been an even bigger success, especially with the audio crowd. The audio guys (myself included) are always looking for a new 'giant killer' in terms of sound reproduction, and/or a good platform for modifications.

Hi Everyone,

I purchased a Sony BDP-S1 player at a local big box retailer at a great price. Now I am trying to mate it to a good receiver that will decode TrueHD, etc. When I went to the local hi end AV store I asked them to show me a receiver that would be a good match.

They had a Yammy RX-V1800 readily available with a Sammy BD player already hooked to it. They put in Spiderman 3 with True HD sound track and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD! The player picked up the regular surround format.

So I'm thinking maybe the player is at fault. The salesperson suggested I get my player and hook it up to the Yammy. So I went home and got my player and went back and hooked it up to the Yammy. VIOLA! NO TRUE HD!

Again, I think maybe it is the player receiver combination (I know this doesn't make sense). So I check my player set up and it is set up to output True HD.

We then mate the Sony BD to an Integra 6.8 and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD.

So we then mate the Sony BD to an Integra 7.8 and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD.

What am I missing here? Is it a BD player issue, receiver issue, or user error? What are you folks using to decode the True HD audio format.

Thanks for your help.

I believe the S1 decodes TrueHD and sends it out as PCM... hence you won't see the receiver's TrueHD light up!

I believe the S1 decodes TrueHD and sends it out as PCM... hence you won't see the receiver's TrueHD light up!

+1

It should show Multich on the Integra display, To see TrueHD light up you would need the sammy 1400, Toshiba Xa2 or A35, pioneer 95fd, or the Panny 30k. No other players will output bitstream.

The other will internally decode truehd and convert it to MPCM or multichannel PCM. The players will output that and you will see MPCM on a yamaha, or Multich on the Integra's (unless you have hte menu set to convert multi to PLIIX movie like I do).

Hit the display button on the integra remote and it will show 5.1 48KHZ. something like that.

Hi Everyone,

I purchased a Sony BDP-S1 player at a local big box retailer at a great price. Now I am trying to mate it to a good receiver that will decode TrueHD, etc. When I went to the local hi end AV store I asked them to show me a receiver that would be a good match.

They had a Yammy RX-V1800 readily available with a Sammy BD player already hooked to it. They put in Spiderman 3 with True HD sound track and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD! The player picked up the regular surround format.

So I'm thinking maybe the player is at fault. The salesperson suggested I get my player and hook it up to the Yammy. So I went home and got my player and went back and hooked it up to the Yammy. VIOLA! NO TRUE HD!

Again, I think maybe it is the player receiver combination (I know this doesn't make sense). So I check my player set up and it is set up to output True HD.

We then mate the Sony BD to an Integra 6.8 and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD.

So we then mate the Sony BD to an Integra 7.8 and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD.

What am I missing here? Is it a BD player issue, receiver issue, or user error? What are you folks using to decode the True HD audio format.

Thanks for your help.

YOu do have it hooked up to your receiver via HDMI, right?

I sold my PS3 60GB this week as I might swap for a PS3 40GB (less noise). Seeing that I have always liked the looks of the S1 I picked up a new one at close out prices for the heck of it. First thing I did was update the firmware and I must say it's a lot more responsive than in the past.

Still not PS3 speeds but menu selections, pausing/resuming and chapter skips are pretty quick. I'd say more than acceptable and certainly a great improvement over the last one I tried out.

It does everything I would ever want outside of DTS-HD MA and since I need a forced 24fps option my options are very small to none in getting everything I want in one player. Who knows since it looks so good next to my silver Onkyo 805 I just may end up keeping it. Although I wish I could turn off those little white lights.

Hi Everyone,

I purchased a Sony BDP-S1 player at a local big box retailer at a great price. Now I am trying to mate it to a good receiver that will decode TrueHD, etc. When I went to the local hi end AV store I asked them to show me a receiver that would be a good match.

They had a Yammy RX-V1800 readily available with a Sammy BD player already hooked to it. They put in Spiderman 3 with True HD sound track and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD! The player picked up the regular surround format.

So I'm thinking maybe the player is at fault. The salesperson suggested I get my player and hook it up to the Yammy. So I went home and got my player and went back and hooked it up to the Yammy. VIOLA! NO TRUE HD!

Again, I think maybe it is the player receiver combination (I know this doesn't make sense). So I check my player set up and it is set up to output True HD.

We then mate the Sony BD to an Integra 6.8 and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD.

So we then mate the Sony BD to an Integra 7.8 and VIOLA! NO TRUE HD.

What am I missing here? Is it a BD player issue, receiver issue, or user error? What are you folks using to decode the True HD audio format.

Thanks for your help.

my s1 doesn't seem to have this issue. hooked to a pio 82. it gets the decoded truehd via pcm.

ps. "violas" are part of the violin family... between the violin and the cello... they are also flowers.... :p

"voila", otoh... :) although voila generally implies a positive result...

I am wondering if I should upgrade my PS3 to the BDP-S1 for the sake of better blu ray picture quality. Has anyone compared the two players? Is the BDP-S1 giving a better picture quality?

I sold my PS3 60GB this week as I might swap for a PS3 40GB (less noise). Seeing that I have always liked the looks of the S1 I picked up a new one at close out prices for the heck of it. First thing I did was update the firmware and I must say it's a lot more responsive than in the past.

Still not PS3 speeds but menu selections, pausing/resuming and chapter skips are pretty quick. I'd say more than acceptable and certainly a great improvement over the last one I tried out.

It does everything I would ever want outside of DTS-HD MA and since I need a forced 24fps option my options are very small to none in getting everything I want in one player. Who knows since it looks so good next to my silver Onkyo 805 I just may end up keeping it. Although I wish I could turn off those little white lights.

On the remote is a "dimmer" button.....cycles the lights to off if desired.

I am wondering if I should upgrade my PS3 to the BDP-S1 for the sake of better blu ray picture quality. Has anyone compared the two players? Is the BDP-S1 giving a better picture quality?

It won't be an upgrade. I think you will see the same picture from the S1 and the PS3.

Anyone else had issues with Die Hard on this unit? I can't get past the menu. The disk played fine on a PS3...

I was able to play the movie fine on my S1 vers. 3.20, but the menus were definitely "wonky" for lack of a better term. Instead of moving smoothly across the screen, a lot of the fly-in graphics would stutter across.

I am wondering if I should upgrade my PS3 to the BDP-S1 for the sake of better blu ray picture quality. Has anyone compared the two players? Is the BDP-S1 giving a better picture quality?

I have both machines and I still use my S1 primarily for BD viewing.(I actually bought the PS3 for gaming - gasp!)

The main reason is my PS3 was not present yet when I had my professional calibration done, and since there are more settings on the PS3 that can affect PQ than on the S1, I'm sticking with what I know are good settings on my S1.

That said, when I did do some comparison between the two players using Kingdom Of Heaven, I did not notice any perceptible difference.

On the remote is a "dimmer" button.....cycles the lights to off if desired.But not the power or open/close light, correct?

Correct. I had to put black electricians tape over these two switches.

Hi all, forgive me for not reading this entire thread but it is quite long...

I have been buying Blu-ray discs for a while now (usually B1G1Fs from Amazon) and have over 20 discs already... was just waiting for the right player deal, which I thought was going to be the Panasonic BD30, but...

I just got an open box S1 from Best Buy for $75 (with remote but no manual). It was the last one they had and my sister-in-law's boyfriend (who works there) snagged it for me. I understand they also had a couple of the 1st gen LG dual format players that they blew out for the same price (gone now, don't bother asking). I was going to spend the $500 to get a BD30 but I can certainly live with this one for a while for the savings... seems like I'm only missing out on DTS-MA, PIP video, and player speed (2 out of three are important to me, guess which).

I am using all HDMI hookups. I have a Sony 60" A3000 TV set and am trying to set this up properly. The TV is capable of 1080p24fps and is new. I am also feeding it through a Denon 3808 receiver (also new and capable of 24fps). Both the TV and receiver are HDMI 1.3. I have not tried connecting the S1 directly to the TV yet (hoping not to have to as my leg is in a cast and hooking this beast up nearly killed me the first time!).

When I select "direct" the player outputs 1080p24, but the image flickers constantly. Very fatiging to the eyes. Selecting "1080p", the picture looks excellent and doesn't flicker, but the TV no longer says that it is 24fps, just "1080p". Selecting "Auto" seems to select 1080p without 24fps as well.

In addition, I was attempting to update the firmware. I burned the iso to a CD and the player doesn't seem to do anything with it or even recognize the disc.

Questions:

(1) What is the difference between "direct" and "auto"? Does direct pass whatever is on the disc in it's native format while auto passses whatever the display tells it it is capable of?

(2) Anyone know why 24fps would flicker (I believe this is one of the big selling points of this TV and player)? The non-24fps picture looks amazing, but of course I would like to see what 24fps looks like now, expecially after spending the moeny to buy equipment that supports it.

(3) Does the S1 not recognize CDs at all? Meaning I need to burn the firmware iso to a blank DVD?

(4) What do I do with the firmware disc once I have it? The download page says to make sure to read the page and all instructions fully but doesn't seem to contain any actual instructions. Just lots of legal crap. Will the player perform the update automatically once the disc is inserted?

(5) Anyone know what the best selection for color would be for this TV? They all seem to work and I haven't spent enough time with it to see much of a difference... (YCBCR / RGB 0-255 / RBG 16-2xx)

Thanks!!

Correct. I had to put black electricians tape over these two switches.

Over time, you may end up with sticking switches from the adhesive coming off the electrical tape.

I would recommend this:

Decide the length of tape you need and cut a piece to that size. Then cut another smaller piece that's "high" enough to cover the switch and stick the small piece to the larger piece leaving adhesive above and below the smaller piece. This way you have no adhesive facing the button and you won't have any adhesive coming off the electrical tape and gumming up the switch button.

This description assumes the tape is being applied vertically to the front of the player. Same thing can be done if applying the tape horizontally... just cover the area of the tape that's on top of the button with more tape (adhesive-to-adhesive) so the sticky part of the tape isn't in contact with the button.

Electrical tape is NOTORIOUS for the adhesive coming off over time and sticking to anything nearby... you definitely don't need that happening around those buttons.

(1) What is the difference between "direct" and "auto"? Does direct pass whatever is on the disc in it's native format while auto passses whatever the display tells it it is capable of?

(2) Anyone know why 24fps would flicker (I believe this is one of the big selling points of this TV and player)? The non-24fps picture looks amazing, but of course I would like to see what 24fps looks like now, expecially after spending the moeny to buy equipment that supports it.

(3) Does the S1 not recognize CDs at all? Meaning I need to burn the firmware iso to a blank DVD?

(4) What do I do with the firmware disc once I have it? The download page says to make sure to read the page and all instructions fully but doesn't seem to contain any actual instructions. Just lots of legal crap. Will the player perform the update automatically once the disc is inserted?

(5) Anyone know what the best selection for color would be for this TV? They all seem to work and I haven't spent enough time with it to see much of a difference... (YCBCR / RGB 0-255 / RBG 16-2xx)

Thanks!!

Direct outputs whatever format is encoded on the disc. 1080p24 for high-def discs, 480i30 for DVD, though some high-def discs shot on video may be 1080i30.

If you used a disc shot on video for your 24p experiment, that was the problem with the jerky motion. If the disc is 1080i30, you have to keep it 1080i30 and not try to force it to 24p or you get problems. Music/concert discs are the most common source of 1080i30. Movies on film are all 1080p24 as far as I've seen (on high-def discs). Also, you shouldn't try DVD at 1080p24 or you will get jerky motion because of the pulldown encoded on the disc - better to convert the DVD to 1080p in the player or send 480i to the display and let the display convert to 1080p - you have to try both to see which does a better job.

To read CDs, you need a big fat red (near infra-red) laser. The S1 is a Blu-ray player with a skinny blue laser that gets lost in big fat CD pits. The S1 has no big fat red laser so it can't read CDs and never will. You have to burn a DVD for firmware updates.

HDMI disc players connected to consumer displays with HDMI inputs will almost always be YCbCr format since that's "normal" for HDMI-to-HDMI connections.

If you don't have the manual, you can probably download the manual from www.sony.com

Direct outputs whatever format is encoded on the disc. 1080p24 for high-def discs, 480i30 for DVD, though some high-def discs shot on video may be 1080i30.

If you used a disc shot on video for your 24p experiment, that was the problem with the jerky motion. If the disc is 1080i30, you have to keep it 1080i30 and not try to force it to 24p or you get problems. Music/concert discs are the most common source of 1080i30. Movies on film are all 1080p24 as far as I've seen (on high-def discs). Also, you shouldn't try DVD at 1080p24 or you will get jerky motion because of the pulldown encoded on the disc - better to convert the DVD to 1080p in the player or send 480i to the display and let the display convert to 1080p - you have to try both to see which does a better job.

To read CDs, you need a big fat red (near infra-red) laser. The S1 is a Blu-ray player with a skinny blue laser that gets lost in big fat CD pits. The S1 has no big fat red laser so it can't read CDs and never will. You have to burn a DVD for firmware updates.

HDMI disc players connected to consumer displays with HDMI inputs will almost always be YCbCr format since that's "normal" for HDMI-to-HDMI connections.

If you don't have the manual, you can probably download the manual from www.sony.com

Thanks for the help!

(1) I was using the Speed Blu-ray, so I think it should have looked very good at 24p... and the problem isn't that the motion was jerky, it's that the screen looks to be flashing to black extremely rapidly. To the point where I almost called my wife to ask her if she was seeing the same thing or if I was just tired. I would have if I hadn't switched the 24p off and it looked normal. It's as if every frame went to black before or after for just the briefest instant. Still looking for answers on this one... I can try some other Blu-rays, but I probably won't attempt pulling the system apart to connect direct until I'm out of the cast. It's not that big of a deal that it's worth another half hour crawling around in pain over. :)

(2) I was able to find the manual last night as well on the site.

(3) Understood on the CD laser thing... guess I just assumed they would throw one in. But I suppose if they can do DVDs without it then they might just chuck the one needed for CDs. Seems a bit odd in a $1000 player, but it matters not to me as I don't play CDs on it normally anyway.

Hi ,

I just upgraded to the above receiver and everything is great with my
XA2 upgraded to 2.7..

However, my BDP-S1 that is running 3.20 seems to not output True-HD on
the "300" disc.

I read that 3.2 would clear this up for the S1.

Any comments ?

Thanks

Hi ,

I just upgraded to the above receiver and everything is great with my
XA2 upgraded to 2.7..

However, my BDP-S1 that is running 3.20 seems to not output True-HD on
the "300" disc.

I read that 3.2 would clear this up for the S1.

Any comments ?

Thanks

You must change the HDMI setting from Auto to PCM. The player will then decode TrueHD to LPCM.

You must change the HDMI setting from Auto to PCM. The player will then decode TrueHD to LPCM.

Thank You!

I have done what you say..

I cannot tell any difference as the readout is locked on PCM on the 94.

Should True-HD pop up at any point ?

Thanks in advance

Thank You!

I have done what you say..

I cannot tell any difference as the readout is locked on PCM on the 94.

Should True-HD pop up at any point ?

Thanks in advance

No as the S1 will not output bitstream for TrueHD (or anything else). It DECODES TrueHD, and Dolby dig + internally to LPCM or MPCM and outputs that via analog or HDMI.

After having jumped on HD-DVD from day 1 it has become more and more apparent (at least to me) that this format war shows no signs of ending and that more than likely we're going to end in a stalemate. With that in mind I've spent the last couple of months looking to pick up a Blu-ray player at a decent price so that I can get access to all the movies I've been missing.:)

I originally considered a PS3 for many of the reasons that folks here have one, however the lack of analog outs was a deal killer for me. I really liked what the S1 had to offer (decoding of DD+ and TrueHD) but here in Canada they are very hard to find, and when I did they were more than I was willing to spend.

All that changed 2 weeks ago when I was in the local Future Shop and stumbled across an open box S1 with no remote for $199 CDN. Needless to say I scooped it up immediately :cool:. A quick download of the codes to my Harmony and the lack of a remote wasn't a problem. :D.

I've watched a couple of BDs on it now (Ratatouille and Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix) and I think I can give some impressions. Having happily watched many, MANY HD-DVDs on my A1, I'll structure this review as a comparison between the two players in a number of categories.

Build
- Excellent build quality; equivalent to the A1 which I find very well made.
- Very attractive design. The blue glass on the front along with the brushed metal on the top really make look good in the rack. I have to admit that I prefer the look of the S1 to that of the A1

Usability
- Very quiet in operation. I love the temperature sensitive fan. When the player first starts up it is dead silent, and even after extended operation it's only a barely audible whisper. While the A1 is not terribly loud, the S1 is definately superior in this respect.
- Much snappier operation than my A1. Start up times between the two machines are similar, however disc loading is faster on the S1 (with a caveat, more on that later), and button presses seem to register quicker.
- I love how there is a slight delay before selected resolution is applied. This allows me to scroll through the options before settling on a resolution. This saves time by avoiding my projector re-syncing every time I hit the resolution button by mistake.
- All in all you can tell this came out 6 months after the A1, a more refined experience overall

Video
- Based on the two BDs I've watched, as expected video quality between the two players is identical. Regardless of the posturing between both sides in this "war", both formats are capable of producing identical results. This is what I've seen here. Colours and contrast are excellent, and there is plenty of fine detail to be seen. Resolution is excellent. A wash between both players.
- As a note I've got both players hooked up through component to my Screenplay 4805 projected onto a 92" screen. Not an HD projector, but still more than capable of showing the increased resolution on the discs and it benefits greatly from the better colour and contrast on the discs, so don't start any fanboy arguments by saying I'm not seeing the differences due to a poor setup. I can tell the differences between good and bad HDM discs so any differences based on the players would be evident. There are none.

Audio
- Both players are hooked up via the analog outs to my Marantz SR7500.
- Based on what I've heard there is no audible difference between Uncompressed PCM and TrueHD, nor should there be.
- Any advantages would be on a disc by disc basis based on the bit depth and sampling frequency of the material, not the delivery format.
- The analog outs of the S1 appear to be 10dB or so louder than the outputs on the A1. I'm not sure if this is a function of the player, or that the two BDs I've watched were recorded at a higher level.
- The A1 has MUCH better options to setup the analog out. Everything from setting speaker distances to a selectable crossover. Sony really dropped the ball here with no options other than speaker size.
- Basically a wash, however the A1 has to be given a slight advantage due to more advanced setup options which would theoretically give better sound. As a whole however the two sound basically identical.


Now for my one big pet peeve with Blu-ray. This is not really a fault of the player or the format in general, however on certain discs it can really be very annoying. Disney, why oh why do you have to have such crazy BD-Java menus?! The player is snappy until you get to one of these crazy menus and have to sit through a more than 2 minute delay while the stupid menu is loaded. Then to get to the setup menu you have to go through it again, and finally you have to wait almost a full minute for the movie to start after you have selected it from the menu! This is insane and one area where HD-DVD clearly has an advantage.

HDi runs much faster than BD-Java and makes for a more seamless experience. While the long waits don't bother me too much, the rest of my family was really getting annoyed at watching bars fill. Give me a simple menus or some way of going directly to the movie so that I can bypass all the crap. Oh and Disney, while you're at it please get rid of all the ads at the beginning. I'm paying a premium for hi-def, leave all that garbage on regular DVD where it belongs.

Other than that I'm very happy with the S1 and the fact that I can now buy whatever movie I want in hi def. Being neutral is really the only way to go. :D

RGrim,

... with the exception of DTS-HD Master Audio, the BDP-S1 is capable of internally decoding these into multi-channel LPCM and outputting that on HDMI. This, at least in theory, should produce the same sound quality.

Does anyone know if it is possible for Sony to release a firmware update that would enable DTS-MA decoding? It is a software issue, or would the decoding of DTS-MA require hardware that is not in the BDP-S1?

Furthermore, do any standalone Blu-ray players decode DTS-MA internally?

Thanks.

Does anyone know if it is possible for Sony to release a firmware update that would enable DTS-MA decoding? It is a software issue, or would the decoding of DTS-MA require hardware that is not in the BDP-S1?

Furthermore, do any standalone Blu-ray players decode DTS-MA internally?

Thanks.

No to internal decoding...this is a hardware limitation.

Thanks for the help!

(1) I was using the Speed Blu-ray, so I think it should have looked very good at 24p... and the problem isn't that the motion was jerky, it's that the screen looks to be flashing to black extremely rapidly. To the point where I almost called my wife to ask her if she was seeing the same thing or if I was just tired. I would have if I hadn't switched the 24p off and it looked normal. It's as if every frame went to black before or after for just the briefest instant. Still looking for answers on this one... I can try some other Blu-rays, but I probably won't attempt pulling the system apart to connect direct until I'm out of the cast. It's not that big of a deal that it's worth another half hour crawling around in pain over. :)


It sounds like your video display is not 24p compatible.
24P displays convert the 24p from high-def discs to 48, 72, or 120 frames per second. There is no flicker and no visible blacking-out of the display if it is compatible with 24p inputs.

Just because the player can do 24p doesn't mean the display can do 24p. If the display is more than 1 year old, there's an excellent chance it can't do 24p and even if the display is less than 1 year old, there is no guarantee it will be able to do 24p.

Does anyone know if it is possible for Sony to release a firmware update that would enable DTS-MA decoding? It is a software issue, or would the decoding of DTS-MA require hardware that is not in the BDP-S1?

Furthermore, do any standalone Blu-ray players decode DTS-MA internally?

Thanks.

No DTS-MA for BDP-S1. Nor HBR bitstream support. Reason I'll be selling my player early next year. Been an excellent player though - so I'll move it to system #2.

IIRC - the new Denon's WILL decode DTS-MA internally.

I am unable to play this new movie. It will load but when the menu comes up it will not play. It plays fine on my Elite 95. I also have 3.20 firmware. If anyone has had this issue please let me know. Thanks

BDP S1 audio questions:
Uncompressed 5.1 PCM via optical - what am I really getting? Since I don't have an HDMI-equipped AVR, I can only get TrueHD, DD+ and 5.1 PCM via analogs?

BDP S1 audio questions:
Uncompressed 5.1 PCM via optical - what am I really getting? Since I don't have an HDMI-equipped AVR, I can only get TrueHD, DD+ and 5.1 PCM via analogs?

You'd get 2 channel uncompressed pcm.

BDP S1 audio questions:
Uncompressed 5.1 PCM via optical - what am I really getting? Since I don't have an HDMI-equipped AVR, I can only get TrueHD, DD+ and 5.1 PCM via analogs?Yes

You'd get 2 channel uncompressed pcm.

Yes

Thanks for the input.

I thought that's what I'm getting, but the receiver is showing 5.1 output. Is the receiver basically "spreading" the 2-channel PCM around?

Thanks for the input.

I thought that's what I'm getting, but the receiver is showing 5.1 output. Is the receiver basically "spreading" the 2-channel PCM around?

If you selected a TrueHD track and listened via optical that would make more sense. Which movie is it?

If you selected a TrueHD track and listened via optical that would make more sense. Which movie is it?

Black Hawk Down, Tears of The Sun and I think Casino Royale. I don't think any of those have TrueHD...

Odd problem -- for some reason since I upgraded to v3.2 I can't access the commentary tracks on the Pixar Shorts any more. It seems to default to LPCM and I can't switch audio tracks with the Audio button like I used to AND they don't play when I select them to ON via the menu.

Anybody else seeing this, or am I just rambling on to myself over here, blah, blah blah?

-John

Does anyone know if it is possible for Sony to release a firmware update that would enable DTS-MA decoding? It is a software issue, or would the decoding of DTS-MA require hardware that is not in the BDP-S1?

Furthermore, do any standalone Blu-ray players decode DTS-MA internally?

Thanks.

The S1 will never decode DTS-HD internally. The S1 will never be able to export TrueHD or DDPlus via HDMI because that requires HDMI 1.3a and the S1 is HDMI 1.2.

If any player decodes DTS-HD internally, it's the new $500 Panasonic, but it may be limited to sending it out the HDMI port (ie. no internal decoding) - I can't remember.

Picked it up today. Unit is in mint condition. Had "Superman Returns" in the disc tray, I will get at least one free bluray disc;) As this was purchased during the holiday shopping period, I will have until January 25th to decide if I will keep it.

At first, before changing the firmware, Superman Returns would not play. After I upgraded the firmware to 3.2 everything appears to be fine. Also, before the firmware upgrade, the unit froze when using the remote to attempt to check the existing firmware. Remote seems much more responsive after update.

I would surely like to have the Panasonic BD30, but current pricing is too high even though you get 5 free movies. I will stay vigilant during the "trial period" as to what special sales the Holiday will bring! Retail sales are off to a sluggish start, lots of BLU inventory in stores, maybe we will see some serious offers.

For now I am temporarily "PURPLE" and will rent lots of Blu from Netflix to be sure to give the player a good workout. $308.82 out the door!!!:D

Just an update in my pursuit of being "purple". Decided to take the S1 back and pick up a new S300 for $269 in box, but made an offer to the store manager that if he cut the price in HALF, I would keep the S1.

He said sure, so for $154.39 including tax I will keep the S1 and pick up movies that I want, not the lame "5 free offer" from Bluray offer. If you have recently purchased an open item from the "big box" guy's, take it back and push for a REAL bargain!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Holiday's to all............;)

New firmware is up 3.6
ftp://download.sony.com/US/bluray/UPDATE_BDPS1_VER0360.EXE

No details yet.

updated link

New firmware is up 3.6 LINK (ftp://download.sony.com/US/bluray/UP...S1_VER0360.EXE)

No details yet.

dead link?

hmmmm. what does 3.6 fix ?

Don't know what it fixes or adds. I'm currently installing.

After 3.60 update

Boot time is 39 sec

Ratatouille load time:
From tray close to first trailer - 52 sec
From tray close to main menu(skipping trailers) - 1min 50sec
Disk stopped in player to first trailer - 20 sec
Disk stopped in player to main menu(skipping trailers) - 1min 3sec

Are these load times improved (vs 3.20)?

I don't see the firmware on the Sony site yet ...? (where did you get it?)

3.60 Iso File is small enough (50 mb) to fit on a CD-R (vs. DVD-R). But BDP-S1 wont accept CD-R right?

3.60 Iso File is small enough (50 mb) to fit on a CD-R (vs. DVD-R). But BDP-S1 wont accept CD-R right?

Correct, the BDP-S1 doesn't have the capability to read CDs.

It sounds like your video display is not 24p compatible.
24P displays convert the 24p from high-def discs to 48, 72, or 120 frames per second. There is no flicker and no visible blacking-out of the display if it is compatible with 24p inputs.

Just because the player can do 24p doesn't mean the display can do 24p. If the display is more than 1 year old, there's an excellent chance it can't do 24p and even if the display is less than 1 year old, there is no guarantee it will be able to do 24p.

Yes, my display is the Sony 60A3000 rear projection SXRD. It is supposed to be 24p compatible...

I tried updating the firmware on the S1 to 3.20 and the problem is still there (though now I see I need to do it again to get 3.6... I really wish they would've stuck an ethernet port on this sucker).

Any time I try to output 24p the display looks like it is showing a black frame inbetween each refresh or something... VERY quick flickering (gives me a headache almost instantly).

At this point I'm guessing it's the Denon 3808 receiver that I'm feeding the video through... though I really thought that was supposed to be 24p compatible too. My foot is broken so I'm not going to bother trying to direct connect to the TV until the cast is off.

So.... any official word as to what 3.6 fixes?

Dugger

No, they will probably update their site today or tomorrow with info about what it does.

I think it is simply an update for compatability with new discs and improved java functioning (speed).

Way to go Sony, thanks for supporting the original player. :)

Yes, my display is the Sony 60A3000 rear projection SXRD. It is supposed to be 24p compatible...

I tried updating the firmware on the S1 to 3.20 and the problem is still there (though now I see I need to do it again to get 3.6... I really wish they would've stuck an ethernet port on this sucker).

Any time I try to output 24p the display looks like it is showing a black frame inbetween each refresh or something... VERY quick flickering (gives me a headache almost instantly).

At this point I'm guessing it's the Denon 3808 receiver that I'm feeding the video through... though I really thought that was supposed to be 24p compatible too. My foot is broken so I'm not going to bother trying to direct connect to the TV until the cast is off.

If the receiver has a video processor inside, try setting that to "bypass" or "straight through" or whatever they call it. If you have it set to 1080p or some specific resolution, the processor might be doing the black-frame thing you are describing. You should be able to do that with your foot in the cast (sorry to hear about that! probably annoying as hell, especially this time of year). It would be pretty annoying if the receiver doesn't have a way to pass 24p.

Does your video display tell you what signal format it is receiving? Sometimes they will say 1080p24 if you are using that input signal... but some just say 1080p no matter whether you send 1080p24 or 1080p60.

Firmware is now official.


What does this do?

This utility updates the BDP-S1 firmware to version 3.60, and provides the following benefits:

Improvements over firmware version 3.20:

* Improves BD-Java compatibility to enhance interactivity with some BD-ROMs.

Additional improvements over original firmware:

* Adds Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus Audio decoding functionality.
* Enhanced playback compatibility with certain BD-ROM format discs.
* Improves BD-Java compatibility to enhance interactivity with some BD-ROMs.
* Enhanced customer support capability
* Compatibility with the newly released BD-R/RE format (BDMV).
* Corrects the output signal status information for audio output and display when Linear PCM 5.1 channel soundtracks are played via HDMI.

Hey, something new and different...! ;)

Really, we DO appreciate the ongoing support of our first-gen blu-ray player!

I have an opportunity to pick this up for $250. Is this a good deal or not. I have a hd-dvd so this would take me format neutral. I know very little of the s1 and need the experts advice. Please help.

It's a steal!

Purchased mine in May and paid $1036 + taxes Cdn and I just love it.

I have an opportunity to pick this up for $250. Is this a good deal or not. I have a hd-dvd so this would take me format neutral. I know very little of the s1 and need the experts advice. Please help.Hopefully it's not in Noblesville, IN. I picked one up for $250 and it was defective. The video/audio or audio only would freeze every 30 minutes or so (on very well proven discs).

http://www.sony.net/Fun/design/activity/product/blu-ray_01.html

http://www.sony.net/Fun/design/activity/product/blu-ray_01.htmlThis was posted a while back... unfortunately it's not minimalist enough as you can't turn off the white lights. :)

This was posted a while back... unfortunately it's not minimalist enough as you can't turn off the white lights. :)

yes you can completely turn front display off.

yes you can completely turn front display off.Have you actually tried... you can't turn off the power or open/close tray lights. As well as the little light telling you that the display is off. :) At least for the three or four units I have used in my theater.

It's the Christmas season, so I won't remind the naysayers that Sony was going to abandon us after version 1.00 software. Oh wait, they're long gone anyway.

This is a great Christmas present. Appreciate the extensive nature of the update.

I was able to pick up an open box one for $149 at my local BB. Did the upgrade with no problems.
I looked through this thread and may have missed it but has anyone been able to get the free movies with no UPC?
I called the 800# on the BB receipt and the csr gave me another address to send the rebate to.

TIA,

JHawk
On the road to the Orange Bowl and the Final Four :-)

3.60 seems to help maybe a bit more w/ BD-J titles - but still a ways to go. Hope Sony keeps the firmware updates coming (the continuing support is appreciated!)

For what it's worth, I had my first lockup in a month or two when playing The Devil Wears Prada on my S1 running 3.60.

It played just fine when running 3.20, and in fact played fine when I played through the section again after the player reset itself.

I love my BD player, but I really can't imagine Joe Six Pack dealing with the hangs and monthly software updates.

For what it's worth, I had my first lockup in a month or two when playing The Devil Wears Prada on my S1 running 3.60.

It played just fine when running 3.20, and in fact played fine when I played through the section again after the player reset itself.

I love my BD player, but I really can't imagine Joe Six Pack dealing with the hangs and monthly software updates.

can some one give me a link to get the 3.60. update?

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/select-system.pl?DIRECTOR=DRIVER

thank you for that info

Odd problem -- for some reason since I upgraded to v3.2 I can't access the commentary tracks on the Pixar Shorts any more. It seems to default to LPCM and I can't switch audio tracks with the Audio button like I used to AND they don't play when I select them to ON via the menu.
Anybody else seeing this, or am I just rambling on to myself over here, blah, blah blah?
I have the exact same problem, it won't allow me to select the commentary on the Pixar shorts. Good to know I wasn't losing my mind thinking I was doing something wrong. I guess we'll see if 3.6 fixes this.

I've searched, sorry if this has been answered. I am using the analog outs. The audio button on the remote does not indicate that any of the sound tracks are DD TrueHD. I want some indicator other than selecting DD TrueHD and hoping it is working.

When I want lossless PCM tracks, I can find the PCM track using the audio button.

I've searched, sorry if this has been answered. I am using the analog outs. The audio button on the remote does not indicate that any of the sound tracks are DD TrueHD. I want some indicator other than selecting DD TrueHD and hoping it is working.

When I want lossless PCM tracks, I can find the PCM track using the audio button.

That's as good as it gets. Just make sure that your HDMI setting has been changed from Auto to PCM for decoding.

Hopefully it's not in Noblesville, IN. I picked one up for $250 and it was defective. The video/audio or audio only would freeze every 30 minutes or so (on very well proven discs).Ditto. I picked up a new in box for a great price; loaded the 3.60 firmware. It locks up somewhere between 30 seconds and 30 minutes with both Blu and regular DVDs.

When you installed the 3.6 firmware did you get ok message that the firmware had been installed correctly? You may want to reinstalled the firmware again and make sure you get the ok message at the end. Good luck .

Thanks lou1947!

Yes, I did get the DL OK message; three times! As that is how many times I loaded the firmware. Each time I checked the display after the DL OK message to verify that 3.60 was loaded. Regardless of the disc, Blu or not, the machine would either not load or would load and lock-up within a few minutes of play. Quite a disappointment for Christmas Day... we bought it to complement a new Pioneer 5010FD plasma. Bought it at The Great Indoors in Novi, Michigan.

Have you actually tried... you can't turn off the power or open/close tray lights. As well as the little light telling you that the display is off. :) At least for the three or four units I have used in my theater.


I have had two S1 units and you are right the power and open/close light stay on - Under black cloth on mine ;) but yes they stay on.

then there is th "FL OFF" light :eek: YES as you correctly say when you do turn the front lights OFF there is a light that comes ON that says "FL OFF" :confused: .

I must admit I did chuckle when I first say that.............


I can just see a room of people chatting about features - Yeah we must be able to turn all the lights off people want that - good idea, Oh! but lets keep the power and open/close lights on so they can be easily got at OR so they can light up the room :rolleyes: . Make sure you have a light to tell them you turned the display off otherwise people might forget and think the display is dead :o

I was able to pick up an open box one for $149 at my local BB. Did the upgrade with no problems.
I looked through this thread and may have missed it but has anyone been able to get the free movies with no UPC?
I called the 800# on the BB receipt and the csr gave me another address to send the rebate to.

TIA,

JHawk
On the road to the Orange Bowl and the Final Four :-)

I'm in the same boat... would love to hear more (like what address and what did they tell you to send?)

Thanks

Anyone have a good experience with this update ?

I have it downloaded and will wait to see how everyone is doing..

I am currently at 3.20

I haven't read a post yet that has encountered issues with it. If anything it has addressed a couple.

I had one hang with 3.60 but I can't say it was due to 3.60.

If I had it to do over again I'd still apply it as I've yet to run into a Sony update that caused more problems than it fixed.

Superbad played no problems with 3.60.

What advantage does this player have over the other (cheaper) Sony models such as S500?

What advantage does this player have over the other (cheaper) Sony models such as S500?

Internal decoding of TrueHD that's about it.

I have a bdp s1 . I am very happy with it and have never had any problems. Knock on wood. At present I am unning 3.6 software . Now to my question. Is my machine the first Sony Blueray? And how does it compare toe bdps500 and the bdps3? Thanks for any replies.

Internal decoding of TrueHD that's about it.

500 has internal decoding of TrueHD and DTS-HD (not MA though).

The 500 does more than the S1.

500 has internal decoding of TrueHD and DTS-HD (not MA though).

The 500 does more than the S1.

are you saying the 500 can decode truHD and DTS-HD internally and output them via analog outputs?:confused:

Well it seems I just can't get away from this player. I tried one months ago and decided to stay with PS3 (it was rather slow pausing/playing, etc.). Eariler this month I tried another and it was defective but much quicker with the newer firmware.

Today I grabbed one (new for $199) with five free movies at purchase plus the usual mail-in offer. As long as it plays the discs this one should be a keeper.

are you saying the 500 can decode truHD and DTS-HD internally and output them via analog outputs?:confused:

TrueHD only.

Has there been any consensus on which image setting works the best? Standard certainly appears to deliver the most pop. Theater mode appears to lower the actual black level but in practice with the reduced contrast the black level looks worse. It also looks like color is a little stronger (perhaps from the drop in contrast (white level).

One thing I found odd is that I couldn't duplicate the Theater mode by adjusting the user settings. The moment I reduced brightness I lost my black bars that would remain fine in the Theater mode. It appears to me the default settings in the user settings are the same as Standard.

After just a little playing around I think I'll pick Standard and revisit it with a few other movies before I decide for good.

Standard is the only way to go (IMHO).

Has there been any consensus on which image setting works the best? Standard certainly appears to deliver the most pop. Theater mode appears to lower the actual black level but in practice with the reduced contrast the black level looks worse. It also looks like color is a little stronger (perhaps from the drop in contrast (white level).

One thing I found odd is that I couldn't duplicate the Theater mode by adjusting the user settings. The moment I reduced brightness I lost my black bars that would remain fine in the Theater mode. It appears to me the default settings in the user settings are the same as Standard.

After just a little playing around I think I'll pick Standard and revisit it with a few other movies before I decide for good.

Standard is the setting that doesn't change what is on the disc. All the other settings change the levels for blacks, whites or both and ruin gamma at the same time. I could never use Theater mode and get a great image no matter what I did.

In anticipation of a post that says something like:

":pbut I'm using Theater mode and the results are awesome :p"
AND at the risk of sounding arrogant

:rolleyes::mad::p SHUT UP!:p:o :rolleyes:

Using Standard mode is not an "opinion" it is the only right answer for this player based on measurements using a very high end (5-figure) pro chroma meter and pro software - though less expensive instrumentation and software would produce the same result. The other modes HOSE blacks, whites, or both AND gamma.(where is the "case closed" smiley?) :)

are you saying the 500 can decode truHD and DTS-HD internally and output them via analog outputs?:confused:

Yes. True HD and DTS HD (which does not mean Master Audio - It means DTS's competing version of DD+ called High Res Audio)

Basically, the 500 can decode all but DTS-MA

Here are the 500's audio spec's:

LPCM : Yes (multi channel decoding); HDMI™ bitstream out: Yes
Dolby® Digital : Decoding: Yes; HDMI™ bitstream out: Yes
Dolby® Digital plus Decoding : Yes; HDMI™ bitstream out: Yes
Dolby® TrueHD Decoding : Yes; HDMI™ bitstream out: Yes
dts® Decoding : Yes;HDMI™ bitstream out: Yes
dts®-HD Decoding : Hi-Resolution Audio: YES; HDMI™ bitstream out:YES
dts®-HD Decoding : Master Audio: No; HDMI™ bitstream out: No

I was surprised you could select various modes via 24fps. I always thought it was direct off the disc. If so, how could it be altered? :)

I rediscovered Standard mode watching Superbad. All other modes made the video look horrible. Glad to see the general consensus is Standard mode is the only way to go because that's how I feel now. :)

Standard is the only way to go (IMHO).

+1

Has any bro given any thought that, as and when the laser-head in the BR-ROM drive expires, will there be any spare part?

The BDP-S1 released in the US is the first generation blue ray player, and uses a first generation Pioneer-made rom drive inside which CANNOT read CD.

The BDP-S1E released in Europe uses a second generation Pioneer-made rom drive, which can read CD.

Presumably, the first generation rom drive will no longer be made by Pioneer.

Perhaps, perhaps, in the fullness of time, we can simply slip in a generic blue ray rom drive, and the rest of the BDP-S1 can recognise it ......?

Has any bro given any thought that, as and when the laser-head in the BR-ROM drive expires, will there be any spare part?

The BDP-S1 released in the US is the first generation blue ray player, and uses a first generation Pioneer-made rom drive inside which CANNOT read CD.

The BDP-S1E released in Europe uses a second generation Pioneer-made rom drive, which can read CD.

Presumably, the first generation rom drive will no longer be made by Pioneer.

Perhaps, perhaps, in the fullness of time, we can simply slip in a generic blue ray rom drive, and the rest of the BDP-S1 can recognise it ......?It's likely more trouble than its worth. It would make more sense to purchase a new player.

Well it seems I just can't get away from this player. I tried one months ago and decided to stay with PS3 (it was rather slow pausing/playing, etc.). Eariler this month I tried another and it was defective but much quicker with the newer firmware.

Today I grabbed one (new for $199) with five free movies at purchase plus the usual mail-in offer. As long as it plays the discs this one should be a keeper.

That's a terrific deal. Is this a special one-time deal, or is it available to others? I got one as an open-box item, no movies (not even the mail-in) at a higher price!

That's a terrific deal. Is this a special one-time deal, or is it available to others? I got one as an open-box item, no movies (not even the mail-in) at a higher price!Since I got a new one for $250 earlier (at another store) I don't think it was anything that special. They have had several demos without remotes for months, which are currently marked down to $249 or so. I think they started them at close to $400... can't really remember.

Anyway I have been keeping my eye on them and happened to notice one sitting high on a shelf that wasn't there a few days before. So I asked the manager what he would be willing to give it away for and when he said $199 (less than they leftover demos) I say great. This week they are giving away five free Blu-ray movies with the purchase of any player so that's a given. Plus it had the UPC for the mail-in movies so I should be good to go.

At Best Buy I find if you get to know one of the Magnolia guys or at least talk to the manager you can often receive some pretty good deals. For example the other week they offered me a brand new Toshiba XA2 for $325.

Since I got a new one for $250 earlier (at another store) I don't think it was anything that special. They have had several demos without remotes for months, which are currently marked down to $249 or so. I think they started them at close to $400... can't really remember.

Anyway I have been keeping my eye on them and happened to notice one sitting high on a shelf that wasn't there a few days before. So I asked the manager what he would be willing to give it away for and when he said $199 (less than they leftover demos) I say great. This week they are giving away five free Blu-ray movies with the purchase of any player so that's a given. Plus it had the UPC for the mail-in movies so I should be good to go.

At Best Buy I find if you get to know one of the Magnolia guys or at least talk to the manager you can often receive some pretty good deals. For example the other week they offered me a brand new Toshiba XA2 for $325.

Thanks for the feedback. I really thought I got a good deal on an open box (for $332), but then I saw some of the deals other people are getting. I may have to prowl BB again for something better...

Well it seems I just can't get away from this player. I tried one months ago and decided to stay with PS3 (it was rather slow pausing/playing, etc.). Eariler this month I tried another and it was defective but much quicker with the newer firmware.

Today I grabbed one (new for $199) with five free movies at purchase plus the usual mail-in offer. As long as it plays the discs this one should be a keeper.Charles, you were an inspiration. I picked another one too! The first one I bought in mid December would lock up on every disk I gave it.

I found another one, for a little bit more than your bargan, and it's working very well. I am especially pleased with the quality of SD up-conversion. With clearance pricing, the S1 maybe the best value in Blu-ray out there.

Glad I could help. I did have to pop for a forty-seven cent roll of black electrical tape. I put a mean looking black pin stripe along the front of the aluminum cover to hide the power and open/close lights. I might just patent my design. :)

I did this exact same thing w/ electrical tape back in March when I first purchased my unit! Worked perfect. And you can still push the buttons. Crazy that you can't turn off the power and open/close lights. What were the designers thinking :eek: ?

What were the designers thinking :eek: ?

They probably weren't thinking. :(

BTW, has anyone received his or her 3.6 firmware disc from Sony yet? I ordered mine the first day it was released but still haven't gotten mine.

They probably weren't thinking. :(If you read the interview about the design (posted earlier) they were thinking too much. They mentioned early on the two lights' brightness varied by batches and they went to extra care to ensure they would all be the same!

Glad I could help. I did have to pop for a forty-seven cent roll of black electrical tape. I put a mean looking black pin stripe along the front of the aluminum cover to hide the power and open/close lights. I might just patent my design. :)

Don't tell Sony support....they'll void your warranty. :D

Just thinking out loud, I wonder if you could go inside the case and clip or de-solder the leads for these lights?

Even better. Try hooking them up to the front panel lights that way you can control them with the dimmer.

Just thinking out loud, I wonder if you could go inside the case and clip or de-solder the leads for these lights?

you would want those lights for $1000 machine :cool:

Mine's ON 24/7 with 3.60 and it's a sweet thing!

That's a good idea MRMOTA! Should have been that way from the start.

videophiles09 - the lights can be an unnecessary distraction especially in a dark, dedicated, home theater where they appear quite bright.

Has any bro given any thought that, as and when the laser-head in the BR-ROM drive expires, will there be any spare part?

The BDP-S1 released in the US is the first generation blue ray player, and uses a first generation Pioneer-made rom drive inside which CANNOT read CD.

The BDP-S1E released in Europe uses a second generation Pioneer-made rom drive, which can read CD.

Presumably, the first generation rom drive will no longer be made by Pioneer.

Perhaps, perhaps, in the fullness of time, we can simply slip in a generic blue ray rom drive, and the rest of the BDP-S1 can recognise it ......?

Has anybody given a thought to repairing a Gen 1 DVD player that sold for $800 or more? No. Why would you want to do that when a Gen 10 DVD player sells for $100 and has features you couldn't DREAM of having on the Gen 1 DVD player. Likewise... the S1 is a Gen 1 player. It ALREADY can't decode DTS-HD, isn't compatible with HDMI 1.3a, it can't send any of the new digital audio formats to an AVR, it doesn't have any internal audio adjustments (speaker size, speaker bass capability, subwoofer crossover, speaker and subwoofer level settings, etc.) which makes the analog outputs just about useless, it has only a single internal audio processor so it can't do the new disc features that rely on having dual audio processors.

When your drive fails, you'll be able to buy a used S1 from somebody who has one sitting on a shelf somewhere for $25. But for another $75 or so, you'll be able to get a brand new Blu-ray player that has NONE of the S1's limitations and probably will have half-a-dozen more features we don't even know about yet.

BTW, has anyone received his or her 3.6 firmware disc from Sony yet? I ordered mine the first day it was released but still haven't gotten mine.

I'm in the same boat as you are. Still waiting. :(

I'm in the same boat as you are. Still waiting. :(

Any reason your not just downloading it?

Hi. I have been enjoying this area for a while. Thanks to all the regulars for the usefull info. I upgraded firmware today, burning the disk on my mac, instead of bothering a mate to Nero it. My question: Keneth Brown reviews for High-Def Digest. For Fox's Blu-ray Mr & Mrs Smith, he says "Mr. & Mrs. Smith' features a Lossless DTS HD 5.1 Master Audio track that creates one of the most convincing and immersive soundfields I've experienced". His gear is stated as a BDP-S1 and a PS3, (and Yamaha 7.1 receiver). I am sitting on a PS3, BDP-S1 and a Denon 2808. Am I missing something? From threads like this I was SURE that DTS HD Lossless Master was not feasible for me.

Hi. I have been enjoying this area for a while. Thanks to all the regulars for the usefull info. I upgraded firmware today, burning the disk on my mac, instead of bothering a mate to Nero it. My question: Keneth Brown reviews for High-Def Digest. For Fox's Blu-ray Mr & Mrs Smith, he says "Mr. & Mrs. Smith' features a Lossless DTS HD 5.1 Master Audio track that creates one of the most convincing and immersive soundfields I've experienced". His gear is stated as a BDP-S1 and a PS3, (and Yamaha 7.1 receiver). I am sitting on a PS3, BDP-S1 and a Denon 2808. Am I missing something? From threads like this I was SURE that DTS HD Lossless Master was not feasible for me.

DTS-HD MA is not possible on the BDP-S1. It's likely he hasn't updated his equipment list.

Thanks for the quick reply. And RATS

Any reason your not just downloading it?

Because I've always received the discs in a timely fashion, and have been patient enough to wait. I also feel a tad more confident when using a Sony factory upgrade disc rather than one that I've burned (using a Mac).

On the other hand, for my Panasonic DMP-BD30, I have burned the discs myself, as their customer service in regards to requesting upgrade discs has been rather poor (2 email requests resulting in no reply whatsoever).

FWIW...I just received today my v3.70 disc for my Sony BD300 that I requested at the same time as v3.60 for my BDP-S1. So I'm hopeful that I (and you) will be getting that disc shortly. :)

I have a BDP-S1 and was wondering just out of curiosity how does its picture quality compare to the S300/500, better/worse. sharper/cleaner.

Thanks

The image quality is comparable to the S300, but the S500 is supposedly slightly improved.

Hi. I have been enjoying this area for a while. Thanks to all the regulars for the usefull info. I upgraded firmware today, burning the disk on my mac, instead of bothering a mate to Nero it. My question: Keneth Brown reviews for High-Def Digest. For Fox's Blu-ray Mr & Mrs Smith, he says "Mr. & Mrs. Smith' features a Lossless DTS HD 5.1 Master Audio track that creates one of the most convincing and immersive soundfields I've experienced". His gear is stated as a BDP-S1 and a PS3, (and Yamaha 7.1 receiver). I am sitting on a PS3, BDP-S1 and a Denon 2808. Am I missing something? From threads like this I was SURE that DTS HD Lossless Master was not feasible for me.

He's not getting DTS-HD MA from the S1. I don't know what the PS3's audio capabilities are. It would be pretty damn funny if he's complementing the MA soundtrack and all he has heard so far is the DTS core. LOL!;)

Guys, sorry if this is a stupid question but is there any chance that future firmware updates will enable CD playback on the BDP-S1?

Other than that, I love my player, absolutely no problems. It's a tank.

Guys, sorry if this is a stupid question but is there any chance that future firmware updates will enable CD playback on the BDP-S1?

Other than that, I love my player, absolutely no problems. It's a tank.

Nope

Nope

Bummer, oh well. Is it physically impossible on the hardware or just not worth the effort for Sony?

Physically impossible.

Bummer, oh well. Is it physically impossible on the hardware or just not worth the effort for Sony?

Reading CDs requires a big fat red laser. The drive in the S1 only has a skinny blue laser that bounces around on CD data tracks like a phonograph needle in a drainage ditch. You can't play CDs with a blue laser as implemented in high-def players. Every high-def disc player that can play CDs has a red laser and blue laser in the drive.

Is the S1 capable of being updated to profile 1.1 like the PS3?

Is the S1 capable of being updated to profile 1.1 like the PS3?

Unfortunately not

Dumb question of the day: what's proper output setting for component? My open box unit came in set at RGB (0-255), and it won't allow me to change? I wonder if it needs to be connected via HDMI to make the appropriate adjustment?

Dumb question of the day: what's proper output setting for component? My open box unit came in set at RGB (0-255), and it won't allow me to change? I wonder if it needs to be connected via HDMI to make the appropriate adjustment?

You are set correctly. The other settings are only changeable and for use with HDMI or DVI.

You are set correctly. The other settings are only changeable and for use with HDMI or DVI.

Cool...Thanks!

For those of you who own one, I was at Tweeter today and they had a closeout of the BDP-S1 at $399. I have not seen any price close to this. Is the S1 worth it with all of the newer and supposedly more advanced models coming out?...And why is it worth it if it is?

It would be a better bargain for $299. Talk to them. I'll bet you could get it for close to that.

It would be a better bargain for $299. Talk to them. I'll bet you could get it for close to that.

At either price, how about the player itself. How does it stand up against newer models?

The player is rock solid. You'll notice little activity on this thread and the HD1(basically the same unit, but Pioneer) which is a very good thing.

There is one at the Comp USA that is closing here that it open box. not remote and they want $599 and won't budge...




also I own a BDP-S1, that I don't have a receipt for, But i have a valid UPC Code. If someone would like to split the movies with me we can make a deal.

also I own a BDP-S1, that I don't have a receipt for, But i have a valid UPC Code. If someone would like to split the movies with me we can make a deal.

Hmm, I would be interested, I don't know if the deal has expired though. I purchased mine about a month and a half ago.

I got an open box special at BB for $175. Perfect condition, w/ remote, cables, etc.

For those of you who own one, I was at Tweeter today and they had a closeout of the BDP-S1 at $399. I have not seen any price close to this. Is the S1 worth it with all of the newer and supposedly more advanced models coming out?...And why is it worth it if it is?

The S1 will never play CDs and it will never decode DTS-HD (not either format, if you select a DTS-HD soundtrack, you only get DTS). The S1 has analog outputs but they are essentially worthless because there are no adjustments in the S1 to allow you to set speaker levels, speaker bass capability, speaker distances, subwoofer level, subwoofer crossover point, etc. While receivers have those adjustments, they DON'T have those adjustments for the multi-channel analog inputs because few receivers or processors have 6 or more channels of analog-to-digital converters... usually they have one stereo A-to-D converter for stereo sources. That means the 5.1 analog inputs are never digitized so you don't get all th adjustments available in th AVR or processor.

Other than that, the S1 is a fine Blu-ray disc and DVD player. If the things the S1 can't do are important to you, the $500 MSRP Panasonic player would probably be my choice based on features, but I'd check the AVSForum for that player before buying it just to find out what the quirks are. You should be able to find that NEW Panasonic player with all the latest features for $399 also.

A lot of the guts of the S1 are the same as the guts in the Sony S300 that has been on sale for as little as $299 (it's MSRP is $399 right now). So you may want to check the S300 forum to see if Sony ever provided a firmware update that allows the S300 to decode DolbyTrueHD... that used to be the only thing the S300 did not do that the S1 could do. And the S300 can play CDs. But that Panasonic player will send DTS-HD (and Dolby TruHD and DDPlus) to an AVR/processor while the S300 will not.

I love the S1 but I think you have to buy it with the understanding that if you are serious about Blu-ray you will be replacing it within a year. For advanced audio and higher player profiles (if not for speed issues alone).

If you just want a well built player that will play most movies going forward (hopefully all) and you aren't an audio nut you should be good to go.

In both cases to me anything over $275 feels over priced.

Bye Bye HD DVD. Sony lost the Beta/ VHS wars but not this time. If the video/audio output are comparable it only stands to reason that the format that can hold the most capacity should win. Warner Brothers should release a huge backlog of great films to Blu Ray. YES!

And how does this relate to the thread topic?:confused:

I wondered that myself.

Is there any way that a computer virus could harm a firmware disc? Even if everything loads the way it is supposed to? If the disc downloads like it should and loads like it should? Can viruses even get on firmware discs in the first place? This is for firmware discs for Sony Blu-Ray players that were downloaded and burned on a computer. Just curious. Thanks in advance.

<><

:cool:

The S1 will never play CDs and it will never decode DTS-HD (not either format, if you select a DTS-HD soundtrack, you only get DTS). The S1 has analog outputs but they are essentially worthless because there are no adjustments in the S1 to allow you to set speaker levels, speaker bass capability, speaker distances, subwoofer level, subwoofer crossover point, etc. While receivers have those adjustments, they DON'T have those adjustments for the multi-channel analog inputs because few receivers or processors have 6 or more channels of analog-to-digital converters... usually they have one stereo A-to-D converter for stereo sources. That means the 5.1 analog inputs are never digitized so you don't get all th adjustments available in th AVR or processor.
.

Just curious - do you know why it can't do DTS-HD decoding? Is it a processing power issue?

Local store in the DC area is selling it for $199 this week. Saw the ad in the paper this morning. Myer Emco.

Local store in the DC area is selling it for $199 this week. Saw the ad in the paper this morning. Myer Emco.

Awesome deal.

Awesome deal.

I do not have a BD player yet, but it looks like this player gets you the 5 movies from Sony too, so it is a good deal.

I do not have a BD player yet, but it looks like this player gets you the 5 movies from Sony too, so it is a good deal.

Man if you have a BB near you I would head over there with the paper and have them price match it if they have one in the box. You'll get 5 instantly free and 5 mail in. If it's open you could talk them down more and push for the 10 freebees...

Just curious - do you know why it can't do DTS-HD decoding? Is it a processing power issue?
The S1 doesn't have the proper hardware to be able to decode DTS-HD MA or to send it via bitstream to the receiver to decode. Bottom line is it's a hardware limitation with that unit. Also there are NO units currently available that can decode DTS-HD MA internally that I'm aware of. There are a few that can send DTS-HD MA via bitstream though.

The S1 doesn't have the proper hardware to be able to decode DTS-HD MA or to send it via bitstream to the receiver to decode. Bottom line is it's a hardware limitation with that unit. Also there are NO units currently available that can decode DTS-HD MA internally that I'm aware of. There are a few that can send DTS-HD MA via bitstream though.

OP was talking about dts-HD-HR...

By now it seems everyone knows it does not do dts-HD-MA...

OP was talking about dts-HD-HR...

By now it seems everyone knows it does not do dts-HD-MA...
O.K. You never know when new users to a particular topic join so that's why I answered.

Man if you have a BB near you I would head over there with the paper and have them price match it if they have one in the box. You'll get 5 instantly free and 5 mail in. If it's open you could talk them down more and push for the 10 freebees...

I might try that tomorrow. Thanks.

By accident, I found my Sony Blu-Ray player to outpace other DVD players at decoding some seemingly difficult source material this past weekend.

I've been editing/authoring my own DVD's -- this one of my family's latest trip to Disney World. Anyway, I have some scrolling text in the video. When testing out my work on my "standard" DVD player (a recent Sony 400 DVD upscaling changer) viewed on my 60" 1080p Samsung DLP, the scrolling text had a very annoying flicker. I played around in my editing software to output a better source (playing around with 30i, 24p, 30p, etc. frame rates).

All of my DVD players in the house did fine with the text encoded at 24p with the 2-3/3-2 flag set. After getting smooth text at 24p, I got more aggressive with my testing. I didn't want to convert my original interlaced 30 frames per sec video to 24p, just to have a player convert it back -- all just so a few lines of scrolling text would be smooth. So, I decided (just for fun) to test further with all of my DVD players, including my S1 and "high end" players of other vintages.

My Denon 5900 could do fine with a test clip of the scrolling text (encoded at 30p), but failed on the full cut that included other video material in addition to the scrolling text (this was tried at various settings for the Denon's deinterlacing). The difficulty the Denon had in making up its mind on how to deinterlace the material was obvious.

As previously mentioned, the Sony 400 disk changer failed the test (both in test material of text only and the mixed footage).

The S1 NEVER failed. It always had the best and smoothest image of the text and video material.

This was a wakeup call for me. I had not thoroughly compared the S1's DVD capabilities prior to this. I had been fairly content with the Sony changer's PQ (and, especially, convenience) in my somewhat casual movie watching (most of which included my daughter's Pixar movies).

Bottom line: I have a new-found appreciation of my S1's DVD deinterlacing/scaling capabilities. I've always loved its Blu-ray playback, but now I've found that it handles SD material quite well. This is probably something that most here already knew, so pardon my own revelation.

By accident, I found my Sony Blu-Ray player to outpace other DVD players at decoding some seemingly difficult source material this past weekend.

I've been editing/authoring my own DVD's -- this one of my family's latest trip to Disney World. Anyway, I have some scrolling text in the video. When testing out my work on my "standard" DVD player (a recent Sony 400 DVD upscaling changer) viewed on my 60" 1080p Samsung DLP, the scrolling text had a very annoying flicker. I played around in my editing software to output a better source (playing around with 30i, 24p, 30p, etc. frame rates).

All of my DVD players in the house did fine with the text encoded at 24p with the 2-3/3-2 flag set. After getting smooth text at 24p, I got more aggressive with my testing. I didn't want to convert my original interlaced 30 frames per sec video to 24p, just to have a player convert it back -- all just so a few lines of scrolling text would be smooth. So, I decided (just for fun) to test further with all of my DVD players, including my S1 and "high end" players of other vintages.

My Denon 5900 could do fine with a test clip of the scrolling text (encoded at 30p), but failed on the full cut that included other video material in addition to the scrolling text (this was tried at various settings for the Denon's deinterlacing). The difficulty the Denon had in making up its mind on how to deinterlace the material was obvious.

As previously mentioned, the Sony 400 disk changer failed the test (both in test material of text only and the mixed footage).

The S1 NEVER failed. It always had the best and smoothest image of the text and video material.

This was a wakeup call for me. I had not thoroughly compared the S1's DVD capabilities prior to this. I had been fairly content with the Sony changer's PQ (and, especially, convenience) in my somewhat casual movie watching (most of which included my daughter's Pixar movies).

Bottom line: I have a new-found appreciation of my S1's DVD deinterlacing/scaling capabilities. I've always loved its Blu-ray playback, but now I've found that it handles SD material quite well. This is probably something that most here already knew, so pardon my own revelation.

Thanks for your informative post. :)

Just bought one of these for $250 at Best Buy w/ the 5 free movie deal. I plan on keeping it around for a year or so until the dust settles a bit more. I like the build quality on the thing...well, the weight...feels a lot sturdier than most of the newer units and it'll get me through and it'll go to another set or on eBay. Hopefully they keep the firmware updates coming to keep it up with new releases...

I totally agree. I have been through a couple of PS3s and tried almost all of the other players. The new Panasonic comes very close but you can't force 24fps with it.

So I picked one up with a good deal and by the time I sold off the 10 movies it's just about a throw away. If and when the PS3 gets DTS HD MA or another player comes along that offers everything at a decent price I'll move the S1 into the den.

Couple of quickies here:
1) How do I bypass the annoying previews and commercials on Blu-Ray movies (especially Disney/Buena Vista movies)? Pressing menu doesn't work...
2) Does the latest firmware improve the load time on newer movies?
Thanks in advance.

Couple of quickies here:
1) How do I bypass the annoying previews and commercials on Blu-Ray movies (especially Disney/Buena Vista movies)? Pressing menu doesn't work...
2) Does the latest firmware improve the load time on newer movies?
Thanks in advance.

1. Top menu
2. Yes

Anyone else get the Sony email on the 3.6 software release? I guess it's about time.

1. Top menu
2. Yes

Thanks!

Anyone else get the Sony email on the 3.6 software release? I guess it's about time.

I'll say...... but still checked what was here. :rolleyes:

My rental copy of Wild Hogs won't play last night. I'm getting a "cannot play disc" message. I checked and cleaned the disc (looks good-no cracks/scratches). This is the 1st time I've seen this message on the S1. I'm at version 3.2.
Is this a player or software issue?

Sony outlet current has these for 349$ with free ship and 10% off coupon. Not bad, direct from sony.

Couple of quickies here:
1) How do I bypass the annoying previews and commercials on Blu-Ray movies (especially Disney/Buena Vista movies)? Pressing menu doesn't work...
2) Does the latest firmware improve the load time on newer movies?
Thanks in advance.

I have completely different takes on the answers to these questions compared to what was already posted.

1- SOME Disney titles WILL let you get to the Menu by using one of the Menu buttons, but not ALL titles allow this. Disney has the most disorganized "standards" for their releases I've ever seen. And it has been this way through the DVD era as well. If you CAN'T get to the menu with one of the menu buttons, you can skip the previews 1 at a time with the chapter skip button. A PITA but better than sitting through all of them.

2- Since Firmware 2.5 or thereabouts, I have seen absolutely ZERO improvement in load times for Blu-Java discs - in fact, some of the newer Blu-Java titles take longer to load than ever, presumably because of the amount of code they are loading before you can play the disc. But you MUST keep updating the firmware in your player or the day will come when you put in a newer disc title and it will not play AT ALL. Most of the firmware updating is being done to keep up with new uses of Blu-Java in new releases. If you get too far behind on firmware updates, you will eventually get locked out from playing some new title.

In fact, you can often tell which title the firmware updates are released for... often the firmware appears 1 or 2 weeks before some big release like Ratatouille... something a lot of owners are likely to buy. If you don't get the firmware installed, you can end up having Rat crash while it is loading.

Would I gain anything important other than CD playback with a BDP-S2000ES over a BDP-S1 I have now?

Not to get too far astray on this thread but what everyone think of that Sony Blu-Ray media server. Looks interesting.

Would I gain anything important other than CD playback with a BDP-S2000ES over a BDP-S1 I have now?

Not to get too far astray on this thread but what everyone think of that Sony Blu-Ray media server. Looks interesting.

Perhaps in the long run assuming more features are adding in future firmware updates, but other than faster load times? Not right now.

I would skip over the BDP-S2000ES and go w/ one of the newer full-featured machines (less money too).

Yeah...Sony really blew it with the S2000ES. It doesn't even bitstream DTS-HD MA.

Question for you experts? If I took my S1 or PS3 and connected them using HDMI capable receiver would I be able to use the receivers speaker levels & distances. I'd would have the S1 and PS3 do the decoding of course. With my Denon 3805 via analog I have no control over these functions, I'm just wondering if the same is true with HDMI. Thinking about picking up a Pioneer or Denon 3808.
Thanks,
Rick


Go Giants

Question for you experts? If I took my S1 or PS3 and connected them using HDMI capable receiver would I be able to use the receivers speaker levels & distances. I'd would have the S1 and PS3 do the decoding of course. With my Denon 3805 via analog I have no control over these functions, I'm just wondering if the same is true with HDMI. Thinking about picking up a Pioneer or Denon 3808.

Yes, it should.

Mine won't play Mr.Woodcock!?!? it says 'Can't play disc'

disc's in perfect condition. 3.6 firmware.

Mine won't play Mr.Woodcock!?!? it says 'Can't play disc'

disc's in perfect condition. 3.6 firmware.

If you haven't done so already, power down the machine, then turn it back on and try the disc again.

That sometimes clears up a basic disc reading error.

If you haven't done so already, power down the machine, then turn it back on and try the disc again.

That sometimes clears up a basic disc reading error.

Better yet....He needs to do a hard reset and completely wipe out the memory.

thanks.

open-close 3 times cleared my reading error!

Good job, videophiles.

And in the future, if a disc is giving you problems even after you open and close the disc tray multiple times...

1. Power down the machine and then start it back up.

And if that doesn't work...

2. Hard reset, like our esteemed Donnie Eldridge mentioned.

This should solve most disc reading problems.

Are you sure the player wasn't looking out for your best interest? When it read error are you sure it was wrong? Having read revues about Mr. Woodcock maybe the player was right the first time. Just kidding!

Tried to scan thru the thread but couldn't answer my question.

How or where do I look to see what firmware version my machine is running? I just bought it without a manual.

thanks.

1. System Menu - on your remote

2. Setup

3. Video Setup

4. TV Type

5. Blue button located on your remote

Following these steps should get you to the Firmware version.

Here's how it's described on the BDP-S1 product support page on the sonyusa website. Maybe it's a little clearer than my last post.

On the remote control (RMT-B100A), press the SYSTEM MENU button.
At the "System Menu" screen, use the arrow keys on the remote control to highlight "Setup" and then press the ENTER button.
At the "Setup" screen, use the arrow keys on the remote control to highlight "Video Setup" and then press the ENTER button.
Use the arrow keys on the remote control to highlight "TV Type" and then press the ENTER button.
On the remote control, press the "BLUE" button.
The firmware version currently installed on the BDP-S1 will be listed on the television screen. If the version number is 3.60 or higher, it is not necessary to install this firmware update.

Mine won't play Mr.Woodcock!?!? it says 'Can't play disc'

disc's in perfect condition. 3.6 firmware.

I had the same problem with a rental version of this.

I played this movie w/o a problem last nite. The firmware is 3.2.

Picked up a BDP-S1 yesterday for a pretty good price. It was new of course but came with firmware 1.06. Weird. Quickly burned a dvd with the latest 3.6 version and it's been doing great so far. This will either be the main BD player or for a bedroom. I currently have the S500 model too.

Both are about the same loading etc...going bitstream to my reciever for TrueHD is considerably louder this way but adjusting the volume level made it interesting. Sounds the same too me on SpiderMan 2. With the volume levels matched I noticed the same effects, detail, dynamics etc....

I noticed more of a difference with my A-35 HD DVD player sending bitstream than internal decoding than I do with this Blu-ray setup.

Having owned a BDP-S1 last year I knew it had excellent build quality. The 500 model is no slouch but pretty light compared to the S1.

Same remotes...one is silver, one is black. Both lack any DTS-MA support so audio wise they are the same.

So do I want the heavier-beefier glass fronted S1 or the cool elegant looking (but plastic) drop down door of the 500? :D :) The front of the 500 is a tad cleaner looking but wish it was more flush like the S1.

I have issues. ;)

BDP-S1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/Timobi/Club%20Timobi%20Wan%202004/Misc/bdp-s1.jpg

S500
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/Timobi/Club%20Timobi%20Wan%202004/Misc/sony500blu-ray.jpg

ES2000 but $1200!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/Timobi/Club%20Timobi%20Wan%202004/Misc/sonyesblu-ray.jpg

Hi, bought a new BDP-S1 on 1/30/2008 ordered the firmware update and today it gets here so I start the machine up and notice a burning smell but don't think anything of it. Update the firmware everything went the way it is supposed to, so put Black Hawk Down in and press play and nothing happens.
Check everything and it all is the way it's supposed to be, so call Sony and tell them, they tell me to unplug it for five minutes, so after the five minutes, power it up and press play and nothing happens. They wanted me to send it in for service after having it a whole 4 days. Luckily the store where it was purchased has another new one. The one good thing I will say is, when it was working put Black Hawk Down in and geeeee I need my TV calibrated and I can't wait to get it calibrated and sit down and watch a good movie, cause there is so much potential there for one heck of a picture.

Thanks for listening
Damon

Hi, bought a new BDP-S1 on 1/30/2008 ordered the firmware update and today it gets here so I start the machine up and notice a burning smell but don't think anything of it. Update the firmware everything went the way it is supposed to, so put Black Hawk Down in and press play and nothing happens.
Check everything and it all is the way it's supposed to be, so call Sony and tell them, they tell me to unplug it for five minutes, so after the five minutes, power it up and press play and nothing happens. They wanted me to send it in for service after having it a whole 4 days. Luckily the store where it was purchased has another new one. The one good thing I will say is, when it was working put Black Hawk Down in and geeeee I need my TV calibrated and I can't wait to get it calibrated and sit down and watch a good movie, cause there is so much potential there for one heck of a picture.

Thanks for listening
Damon

congrats on your sony purchase, but this is why I don't own anything sony.

thanks for the instructions Nova.

congrats on your sony purchase, but this is why I don't own anything sony.

Happens to the best of them. Not just with Sony, Denon, Toshiba, Samsung, and everyone else that makes electronics have flawed players, tvs, etc. Nature of the beast, not just Sony.

congrats on your sony purchase, but this is why I don't own anything sony.

Why are you reading a Sony thread then, troll? This is an ignorant statement.

There are no brands that never experience failures. Sony products are no worse or better than other brands. The XBR1 was an exception and Sony is replacing these for owners long after the warranty has expired.

Hi, bought a new BDP-S1 on 1/30/2008 ordered the firmware update and today it gets here so I start the machine up and notice a burning smell but don't think anything of it. Update the firmware everything went the way it is supposed to, so put Black Hawk Down in and press play and nothing happens.
Check everything and it all is the way it's supposed to be, so call Sony and tell them, they tell me to unplug it for five minutes, so after the five minutes, power it up and press play and nothing happens. They wanted me to send it in for service after having it a whole 4 days. Luckily the store where it was purchased has another new one. The one good thing I will say is, when it was working put Black Hawk Down in and geeeee I need my TV calibrated and I can't wait to get it calibrated and sit down and watch a good movie, cause there is so much potential there for one heck of a picture.

Thanks for listening
Damon

Don't listen to the Sony haters. My BD-S1 has been a horse. I've never encountered a clean disk, BD or DVD that would not play, and unlike some other manufacturers, firmware updates have always been timely, so that the machine has played the latest releases. If this player was able to bitstream DTS-HD master audio, I would have no reason to ever replace it. I have no desire for PIP or ethernet connectivity.

By the way, you don't need to press play. Just put the disk in and wait for the menu. It can take a minute or two. Enjoy!

I am on the fence about picking this unit up tomorrow or not. I currently use my PS3 but would like to get a stand alone. I can pick this unit up for $150 (open box w/ 5 year warrenty from store) so it seems like a no brainer to me. Any advantges/disadvantages between this and the PS3?

The S1 is quieter, slower and of course uses a typical remote. Image wise I can't tell any difference. Also the PS3 might get DTS-HD MA support down the road.

Overall with the newer firmware the S1 is a nice player. However I wonder how well it will hold up with newer titles. Typically I don't care how long a movie takes to begin but with my last movie (Good Luck Chuck) I was beginning to wonder if the menu would ever come up.

Since I don't think it's a great upscaling player long term usage is probably limited to Blu-ray and it's going to get outdated before too long. I picked one up myself for $199 (plus ten free movies) so it's a keeper until the players mature a bit.

Thanks Charles,
sound wise how does this compare to the PS3. I read that this unit is able to do TrueHd but is this similar in regards to Uncompressed. I still don't get all of these terms....too many to keep up with anymore.

Is there any ES range BD player coming out from Sony soon?

You mean besides the BDP-S2000ES?

Picked one of these up for $160 at Sears for the bedroom, was a tossup between this and the $99 Samsung they had, having read this thread Sony has been pretty good with the firmware updates for it and from what I've read the Samsungs seem more problematic, so I spent the extra $60. I probably should have bought both players, but that is second guessing it, besides there is another one of these at another Sears maybe they'll price match it with the receipt. So far it seems to work quite well, had no problems. I probably will update it to the newest firmware later on tonight while I can still return it if issues arise.

Picked one of these up for $160 at Sears for the bedroom, was a tossup between this and the $99 Samsung they had, having read this thread Sony has been pretty good with the firmware updates for it and from what I've read the Samsungs seem more problematic, so I spent the extra $60. I probably should have bought both players, but that is second guessing it, besides there is another one of these at another Sears maybe they'll price match it with the receipt. So far it seems to work quite well, had no problems. I probably will update it to the newest firmware later on tonight while I can still return it if issues arise.

Trust me...You'll be glad you didn't get the Samsung. :)

Is the Samsung even worth $99? I could still go back and get it... Or I know another Sears has one of these BDP-S1s, and I have my receipt, I know they want more but I could always see if they could match the price. I really could use another for the other livingroom. For the few days I've had this one it has worked exactly as I had hoped.

Pay the extra 60. You'll have a lot less headaches. I know a place that still has them new in a box and there still asking 530 for them.

Pay the extra 60. You'll have a lot less headaches. I know a place that still has them new in a box and there still asking 530 for them.

I'll go to the other Sears on Tuesday and see if they'll sell it for the same price if not its not like I really needed it but it would be nice to have.

Trust me...You'll be glad you didn't get the Samsung. :)

I agree!

Long story..short....was in Circuit City and stumbled onto a first generation S1 that was miss-marked as a 300 (had it's manual and cord)....it looked in great shape and asked the price. Mngr. said $189 and then after I left, he marked it as regular $325 and then stuck a red clearance tag reading $189. I came back and bought it.....why not, same 30 day return and full warranty. Now I find that it still has the original firmware version, 1.06 ! I have played old DVDs and DVD-R sideshow creations and the latest Planet Earth series as well as some new BD releases.......NO PROBLEMS. Yes the machine is slow but the pictures and sound (HDMI) is fantastic. QUESTION: Should I bother to upgrade the firmware to 3.60 and risk losing what i now have ? BTW..they down loaded the actual manual from the internet and put it on a CD and found a new remote and two power cords for me.

Long story..short....was in Circuit City and stumbled onto a first generation S1 that was miss-marked as a 300 (had it's manual and cord)....it looked in great shape and asked the price. Mngr. said $189 and then after I left, he marked it as regular $325 and then stuck a red clearance tag reading $189. I came back and bought it.....why not, same 30 day return and full warranty. Now I find that it still has the original firmware version, 1.06 ! I have played old DVDs and DVD-R sideshow creations and the latest Planet Earth series as well as some new BD releases.......NO PROBLEMS. Yes the machine is slow but the pictures and sound (HDMI) is fantastic. QUESTION: Should I bother to upgrade the firmware to 3.60 and risk losing what i now have ? BTW..they down loaded the actual manual from the internet and put it on a CD and found a new remote and two power cords for me.

Dude Update away. The updates have just improved this player exponentially. It will boot up quicker and handle some of the more heavily laden JAVA SW. Good find. If I can convince a local place to let one new one in a box go for $200 I will get it as well.

My S1 also came 1.06 and wouldn't load Pirates -Black Pearl. After updating...all was well. Plus these newer updates will give you TrueHD decoding.

720p is tops for upconversion via HDMI. 480p via component, unless the disc isn't copy protected.

Reviving and old topic. My question is what will this player output via COMPONENT on un copy protected disks? Will It output upconverted 1080i? I'm looking to switch from HD DVD, the Toshiba i have will output 1080i upconvert via component and it looks great. I'm returning it and looking at Blu ray, and this unit in particular.

If this unit won't upconvert unprotected on component can anyone suggest a model that will?

Thanks....

I'm not completely sure, but I think it will upconvert non copy protected DVDs.

Long story..short....was in Circuit City and stumbled onto a first generation S1 that was miss-marked as a 300 (had it's manual and cord)....it looked in great shape and asked the price. Mngr. said $189 and then after I left, he marked it as regular $325 and then stuck a red clearance tag reading $189. I came back and bought it.....why not, same 30 day return and full warranty. Now I find that it still has the original firmware version, 1.06 ! I have played old DVDs and DVD-R sideshow creations and the latest Planet Earth series as well as some new BD releases.......NO PROBLEMS. Yes the machine is slow but the pictures and sound (HDMI) is fantastic. QUESTION: Should I bother to upgrade the firmware to 3.60 and risk losing what i now have ? BTW..they down loaded the actual manual from the internet and put it on a CD and found a new remote and two power cords for me.
Excellent, I agree with everyone else. You should update to 3.6, better response from the remote and Dolby TrueHD.

OK......tried the Mac way of downloading the new firmware 3.6 and had the correct file on the DVD but it would not except it. About to give up when the update arrived in the mail from Sony (had asked for it on the web ) and voila, it worked !! Now all the discs I throw at it work and the sound (Dolby) is unbelievable even though I only have my two front stereo ones with the TV ones playing at the same time. I could not do this with my old CRT set. I have a Sony 52XBR4 and this Sony BDP S1......what a great set up !!

OK......tried the Mac way of downloading the new firmware 3.6 and had the correct file on the DVD but it would not except it. About to give up when the update arrived in the mail from Sony (had asked for it on the web ) and voila, it worked !! Now all the discs I throw at it work and the sound (Dolby) is unbelievable even though I only have my two front stereo ones with the TV ones playing at the same time. I could not do this with my old CRT set. I have a Sony 52XBR4 and this Sony BDP S1......what a great set up !!

Strange, I did 3.6 on a mac, and had no problem installing it on the BDP-S1.

Does anyone know the code to unlock the tray?

I got an open box model and the tray is locked. When you hit the open button it reads "lock" on the display and it won't open. I've tried the Sony FAQ stuff to no avail. It appears to be some dealer setting.

Picked up my S1 from C/C yesterday on open box for 189$ I updated the firmware last night and now just have to go buy some Blu-Ray movies LOL

Hey guys I need a little help here with the player. I can not for the life of me get the analog output to work or the optical to work. I can only get audio to come out of the HDMI to the TV. I have it connected to my pioneer via analog and optical and it will not receive the signal. Yes, I set the pioneer to use the analog in the setup and optical and still nothing. Any suggestions?

Does anyone know the code to unlock the tray?

I got an open box model and the tray is locked. When you hit the open button it reads "lock" on the display and it won't open. I've tried the Sony FAQ stuff to no avail. It appears to be some dealer setting.

The only thing I can think of to try is to do a hard reset. If I remember right, this is documented in the Owner's Manual. If that doesn't work, you may be screwed.

How come I see so many units that seem to power themselves down? Over the last week or two there had to be 3 or 4 on eBay and I came across a couple in stores. Is this a common problem? Is it fixable?

I was looking to get one of these units, but wondering if this is an ongoing problem.

Zero problems of any kind with my S1-bd. Currently on 3.60 version firmware with out any updating issues as well. Paired with a XBR 3 46 LCD this model produces , in my opinion , a better picture than most theaters. As well documented there is some delay in loading which I believe is negligible. By the way Sony sends free updates via USPS as well....bob

Zero problems of any kind with my S1-bd. Currently on 3.60 version firmware with out any updating issues as well. Paired with a XBR 3 46 LCD this model produces , in my opinion , a better picture than most theaters. As well documented there is some delay in loading which I believe is negligible. By the way Sony sends free updates via USPS as well....bob

Is that only if you register with their site? I downloaded the firmware to a blank DVD, but I can hold off 2 weeks after the new firmware is released if that means not wasting a DVD.

How often is firmware released for the S1?

If registered, Sony mails out the firmware update approx 4-6 weeks after it's available on line.

There were 8 firmware updates last year. I really don't expect any more.

General Klinger, I called Sony for the update, they entered my info into their system and sent version 3.20. Interestingly enough version 3.60 had been available on line for a couple of weeks. I received version 3.60 a month later go figure. .... by the way they asked for a serial number when I first called which was problematic since the unit was installed without easy access to the serial number, but they sent it anyway. Also very courteous on phone .... bob

If the firmware is available and listed on the BDP-S1 support page at the Sonyusa website, there is a link to request a disc through the mail for those who can't or do not want to burn a disc on their computers.

Once you send in a request, the disc arrives within a week. This is a much faster route than waiting for Sony to send you a disc based on your being registered in their database for receiving upgrades by mail.

It's funny, I still receive the discs a month later even though they sent me one after I requested it through the link. Not very efficient, but this is a case where their inefficiency doesn't affect the customer.

Well, I purchased my first few Blu-Ray movies yesterday and am nothing less than excited about my S-1 purchase :)

I watched the first 10 minutes of Cars, Con Air and The Rock and am totally amazed. There's not much difference between Blu-Ray and my HD-DVD that I can notice picture wise, except the different selection of movies.

Now with HD-DVD over with, I will keep buying dual formats for awhile :)

I was in Comp USA today, as it is closing in two weeks and everything is 40% off. I picked up a brand new BDP-S1 for $419. I hope that this was not a mistake now, after reading that the S1 has been discontinued for a while. Can someone direct me to the page where I can download the firmware utility?

I was in Comp USA today, as it is closing in two weeks and everything is 40% off. I picked up a brand new BDP-S1 for $419. I hope that this was not a mistake now, after reading that the S1 has been discontinued for a while. Can someone direct me to the page where I can download the firmware utility?
Go to Sony website follow links, firmware 3.60 available for Windows download. I have a Mac so I had mine sent ...good luck

Go to Sony website follow links, firmware 3.60 available for Windows download. I have a Mac so I had mine sent ...good luck

Thanks, I found it. I also just found out that sears had just clearanced these players out a couple weeks ago at $299. I guess I probably should have just bought the S300...it seems that it has resolved a lot of the S1 issues, although build quality is not quite the same. Oh well. What I thought was a good deal was just an average deal at best.

The only thing I can think of to try is to do a hard reset. If I remember right, this is documented in the Owner's Manual. If that doesn't work, you may be screwed.

Yep, I found out this is a MAJOR issue. I had to return it to the store and I understand from one of the guys in the store that they need a special disc to unlock it. Of course, they can't get the disc into the player since the door is locked.

Does anyone know the code to unlock the tray?

I got an open box model and the tray is locked. When you hit the open button it reads "lock" on the display and it won't open. I've tried the Sony FAQ stuff to no avail. It appears to be some dealer setting.

This info is from Sony Website:
How to lock and unlock the disc tray.

Follow this procedure to lock and unlock the disc tray.

IMPORTANT: This procedure will only work while a disc is inserted in the player and when the disc is playing.

While a disc is playing in the Blu-ray Disc™ player, press the SYSTEM MENU button on the remote control.
After the System Menu screen appears, slowly press 0 0 0 0 7 6 6 9 using the number pad on the remote control.
NOTES:

If the procedure has been performed correctly, the disc will stop playing and the player will go in the Resume mode.
Each time this procedure is performed the disc tray will either lock or unlock.

Hope this info helps you.

Al

Thanks for sharing the code from the Sony website.

This code does not work on the DEMO LOCKED units. You need a disc in the machine, and there is not a disc in the machine. I spent an hour + on the phone with Sony and another 2 hours in Circuit City to find out you can't unlock THIS DEMO LOCK mode without something special.

DEMO LOCKED must be some kind of mode for in-store display units where somebody can't walk up, press "OPEN" and steal the Blu-Ray?

Can anyone tell me if the BDP-S1 plays 1080P24hz?

Can anyone tell me if the BDP-S1 plays 1080P24hz?

ABSOLUTELY!:D

thanks

so whats the difference between the BDP-S1 & the BDP-S300?