How about we consolidate user reports/comments for the Sony Sony BDP-S1 BD Player here?

Yes. As someone interested in this player because of 1080p/24 I'd like some reports by those who have projectors, tv sets, etc. which can take this signal like my HP Pavillion 1080p can. Quality of video, etc.

And someone please post screen shots of the player in action. All the money floating here yet no one can seem to afford a digital camera.

Audible noise is very low

unit is fairly quiet: it has a fan but it is barely noticeable unless you are up close-

the bottom panel is vented across the front half

it seems to run cool

very nice player

Something that is confusing me a little. First off everything is via HDMI.

On my Samsung when I sent a pcm signal (lossless or not) I was able to apply DPL IIx to the pcm stream. The Sony will NOT let me apply any processing by my Pioneer 84txsi. What is different in the signals between the Samsung and the Sony. Something has to be.

Anyone with any ideas??

I 'll try to summarize my impressions and comments made in other threads.

Although the audio is a secondary issue for me, I was dissapointed by the lack of
configuration available to the signal coming out of the analog outputs. There is no
bass management, can't adjust it to a system with no subwoofer and can't set the
channel delays. That means you really need a receiver/processor to handle the sound,
so even if there is an upgrade to decode the advanced audio codecs it won't be that
useful. I would settle for an upgrade to output the new audio codecs through hdmi and
let a processor decode them. I can't believe they didn't include that capability in the
first place.

The picture is great, at least compared to SD DVD. I haven't seen HD-DVD so I can't
compare it to that. Compared to film it's still inferior, as expected. 1080p is just not
sufficient resolution. Overall the picture delivered through my Sony Ruby makes me
very happy. By the way it passes blacker than black. Fast forwarding, chapter changing,
etc. is not as responsive as other players I've had, but it's not slow enough to be
annoying.

The player looks great, is solidly constructed and is all around very polished. With
the video being my primary concern, I am happy with my purchase.

Tasos

Alright fellas

I just purchased this player today (1 of 5 units at my local pittsburgh bestbuy). This is my first bluray/hd dvd player of any kind so i cannot compare it to anything :( sorry guys. Nor do i have a digital camera on hand to take pictures which i would love to do. However i do have a 1080p display for whatever thats worth.

Anyways my initial response when i seen this (on display) was wow! The build quality of this thing is supperb. Since i already knew i wanted this before i went out there I quickly bought it and 7 blu ray movies to go along. Now ive only got to observe 3 thus far 1. swordfish which looked great initially (on default picture settings) and then i used petmic10's calibration settings he used on his xbr2/3 for my 40xbr2 and it looked even better (THANKS Petmic). 2nd i popped in lord of war which i was actually disappointed in a little compared to swordfish, And last i threw in league of exraordinary gentlemen and wow!! it looks absolutely incredible. I am very pleased with the pq but remember i am only used to 1080i broadcast content and sd dvds.

As far as the audio goes. Thats the only downer but i am unable to utilize next generation audio with my equipment for now so this isnt really an issue. Also the remote is pretty nice, setup was easy, loadup time was slow but tolerable, user interface is very solid looking but response time is a bit slow. Overall i am very happy and think its money well spent. :)

I wonder if PQ can be comparative. I don't want to enter into any format war nonsense as I'm going format neutral shortly and I just want a decent blu ray player. I have the Toshiba A1 and am very pleased with the PQ and AQ. What interests me is the 1080p/24 capabilities of this player and comparisons with HD DVD video on the Tosh and this player or other blu players.

My experience with the Sony has not been good. I have the Samsung blu ray, and after the firmware fix, it has been a pretty good player. I thought I would give the Sony a chance, as it looked like an awesome player. I purchased it day of release at BB. Took it home, hooked it up and waited forever for it to initially boot. It took much longer than the 90 seconds listed on the insert. After waiting nearly 3 minuets, I had to unplug it to turn it off. Turned it back on and still no video. I had to eject the drawer to get it to put up video. Strange!!

Played it some that night and thought it looked a touch sharper than the Samsung, but it was hard to tell. Either way, it’s responsiveness was not impressive to me. I though the Samsung was a touch slow, but the Sony took 5 seconds to respond to the Menu button presses. I gave it another chance yesterday, but things didn’t improve. Almost every time I turn it on, it has “Startup” on the screen, but after 2 minuets and no video, I have to unplug the unit, re-plug back in and then start it again. Then I will get video.

I’m taking this unit back. I don’t understand how Sony can still have these many problems after working on the software for this unit for as long as they did, not to mention the Audio issues (future upgradeability in question) and this player seems rougher in operation than the Samsung.

My experience with the Sony has not been good. I have the Samsung blu ray, and after the firmware fix, it has been a pretty good player. I thought I would give the Sony a chance, as it looked like an awesome player. I purchased it day of release at BB. Took it home, hooked it up and waited forever for it to initially boot. It took much longer than the 90 seconds listed on the insert. After waiting nearly 3 minuets, I had to unplug it to turn it off. Turned it back on and still no video. I had to eject the drawer to get it to put up video. Strange!!

Played it some that night and thought it looked a touch sharper than the Samsung, but it was hard to tell. Either way, it’s responsiveness was not impressive to me. I though the Samsung was a touch slow, but the Sony took 5 seconds to respond to the Menu button presses. I gave it another chance yesterday, but things didn’t improve. Almost every time I turn it on, it has “Startup” on the screen, but after 2 minuets and no video, I have to unplug the unit, re-plug back in and then start it again. Then I will get video.

I’m taking this unit back. I don’t understand how Sony can still have these many problems after working on the software for this unit for as long as they did, not to mention the Audio issues (future upgradeability in question) and this player seems rougher in operation than the Samsung.

I didn't experience any such problem. Perhaps you got a defective unit. By
the way did you go through the initial setup process? If you didn't that
could explain the subsequent problems.

Tasos

I'd like to hear from owners of both the Toshiba and the Sony who have played the same title on both players. That will be very interesting. If anyone is doing these comparisons, try to keep the same connection methodology (HDMI/HDMI or component/component). I'd also like to hear how the upconversion of the Sony is since we all know how good the Toshiba is in that regard.

Darksets, I did go through the initial setup. What was funny is that after going through the initial setup, it wouldn’t play, and that’s when I had to unplug it. After I plugged it in, it kept all of my settings, and I got it to play correctly. After turning it back off and then back on later the same night, it made me go through the setup again.

I think you might be right, I probably got a bad unit.

here you go Ken

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=759883

Doom4420, I just turned mine on now and it takes about 25 seconds to get to the initial blu ray title screen then about another 20-30 seconds to load up the movie. I tried it a few times and it was pretty consistent. It however didnt go into the setup screen like you said. I'd say you have a defective unit and also the response times are actually pretty good for me. It just takes a few moments to load up different screens after you make a selection. Top menu and pop up menu loaded up immediately but system menu was where it was a bit slow.

Doom4420, I just turned mine on now and it takes about 25 seconds to get to the initial blu ray title screen then about another 20-30 seconds to load up the movie. I tried it a few times and it was pretty consistent. It however didnt go into the setup screen like you said. I'd say you have a defective unit and also the response times are actually pretty good for me. It just takes a few moments to load up different screens after you make a selection. Top menu and pop up menu loaded up immediately but system menu was where it was a bit slow.


See, that's the funny thing. Now, after setup, I will turn it on and when it works properly, your time quotes are pretty much on the money. But I will turn it off again, then back on later and it will just sit there and not give me anything. At that point, I have to unplug it. I've had to unplug it 3 times out of 6 times turning the unit on. There is something wrong there. Like I said, probably just mine.

Thats definitley not right. I'd like to see if anyone else is having similar problems.

My experience with the Sony has not been good. I have the Samsung blu ray, and after the firmware fix, it has been a pretty good player. I thought I would give the Sony a chance, as it looked like an awesome player. I purchased it day of release at BB. Took it home, hooked it up and waited forever for it to initially boot. It took much longer than the 90 seconds listed on the insert. After waiting nearly 3 minuets, I had to unplug it to turn it off. Turned it back on and still no video. I had to eject the drawer to get it to put up video. Strange!!

Played it some that night and thought it looked a touch sharper than the Samsung, but it was hard to tell. Either way, it’s responsiveness was not impressive to me. I though the Samsung was a touch slow, but the Sony took 5 seconds to respond to the Menu button presses. I gave it another chance yesterday, but things didn’t improve. Almost every time I turn it on, it has “Startup” on the screen, but after 2 minuets and no video, I have to unplug the unit, re-plug back in and then start it again. Then I will get video.

I’m taking this unit back. I don’t understand how Sony can still have these many problems after working on the software for this unit for as long as they did, not to mention the Audio issues (future upgradeability in question) and this player seems rougher in operation than the Samsung.

Your thread is miss leading. Your forgot ( I wonder why) to tell us that inside the package along with the manual there is a Importand Notice for your Inital BDP-S1 Set Up.

It states "The very first time a BDP-S1 is started upit takes about 90 sec to power on and start the easy setup process. After this initial setup is complete, the BDP-S1 willstart up more quickly.

It does in about 15/18 sec.

2 sec tops when menue button is pressed.

In the future how about telling the whole story.

Your thread is miss leading. Your forgot ( I wonder why) to tell us that inside the package along with the manual there is a Importand Notice for your Inital BDP-S1 Set Up.

It states "The very first time a BDP-S1 is started upit takes about 90 sec to power on and start the easy setup process. After this initial setup is complete, the BDP-S1 willstart up more quickly.

It does in about 15/18 sec.

2 sec tops when menue button is pressed.

In the future how about telling the whole story.

This is the most civil and proper way to dispel FUD. Thank you for setting an example that if others followed, would improve this site greatly! :)

It states "The very first time a BDP-S1 is started upit takes about 90 sec to power on and start the easy setup process. After this initial setup is complete, the BDP-S1 willstart up more quickly.


That is true. Mine took longer than 90 seconds maybe 3 minutes the VERY first time i turned it on but i remained patient and eventually the setup screen appeared and i set everything up pretty quickly. After that i have not run into any problems if you can even consider that a problem. Thank god for the flyer they provide. But he states it happens basically every other time he turns the unit on. The only explanation i can think of is the settings did not save or the settings are not correct.

For anyone interested in this player. It does not play the following formats...

Any type of cd
vcds/super vcds
dvd audio discs
super audio cds
dvd-rams
hd dvds
BDs with cartridge
BD-REs/BD-Rs (but promises an upgrade in 2007)
Dvd-rws/dvd-rs of Vr mode

I stopped in BB yesterday to look at something else and saw the Sony Blu-Ray. Took the Sony BRP-S1 home with UnderWorld Evolution BR version and watched the movie on Sony Ruby with a 119" Da-Lite HiPower screen. The PQ was absolutely incredible and the sound quality on the Sony 5200ES was its equal. The Sony 5200 ES is acting as a Pre-amp with 3 Yamaha power amps and a 3 channel Adcom running 7 Martin Logan Stylos and a Sunfire woofer.

I have been reading AVS for months trying to put together an upgraded HT after my Seleco SDG700 went dead this last summer. I have been watching HD since September of 1998 on the Seleco so I am a bit spoiled and I thought that I was no longer prone to the wow factor any more, at least that is what I thought before starting my research on AVS. But now I will say that with the help of other AVSers, the all Sony 1080P line up, does deliver the goods, WOW. In case anyone else is out there with a Ruby wanting to know how the Sony lineup works, I can honestly say it Rocks. I no longer miss the Seleco.

Your thread is miss leading. Your forgot ( I wonder why) to tell us that inside the package along with the manual there is a Importand Notice for your Inital BDP-S1 Set Up.

It states "The very first time a BDP-S1 is started upit takes about 90 sec to power on and start the easy setup process. After this initial setup is complete, the BDP-S1 willstart up more quickly.

It does in about 15/18 sec.

2 sec tops when menue button is pressed.

In the future how about telling the whole story.

No need to get testy about it Don. No one is trying to purposely slam the Sony or put FUD out here. Listen to yourself "I wonder why". Come on, I'm not some 20 year old kid trying to mislead anyone. I was a little tired yesterday from playing around trying to get the Sony to respond correctly the night b4. I can read, and I knew about the insert that Sony included b4 I even bought it. What I said stands. After going through the initial setup, and turning it off, I would turn it on again and sit there for 3 minuets and nothing on the screen. I would unplug it and plug it back in, and then it would boot in the normal 20 second range.

Makes me wonder if I should post my experiences again here. Snippy snippy snippy....

No need to get testy about it Don. No one is trying to purposely slam the Sony or put FUD out here. Listen to yourself "I wonder why". Come on, I'm not some 20 year old kid trying to mislead anyone. I was a little tired yesterday from playing around trying to get the Sony to respond correctly the night b4. I can read, and I knew about the insert that Sony included b4 I even bought it. What I said stands. After going through the initial setup, and turning it off, I would turn it on again and sit there for 3 minuets and nothing on the screen. I would unplug it and plug it back in, and then it would boot in the normal 20 second range.

Makes me wonder if I should post my experiences again here. Snippy snippy snippy....Please ignore or discount defensive postures by those who are justifying their purchases, or who are paranoid of any negative comments. Perish the thought that anyone could actually have a problem with electronics (like that never ever happens :rolleyes: ).

Your post was good information on a problem you had with the Sony Blu-ray player. It's good to know pro's & con's of any particular format, or specific player.

Please ignore or discount defensive postures by those who are justifying their purchases, or who are paranoid of any negative comments. Perish the thought that anyone could actually have a problem with electronics (like that never ever happens :rolleyes: ).

Your post was good information on a problem you had with the Sony Blu-ray player. It's good to know pro's & con's of any particular format, or specific player.

Thanks rhcorolla, and that's all I was trying to do is post my experience and see if anyone else had this issue, or if it was just my player.

A set up needs to be done right away with this player...It is slow at first, but the more you play with it the faster it gets...the only thing a bit slow is when you go to set-up it takes 3 to 4 secs to pop up...other than that, I absolutely love this player!... :) Very good build design...has weight and is not loud like Panny. Very quiet during reading. Have watched over a dozen movies without a hitch...Picture is excellent on my 133" screen. It is as good as HD-DVD. This is the first Blu-ray machine that seems to play all titles beautifully... :)

Since I have a processor without HDMI yet (Theta Casablanca 3), do I need to use the anolog ins or does it also have a toslink connector?

Thanks,
David

Since I have a processor without HDMI yet (Theta Casablanca 3), do I need to use the anolog ins or does it also have a toslink connector?

Thanks,
David

There is digital out, both Coax and Optical. Of course it only outputs plain
Dolby Digital and DTS through these outputs.

Tasos

BDP-S1 manual online!!!

http://www.iq.sony.com/srvs/DocsConnect/docget.asp?manualid=76785&DL=true

Is the player equiped with HDMI 1.3 ???

Sony have HDMI 1.3?

No. This has been discussed many, many times in multiple threads.

As of right now, none of them have it. The Sony is based on the Pioneer platform. Will the Pioneer, since it's been delayed? According to some who have direct contacts with Pioneer, no. But, it's remotely possible Pioneer will have it by launch, but I wouldn't count on it, based on all signs.

ss9001

Is the player equiped with HDMI 1.3 ???

Only the Toshiba HD-XA2 is equipped with HDMI v1.3 and due out at the end of the month. If you need the benefits of v1.3 then it will be available in HD-DVD format however.

Only the Toshiba HD-XA2 is equipped with HDMI v1.3 and due out at the end of the month. If you need the benefits of v1.3 then it will be available in HD-DVD format however.

Nope.. The PS3 is equipped with HDMI 1.3 and you can enjoy the benefits right now on Blu Ray..

Nope.. The PS3 is equipped with HDMI 1.3 and you can enjoy the benefits right now on Blu Ray..

Not sure I agree: in order to realize the benefit of 1.3 HDMI, every connected component; display, video processor, etc, must be 1.3 compliant

Otherwise you are limited to the lower HDMI featureset

thought I would bump this user report thread

I have been installing the Sony BDP-S1 in my HT and have some notes of interest:

-Middle Atlantic now has an RSH4A rack drawer for this unit

-this player has an IR input jack on the rear panel (shares the Control S input) so you don't need an emitter on the front panel : connects to a standard IR block with a standard cable with 3.5 miniplugs

-BDP-S1 outputs component video and HDMI 1080i simultaneously!

-BDP-S1 outputs component video and HDMI 1080i simultaneously!

I knew about the IR, but that "is" interesting about the simultaneous output!...Kewl

made this thread a sticky: please post all BDP-S1 user reports here :)

just so it is in this user thread:

Test patterns

-bring up the top menu on a Sony BD disc (Fifth Element for example)

-enter 7669

-Test patterns appear: use seach buttons to cycle through them (I saw a report that test patterns crush whites and blacks)

Nope.. The PS3 is equipped with HDMI 1.3 and you can enjoy the benefits right now on Blu Ray..Actually, the PS3 does not currently support any HDMI 1.3 functionality. It is the only shipping product to include a HDMI 1.3 part from Silicon Image, but the software is limited to HDMI 1.2 functionality. That will change with a software update coming next year.

As Mark Rubin noted, you also need a HDMI 1.3 receiver and/or HDMI 1.3 display to take advantage of those features.

I am trying to apply DPL IIx as well without success. The initial setup menu of the Sony does not offer the option of 7.1 speaker setup. Does this mean that the player will not process 7.1 in PCM? I was watching XMen III and it features a 6.1 DTS ES soundtrack. In the audio category of the Sony's setup menu you can choose Auto or PCM. When I set it to Auto it played this disk back as a DTS ES Discrete soundtrack on my Denon 4306 with the surround back speakers engaged. When I changed the Sony's audio setting to PCM it played through the Multi 7.1 surround mode of the Denon but with no signal in the surround back speakers. I could not apply DPLIIx processing. Anyone with suggestions?

I am trying to apply DPL IIx as well without success. The initial setup menu of the Sony does not offer the option of 7.1 speaker setup. Does this mean that the player will not process 7.1 in PCM? I was watching XMen III and it features a 6.1 DTS ES soundtrack. In the audio category of the Sony's setup menu you can choose Auto or PCM. When I set it to Auto it played this disk back as a DTS ES Discrete soundtrack on my Denon 4306 with the surround back speakers engaged. When I changed the Sony's audio setting to PCM it played through the Multi 7.1 surround mode of the Denon but with no signal in the surround back speakers. I could not apply DPLIIx processing. Anyone with suggestions?

Make sure your surround back channel mode is set to "ON" not "auto"...I have the Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXsi and it will allow me to add the PCM+modes no problem...BTW, it won't show up on the front panel of the receiver...you have to listen to the speakers themselves when you check.

Thanks, I found a similar parameter that I had to adjust with the Denon and now I have a signal to the back surrounds

How has everyone's experiences been with upconversion?

I was going to use my HD-A1 for upconverison over my HDMI-DVI connection since the HD-A1 and my Oppo 971 are pretty much neck and neck there, but since the HD-A1 is crushing blacks over HDMI, I'm going to try the BDP-S1 with upconversion for a while. It was crushing blacks as well, but adjusting the colorspace options on the BDP-S1 seems to have corrected this.

Using Revenge Of The Sith, I am not seeing much a difference at all in upconversion quality between the 971, the HD-A1 and the BDP-S1.

Anyone else?

Thanks, I found a similar parameter that I had to adjust with the Denon and now I have a signal to the back surrounds

Well, your welcome, but I don't deserve it...I thought I was testing the Sony, but it was the PS3 that allowed me to play the PCM+ modes...After I made that last post, I realized my error...You are correct!...The Sony will not allow the PCM+ modes for some reason...Hmmm, that pisses me off!... :mad: ....Sorry for the misinfo... :o

I am trying to apply DPL IIx as well without success. The initial setup menu of the Sony does not offer the option of 7.1 speaker setup. Does this mean that the player will not process 7.1 in PCM? I was watching XMen III and it features a 6.1 DTS ES soundtrack. In the audio category of the Sony's setup menu you can choose Auto or PCM. When I set it to Auto it played this disk back as a DTS ES Discrete soundtrack on my Denon 4306 with the surround back speakers engaged. When I changed the Sony's audio setting to PCM it played through the Multi 7.1 surround mode of the Denon but with no signal in the surround back speakers. I could not apply DPLIIx processing. Anyone with suggestions?

You are correct...I can't get my Sony to output the surround back PCM+ modes...Although they work perfect on the PS3....Hmmmmmmmmmmm... :o

first impression with this unit, which was bought today.

Picture was good, but not mind blowing. I've only tried the "Superman Returns" BD. Easily surpasses standard DVD as well as Super-bit DVD. I was a little disappointed, it seems at first glance that some (definitely not all) of the sat HD broadcasts are better. (DirecTV using Hughes HDTV) I am watching at 720P using the HDMI interface. I have the Yamaha DPX 1200. Will try playing with the outputs over the next few days to see if output at 1080i will make a difference.

Also disappointed that it does not play CD, confirming a post which I had read prior to purchase.

Oh, another thing. $1000 asking price and no HDMI cable? Not even a component cable. It comes with a stereo RCA and COMPOSITE video connector. Huh????? Good thing I have optical cables and HDMI cables just laying around, otherwise a second trip to BB.

first impression with this unit, which was bought today.

Picture was good, but not mind blowing. I've only tried the "Superman Returns" BD. Easily surpasses standard DVD as well as Super-bit DVD. I was a little disappointed, it seems at first glance that some (definitely not all) of the sat HD broadcasts are better. (DirecTV using Hughes HDTV) I am watching at 720P using the HDMI interface. I have the Yamaha DPX 1200. Will try playing with the outputs over the next few days to see if output at 1080i will make a difference.

Also disappointed that it does not play CD, confirming a post which I had read prior to purchase.

Check out, "Black Hawk Down" and let us know what you think of the PQ...also, "The Great Raid"... :D

Oh, another thing. $1000 asking price and no HDMI cable? Not even a component cable. It comes with a stereo RCA and COMPOSITE video connector. Huh????? Good thing I have optical cables and HDMI cables just laying around, otherwise a second trip to BB.
Yeah...I -- and MANY others -- couldn't agree more!!!! :mad:
When you spend $1000 for something that practically REQUIRES a $10 part to function at its best.....a company SHOULD have the foresight to INCLUDE the part WITH THE UNIT!!
But, of course, Sony's not the only one at fault here....MOST mfgrs. who incorporate HDMI into their products do NOT include the appropriate cable...
Considering the cost of a 6' HDMI/HDMI cable from Monoprice.com.....to me, it should be a "no-brainer" for ANY company to start including one with their equipment....

Check out, "Black Hawk Down" and let us know what you think of the PQ...also, "The Great Raid"... :D
Might I also add "Kingdom of Heaven"..... :)

first impression with this unit, which was bought today.

Picture was good, but not mind blowing. I've only tried the "Superman Returns" BD. Easily surpasses standard DVD as well as Super-bit DVD. I was a little disappointed, it seems at first glance that some (definitely not all) of the sat HD broadcasts are better. (DirecTV using Hughes HDTV) I am watching at 720P using the HDMI interface. I have the Yamaha DPX 1200. Will try playing with the outputs over the next few days to see if output at 1080i will make a difference.

Also disappointed that it does not play CD, confirming a post which I had read prior to purchase.

As is often stated, please check out other discs. Sadly, the software is often the weak link in the video quality chain right now. Very uneven quality. Superman Returns is just "ok" in my view.

Has anyone had problems with their units when playing SD DVDs? I have only played 2 all the way thru. On King Kong, the player froze on the scene where Kong is restained on the stage. After pushing the stop and play bottons several times, the scene jumped to Kong bursting out thru the theater outer wall. On Fellowship of the Ring, the player stutered once toward the end of the first disk but did not stop completely. Played the second disk with no problem. I have not had any of these problems with the 3 BDs played so far.

Overall, I am very happy with the PQ for both BD and SD DVD. The 480i over HDMI thru my Lumagen HDP VP is a definite improvement when compared to the Sony 999es I had been using for SD DVD.

Thanks for the tip. I had looked at "Black Hawk Down" but decided not to purchase, I already have the SD DVD version, and thought the overcontrasted washed out colors intended by the director a limiting factor for system "demo". Have a half dozen movies to go through before passing an opinion that really matters. I may get "Great Raid" next week, already have "Kingdom of Heaven" on SD DVD but haven't seen it. It may make a decent SD, BD comparison, though my gut feeling is that it won't be much of a contest.

I am trying to apply DPL IIx as well without success. The initial setup menu of the Sony does not offer the option of 7.1 speaker setup. Does this mean that the player will not process 7.1 in PCM? I was watching XMen III and it features a 6.1 DTS ES soundtrack. In the audio category of the Sony's setup menu you can choose Auto or PCM. When I set it to Auto it played this disk back as a DTS ES Discrete soundtrack on my Denon 4306 with the surround back speakers engaged. When I changed the Sony's audio setting to PCM it played through the Multi 7.1 surround mode of the Denon but with no signal in the surround back speakers. I could not apply DPLIIx processing. Anyone with suggestions?

Hmmm. Is that a discrete 6.1 track? The nomenclature should be DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 otherwise it is just a 6.1 matrixed (just like DD 5.1 EX - should state DTS-ES Matrixed 6.1 but there is a lot of inconsistency when the specs are put on the packaging). If you put it on auto wont that send out the bitstream instead of PCM and then your Denon can apply DPLIIX processing to get the matrixed channels? If you send it out as PCM and you get 5.1 channels that means it is indeed 6.1 matrixed DTS ES.

I've been very impressed so far with the BDP-S1, especially the 720p performance which is what I would expect it to be -- the best possible 720p image from a 1080p source (way better than 720p HD cable, for instance) instead of something that was downconverted and then upconverted, as the original firmware for the Toshiba *A1 did, and (apparently) the PS3 still does.

I have one minor glitch though -- my player really wants to output RGB instead of YCbCr. Specifically, I set it for YCbCr output and all is fine, but as soon as I stop/start the player it goes back to outputing RGB, while saying on the config screen it is still set for YCbCr! If I set it to RGB it stays at RGB, both in config and output.

Odd, yes? Anybody seen this? I am going through an HDMI-DVI converter -- could this be confusing the HDMI auto-output sniffing maybe?

My perception is that the RGB output is a touch over-saturated compared to the YCbCr, but I don't have hard facts to back that up. Anybody else trying RGB?

My solution to this is to leave the player on, but w/o a disc in so the motor's not spinning. Kludgy, but effective.

-John

PS: Mods -- thanks for the thread merge, I was about to ask about that!

Hmmm. Is that a discrete 6.1 track? The nomenclature should be DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 otherwise it is just a 6.1 matrixed (just like DD 5.1 EX - should state DTS-ES Matrixed 6.1 but there is a lot of inconsistency when the specs are put on the packaging). If you put it on auto wont that send out the bitstream instead of PCM and then your Denon can apply DPLIIX processing to get the matrixed channels? If you send it out as PCM and you get 5.1 channels that means it is indeed 6.1 matrixed DTS ES.

No, the problem is with the Sony you cannot add the PCM+PLII+MV etc surround back modes to the 5.1 PCM signal like you can with the PS3...and we are wondering why????

Is anyone aware of how to view the firmware level of this unit. Is it somewhere in the system user menu (couldn't find it here) ala the HD-DVD players or is it in the service menu which must be accessed via a key combination (more likely).

I've been very impressed so far with the BDP-S1, especially the 720p performance which is what I would expect it to be -- the best possible 720p image from a 1080p source (way better than 720p HD cable, for instance) instead of something that was downconverted and then upconverted, as the original firmware for the Toshiba *A1 did, and (apparently) the PS3 still does.

I have one minor glitch though -- my player really wants to output RGB instead of YCbCr. Specifically, I set it for YCbCr output and all is fine, but as soon as I stop/start the player it goes back to outputing RGB, while saying on the config screen it is still set for YCbCr! If I set it to RGB it stays at RGB, both in config and output.

Odd, yes? Anybody seen this? I am going through an HDMI-DVI converter -- could this be confusing the HDMI auto-output sniffing maybe?

My perception is that the RGB output is a touch over-saturated compared to the YCbCr, but I don't have hard facts to back that up. Anybody else trying RGB?

My solution to this is to leave the player on, but w/o a disc in so the motor's not spinning. Kludgy, but effective.

-John

PS: Mods -- thanks for the thread merge, I was about to ask about that!

To add to the confusion, mine did the opposite. I couldn't get the blacker than black stripe on DVE to show up when trying to set brightness. So I changed the color space setting to 16-235 (who reads manuals?) since I also use HDMI/DVI. BTB worked fine after this. Watched KOH and TFE and thought KOH was a bit dark. Next day played around with some setting including increasing brightness in my VP. Checked DVE again and the damned 3rd black bar would not show up although the setting still said 16-235. Clicked on the setting again and the player reset to 16-235!!! I have since watched XMen 3 and the 2 SD-DVDs mentioned above under freezing/stuttering problem and they all look great.

I tried several output setting i.e. both 480i and 1080i Direct as well as plain 480i and 1080i to see which produced the best PQ with my VP outputting 1080p. My tentative conclusion is that it may be necessary to specifically set the color space for each one rather than assume that setting it once applies it to all resolutions.

FINALLY (to all owners), I would really like some feedback regarding my posting above on SD DVD freezing/stuttering issues. If my unit is the only one doing this it will go back to BB. The question then becomes replace it with another Sony or get the Pioneer. 480i over HDMI is important to me. Thanks

To add to the confusion, mine did the opposite. I couldn't get the blacker than black stripe on DVE to show up when trying to set brightness. So I changed the color space setting to 16-235 (who reads manuals?) since I also use HDMI/DVI. BTB worked fine after this. Watched KOH and TFE and thought KOH was a bit dark. Next day played around with some setting including increasing brightness in my VP. Checked DVE again and the damned 3rd black bar would not show up although the setting still said 16-235. Clicked on the setting again and the player reset to 16-235!!! I have since watched XMen 3 and the 2 SD-DVDs mentioned above under freezing/stuttering problem and they all look great.

I tried several output setting i.e. both 480i and 1080i Direct as well as plain 480i and 1080i to see which produced the best PQ with my VP outputting 1080p. My tentative conclusion is that it may be necessary to specifically set the color space for each one rather than assume that setting it once applies it to all resolutions.

FINALLY (to all owners), I would really like some feedback regarding my posting above on SD DVD freezing/stuttering issues. If my unit is the only one doing this it will go back to BB. The question then becomes replace it with another Sony or get the Pioneer. 480i over HDMI is important to me. Thanks

I just replied with a very detailed message about this SD-DVD lock up or stutter but when I clicked submit the stupid forum said I wasn't logged in.

So, simple explaination. I had a similar un-smooth scene switch happen on Pirate's - Dead Man's Chest near the end of the movie. I believe this is where the DVD-Video Dual Layer switches layers.

It better take this response!

I'm specificly curious on observations about it's upconversion quality on SD dvds over both component and HDMI and any limitations.

It's best to use an Oppo or Denon for SD (up-converting) play as they have seamless layer changes (due to 8 MB buffer). Unless you are not bothered by the layer change.

Thankfully HD-DVD and Blu-Ray discs don't have this problem.

I've been very impressed so far with the BDP-S1, especially the 720p performance which is what I would expect it to be -- the best possible 720p image from a 1080p source (way better than 720p HD cable, for instance) instead of something that was downconverted and then upconverted, as the original firmware for the Toshiba *A1 did, and (apparently) the PS3 still does.

I have one minor glitch though -- my player really wants to output RGB instead of YCbCr. Specifically, I set it for YCbCr output and all is fine, but as soon as I stop/start the player it goes back to outputing RGB, while saying on the config screen it is still set for YCbCr! If I set it to RGB it stays at RGB, both in config and output.

Odd, yes? Anybody seen this? I am going through an HDMI-DVI converter -- could this be confusing the HDMI auto-output sniffing maybe?

My perception is that the RGB output is a touch over-saturated compared to the YCbCr, but I don't have hard facts to back that up. Anybody else trying RGB?

My solution to this is to leave the player on, but w/o a disc in so the motor's not spinning. Kludgy, but effective.

-John

PS: Mods -- thanks for the thread merge, I was about to ask about that!


I got the impression YCbCr was only for use with component. When I set that while viewing through HDMI-DVI, my screen turned pink. I've been using RGB 16-235, which allows me to see BTB.

Regarding KOH, I think the darker look is intentional, especially regarding the first part of the film before we get to Jerusalem. Also, I've looked at several movies I am very familiar with (TFE BD and ROTS SD-DVD to name two), and both looked correct regarding black level. Also popped X-men 3 in briefly and thought it looked correct as well.

I just got one from Best Buy and I noticed that the box had double tape on the seal. First the standard tape then a much wider one. I was wondering if this unit might have been re-pack. The remote looks like it might have been used but not sure. The second tape was not even on the box tight. I also do not feel that the picture quality is as sharp as it should be. I have it set ti 1080I for my Sony 50 inch KDE-955 plasma (using HDMI cable).

Did any of you see double tape on the boxes or was my unit a repack especially with the question of if it is performing correctly. I have seen Ice age and Eight below, RV and Superman an they just do not seem to have the pop/sharp image in the store.


I would like others comments to help isolate if it is really a repact or just a bad unit. Should I return it or wait. Thanks



TC

I just got one from Best Buy and I noticed that the box had double tape on the seal. First the standard tape then a much wider one. I was wondering if this unit might have been re-pack. The remote looks like it might have been used but not sure. The second tape was not even on the box tight. I also do not feel that the picture quality is as sharp as it should be. I have it set ti 1080I for my Sony 50 inch KDE-955 plasma (using HDMI cable).

Did any of you see double tape on the boxes or was my unit a repack especially with the question of if it is performing correctly. I have seen Ice age and Eight below, RV and Superman an they just do not seem to have the pop/sharp image in the store.


I would like others comments to help isolate if it is really a repact or just a bad unit. Should I return it or wait. ThanksTC

They all have the double clear tape...mine was the same way.... :)

They all have the double clear tape...mine was the same way.... :)


I was just in Best Buy today and they just received more in today and they all had single tapes on them. All I want to do is make sure that I do not get a repack? Why would they have double tape on them any way? That means that some one opened the unit after it was initially sealed. One good explanation might be that the installed some new firmare and now the units coming in have it installed as they were built. Any thought.

The whole reason for this concern is less than expected picture quality that I am observing and maybe the unit has a problem. Any suggestions for testing the unit or changong settings or set up.

I appreciate your comments.

TC

I was just in Best Buy today and they just received more in today and they all had single tapes on them. All I want to do is make sure that I do not get a repack? Why would they have double tape on them any way? That means that some one opened the unit after it was initially sealed. One good explanation might be that the installed some new firmare and now the units coming in have it installed as they were built. Any thought.

The whole reason for this concern is less than expected picture quality that I am observing and maybe the unit has a problem. Any suggestions for testing the unit or changong settings or set up.

I appreciate your comments.

TC

Are you sure that the discs you're viewing actually have top notch video quality?

Are you sure that the discs you're viewing actually have top notch video quality?


I have tried Superman Returns, Eight below, RV and Ice Age. They look good but not great. I get on some cable programming with more detail on Comcast HiDef (certain ones) than the Player. I am not sure if it is working right. These titles look great in the store demo's. I even saw the Ice age disk being played on a Sony LCD and I set it to 1080I to see how it performed and it looked alot better than MY set up. I have a Sony 50 inch KDE-50XS955 PLASMA .

Any suggestions?

TC

I got the impression YCbCr was only for use with component. When I set that while viewing through HDMI-DVI, my screen turned pink. I've been using RGB 16-235, which allows me to see BTB.

Regarding KOH, I think the darker look is intentional, especially regarding the first part of the film before we get to Jerusalem. Also, I've looked at several movies I am very familiar with (TFE BD and ROTS SD-DVD to name two), and both looked correct regarding black level. Also popped X-men 3 in briefly and thought it looked correct as well.

Further adventures: Tonight I watched Return of the Jedi. Last night the movie was Xmen 3 output at 1080i Direct over HDMI at 16-235 color space. Tonight with Jedi the unit correctly reset itself to 480i Direct output BUT I had to go into the system menu and reset color space to 16-235. Menu said it was 16-235 but when clicked on it reset and the change was obvious. Q$%&*)(!!. The unit also froze again at 1 second past the halfway point of the movie. I don'y know wherther this was the layer change point or not. What's a real pisser is that 480i over HDMI into my VP looks wonderful relatively speaking. More detail in backgrounds, tectures of clothing, and better color.

anyones thoughts on what might be going on would be welcome. My guess is that while the unit supports 480i over HDMI the firmware is buggy and doesn't completely follow thru.

I have tried Superman Returns, Eight below, RV and Ice Age. They look good but not great. I get on some cable programming with more detail on Comcast HiDef (certain ones) than the Player. I am not sure if it is working right. These titles look great in the store demo's. I even saw the Ice age disk being played on a Sony LCD and I set it to 1080I to see how it performed and it looked alot better than MY set up. I have a Sony 50 inch KDE-50XS955 PLASMA .

Any suggestions?

TC

Regarding the tape. Mine has 2 layers. The bottom is slighly narrower than the top layer which is placed directly over it. I had to look closely to notice that there were 2 layers. Finally and I am not trying to be an A__hole but Sony is not recognised as producing good PQ plasmas. They never produced the "glass" themselves. Their LCDs have better reps. The Sony looks great on my 65" Panny plasma.

I was just in Best Buy today and they just received more in today and they all had single tapes on them. All I want to do is make sure that I do not get a repack? Why would they have double tape on them any way? That means that some one opened the unit after it was initially sealed. One good explanation might be that the installed some new firmare and now the units coming in have it installed as they were built. Any thought.

The whole reason for this concern is less than expected picture quality that I am observing and maybe the unit has a problem. Any suggestions for testing the unit or changong settings or set up.

I appreciate your comments.

TC

I went up to BB today and they all have the double looking tape...I asked the Manager and he said it was probably from when they re-opened to add the "Fifth Element" DVD inside...Kinda makes sense...You need to watch "Black Hawk Down" and the "Haunted Mansion" and let us know what you think of the PQ...most blu-ray movies look a bit soft to me, but there are a few that look excellent. They will be getting better and better...Be patient or live without.

I have tried Superman Returns, Eight below, RV and Ice Age. They look good but not great. I get on some cable programming with more detail on Comcast HiDef (certain ones) than the Player. I am not sure if it is working right. These titles look great in the store demo's. I even saw the Ice age disk being played on a Sony LCD and I set it to 1080I to see how it performed and it looked alot better than MY set up. I have a Sony 50 inch KDE-50XS955 PLASMA .

Any suggestions?

TC

Your display has an 1366 x 768 native resolution. Have you tried setting the player to output in 720p? Setting it to 1080i is forcing your TV to deinterlace and scale the image to it's native resolution. Some TVs aren't good at doing that and by setting it to 720p your display just has to scale the image an additional 48 lines.

Your display has an 1366 x 768 native resolution. Have you tried setting the player to output in 720p? Setting it to 1080i is forcing your TV to deinterlace and scale the image to it's native resolution. Some TVs aren't good at doing that and by setting it to 720p your display just has to scale the image an additional 48 lines.




When I set it to 720P the picture really looks soft, more then 1080i.

The Plasma looks very sharp on some HD cable programs and is a great set. Blew aware ther Pioneer when i bought it 1.5 years ago. Sony used NEC glass in their sets which has great detail.

I am thinking that it may set this particular unit.

The explanation of the double tape to put the disc in makes sense but what about all the others that have the single tape (just received today) and they have the disc. Maybe Sony had to update the firmware in these units before the ship the first batch.

What abour any adjustments in the set up likr the HDMI setting/ RGB setting?

Appreciate all the comments. Please advise.

TC

When I set it to 720P the picture really looks soft, more then 1080i.

The Plasma looks very sharp on some HD cable programs and is a great set. Blew aware ther Pioneer when i bought it 1.5 years ago. Sony used NEC glass in their sets which has great detail.

I am thinking that it may set this particular unit.

The explanation of the double tape to put the disc in makes sense but what about all the others that have the single tape (just received today) and they have the disc. Maybe Sony had to update the firmware in these units before the ship the first batch.

What abour any adjustments in the set up likr the HDMI setting/ RGB setting?

Appreciate all the comments. Please advise.

TC

What's the manufactured date listed on your player? The double tape could most likely be due to the factory opening up previously sealed units to make a change or an update, but most likely we will never know.

Have you calibrated your player with either DVE or Avia? These aren't the greatest for HD, but they should get you closer to the right settings until the HD versions of the calibration discs are released.

Is the player currently outputing RGB or YCbCr? Try the other setting and see what happens to the quality of the video.

What's the manufactured date listed on your player? The double tape could most likely be due to the factory opening up previously sealed units to make a chance or an update, but most likely we will never know.

Have you calibrated your player with either DVE or Avia? These aren't the greatest for HD, but they should get you closer to the right settings until the HD versions of the calibration discs are released.

Is the player currently outputing RGB or YCbCr? Try the other setting and see what happens to the quality of the video.



Where do you find the manufactored date of the unit?

I have calibrated it to my eye only making sure cintrast id on the low side and color are not oversaturated.

I appreciate your help.

I have been playing with the YCBCR SETTING AND USING rgb (0-255) and it looks sharpe. Do you have any idea what this is and what it does. Should I not use this adjustment?

I would appreciate suggestions on this. Thanks.

TC

Where do you find the manufactored date of the unit?

I have calibrated it to my eye only making sure cintrast id on the low side and color are not oversaturated.

I appreciate your help.

I have been playing with the YCBCR SETTING AND USING rgb (0-255) and it looks sharpe. Do you have any idea what this is and what it does. Should I not use this adjustment?

I would appreciate suggestions on this. Thanks.

TC

The manufactured date should be listed on the back of the player.

Do you have a calibration disc? If so I'd suggest using that to get better results. If not and you have Netflix you may want to rent it to tide you over until the HD version is released.

By using YCbCr and RGB you are simply selecting the color space being used. Does one look better than the other?

The manual for the BDP-S1 recommends the following:

Y, Cb, Cr
–Select this when connecting to an HDMI device.

RGB (16-235)
–Select this if colors appear overly rich when set to “RGB (0-255).”

RGB (0-255)
–Gives brighter colors and deeper black. Select this if colors are weak.

I just replied with a very detailed message about this SD-DVD lock up or stutter but when I clicked submit the stupid forum said I wasn't logged in.

So, simple explaination. I had a similar un-smooth scene switch happen on Pirate's - Dead Man's Chest near the end of the movie. I believe this is where the DVD-Video Dual Layer switches layers.

It better take this response!
I to had similar problems with sd discs, when pirates 2 new disc was played,also on a panic room super bit movie it froze complete and I had to hold the players power button down untill it shut down.I called sony and wanted too advise them in order to help them make a good player into a great player. I was told this was to be mainly for bluray playback and may cause sd freeze up,I said this unacceptable and asked to speak to a supervisor[I have over 500 sd movies,10 bluray],the supervisor came on the phone and we where cut off by poor phone reception, no call back either. SO i dont whether to keep trying play back or exchange my unit for another. I also have the green blob problem on my kds-r50xbr but thats another story,7 months old,3200 dollars later. to be continued

first impression with this unit, which was bought today.

Picture was good, but not mind blowing. I've only tried the "Superman Returns" BD. Easily surpasses standard DVD as well as Super-bit DVD. I was a little disappointed, it seems at first glance that some (definitely not all) of the sat HD broadcasts are better. (DirecTV using Hughes HDTV) I am watching at 720P using the HDMI interface. I have the Yamaha DPX 1200. Will try playing with the outputs over the next few days to see if output at 1080i will make a difference.


The Superman Returns DVD is among the worst lookng DVDs of a big-time movie I've ever seen. It is LOADED with artifacts. It's a long movie, maybe they had to compress it too much to get it on a single disc. But if the same crew did the Blu-Ray transfer, it too may be totally hosed. SR was shot in digital cinema so it SHOULD make a great transfer, and it looked perfectly fine in a IMAX theater, but the DVD was such a stinker, it wouldn't surprise me if the BR disc is hosed too.

The manufactured date should be listed on the back of the player.

Do you have a calibration disc? If so I'd suggest using that to get better results. If not and you have Netflix you may want to rent it to tide you over until the HD version is released.

By using YCbCr and RGB you are simply selecting the color space being used. Does one look better than the other?

The manual for the BDP-S1 recommends the following:

Y, Cb, Cr
–Select this when connecting to an HDMI device.

RGB (16-235)
–Select this if colors appear overly rich when set to “RGB (0-255).”

RGB (0-255)
–Gives brighter colors and deeper black. Select this if colors are weak.


This information is really misleading (Sony's fault for not being more complete), you can't just interchange these color space settings at will or you'll get something completely unintended. Y,Cb,Cr is "normal" home video whether HDMI or component... they both use the same color scheme. Y is luminance (the black & white part of the image) while Cb and Cr are color difference signals used to produce all the color in the image (yes, 2 signals for 3 colors!). RGB is just what it implies... red, green, blue. Computer-based imaging systems set black at 0 and white at 255. Television playback systems that rely on RGB use a truncated 16-235 range of digital values to code each color. This was really a dumb move, but it is what it is and if you use 0-255 when the device is expecting 16-235 you'll never get images that look anywhere close to right. So unless your projector says use RGB 0-255 or RGB 16-235, you should be using the YCC setting.

Ice Age 2 & Ant Bully look terrific!

btw, Miami Vice looks terrible on HDDVD.

I am hoping to pick one up today. MY local CC does not have on in stock,, only web orders..

I to had similar problems with sd discs, when pirates 2 new disc was played,also on a panic room super bit movie it froze complete and I had to hold the players power button down untill it shut down.I called sony and wanted too advise them in order to help them make a good player into a great player. I was told this was to be mainly for bluray playback and may cause sd freeze up,I said this unacceptable and asked to speak to a supervisor[I have over 500 sd movies,10 bluray],the supervisor came on the phone and we where cut off by poor phone reception, no call back either. SO i dont whether to keep trying play back or exchange my unit for another. I also have the green blob problem on my kds-r50xbr but thats another story,7 months old,3200 dollars later. to be continued

Damn! I was hoping that I was the only one with this problem. The player puts out great SD PQ over 480i/HDMI. To restart disks I hit stop and play a few times. That seems to work although in Jedi it started up again in fast forward! I plan to play a series of DVDs without actually watching closely to see if this continues. If it does, the unit goes back to BB to exchange for another Sony. Hopefully the 30 day return policy will apply to the replacement. If that is defective also, user feedback on the Pioneer should be available. If the Pioneer has the same problem, I'll probably end up with the Panny and NO 480i/HDMI!!

Other Readers: I find it a bit unusual that other owners have not responded yea or nay. Usually people chime in when they have no problems. Thanks

This information is really misleading (Sony's fault for not being more complete), you can't just interchange these color space settings at will or you'll get something completely unintended. Y,Cb,Cr is "normal" home video whether HDMI or component... they both use the same color scheme. Y is luminance (the black & white part of the image) while Cb and Cr are color difference signals used to produce all the color in the image (yes, 2 signals for 3 colors!). RGB is just what it implies... red, green, blue. Computer-based imaging systems set black at 0 and white at 255. Television playback systems that rely on RGB use a truncated 16-235 range of digital values to code each color. This was really a dumb move, but it is what it is and if you use 0-255 when the device is expecting 16-235 you'll never get images that look anywhere close to right. So unless your projector says use RGB 0-255 or RGB 16-235, you should be using the YCC setting.

Well aren't BDs mastered in the YCbCr color space like DVDs, as opposed to RGB? If that's so, then I'd agree you'd want to set the output to YCC as well, so you're not doing any in-player colorspace conversions which, from what I understand, can be a crapshoot. I know my iScan VP30 does a fine & accurate job of YCC -> RGB, but I can't vouch for the Sony.

Now, that being said, does the BDP-S1's YCC output setting pass BTB and WTW, or do you have to use RGB to get this?

I just can't get past the impression that RGB 16-235 is a (small) bit over-staturated, color wise. Perhaps I'm backward on this and the YCC is under saturated, and I need to adjust something in the rest of my display chain? Better eyes than mine will be the judge, I suspect. Where are the Secrets guys with a full-on benchmark report when you need 'em, eh?

The documentation does suck, IMHO. Must be the translation from the original Sanskrit.

:eek:

-John

Well aren't BDs mastered in the YCbCr color space like DVDs, as opposed to RGB? If that's so, then I'd agree you'd want to set the output to YCC as well, so you're not doing any in-player colorspace conversions which, from what I understand, can be a crapshoot. I know my iScan VP30 does a fine & accurate job of YCC -> RGB, but I can't vouch for the Sony.

Now, that being said, does the BDP-S1's YCC output setting pass BTB and WTW, or do you have to use RGB to get this?

I just can't get past the impression that RGB 16-235 is a (small) bit over-staturated, color wise. Perhaps I'm backward on this and the YCC is under saturated, and I need to adjust something in the rest of my display chain? Better eyes than mine will be the judge, I suspect. Where are the Secrets guys with a full-on benchmark report when you need 'em, eh?

The documentation does suck, IMHO. Must be the translation from the original Sanskrit.

:eek:

-John

John: I have to do a HDMI/DVI conversion to input to my Lumagen HDP. Using DVE the only way I can get BTB is to use 16-235. The Lumagen is applieing 444 RGB to the input signal. IMO the resulting PQ is excellent for both BD and DVD. The only problem I am having is that every time the player is turned off with 480i out over HDMI, the unit apparently resets itself to I am guessing 0-255!

I bought and installed mine. I looks great.

I cant get the menu pic to show correct.

I have played with the settings and it either cuts off in the 4:3 or way to wide in the 16:9.


Anybody else having this issue?

I have watched quite a few different SD DVDs, all with no problems on the BDP-S1. I watched the entire Richard Donner version of Superman II the other day, and it played fine. No locks up, no freezes...

FYI - I am connected to a Pioneer Elite PRO940HD using HDMI. For Blu-ray discs, the Pio sees the HDMI feed as 1080p/24 (very nice). For SD, the Pio sees the HDMI feed as 1080i. My Pio is not a 1080p display, but it does support 1080p/24 via its HDMI...

Regards,

Doug

==================================


{...snip...}

Other Readers: I find it a bit unusual that other owners have not responded yea or nay. Usually people chime in when they have no problems. Thanks

What are you connected to and how?

For example, I am connected to a Pio Elite Pro940HD using HDMI. This allows me to simply have the Pio do its auto processing, as it detects what is on the HDMI input. For other inputs (e.g., component) you will likely have to "tell" your TV what format you are sending to it from your Sony...

Regards,

Doug

============================================

I bought and installed mine. I looks great.

I cant get the menu pic to show correct.

I have played with the settings and it either cuts off in the 4:3 or way to wide in the 16:9.


Anybody else having this issue?

For any one who isn't satisfied with the visual appearance of all the BD movies you have watched, try this.

Take a little time and setup the black level, brightness and color space between you HDTV's settings and the BDP-S1's settings.

By this I mean, put a BD movie in the player and at the main menu hit: 7,6,6,9 Enter. This will bring up a color bar with a gray scale at the bottom. Check the gray scale at the bottom with each video mode (Standard, Theater, Bright, Custom 1, 2 and 3) and adjust your Tv's video modes and the Custom video modes until you get the propper gray scale. You should only have to do this initial setup once.

Now, here's the trick. After the initial ballancing act. When you want to watch a movie, go to the 7,6,6,9 Enter color bar and check the gray scale. Then just switch the BDP-S1 players video mode to (Standard, Theater, Bright or Custom 1,2,3) for the correct gray scale. This takes all of about 1 minute.

I have done this and all the movies I have watched look amazing. Even "Fifth Element".

I know that taking 1 minute to set the propper color space seems like a lot of time and trouble but, hey, how much instant gratification does a person need? You're going to be watching a movie for 2 hours. You might as well really enjoy it.

What are you connected to and how?

For example, I am connected to a Pio Elite Pro940HD using HDMI. This allows me to simply have the Pio do its auto processing, as it detects what is on the HDMI input. For other inputs (e.g., component) you will likely have to "tell" your TV what format you are sending to it from your Sony...

Regards,

Doug

============================================

I have it going with HDMI into and Anthem Avm-50.. Talked to Sony for 45 min they dont know either. They said they are going to call me back.

I have watched quite a few different SD DVDs, all with no problems on the BDP-S1. I watched the entire Richard Donner version of Superman II the other day, and it played fine. No locks up, no freezes...

FYI - I am connected to a Pioneer Elite PRO940HD using HDMI. For Blu-ray discs, the Pio sees the HDMI feed as 1080p/24 (very nice). For SD, the Pio sees the HDMI feed as 1080i. My Pio is not a 1080p display, but it does support 1080p/24 via its HDMI...

Regards,

Doug

==================================

Thanks for the reply. Played both I Robot and Men in Black today and neither one froze up. However, I didn't watch every minute so there may have been so stuttering that I missed. Perhaps my fast forwarding thru most of Attack of the Clones at 3x last night lossened something up in the disk transport and fixed the problem. Keeping my fingers crossed.

SET-UP
I have the BDP-S1, but no HD-DVD player. I connect the BDP-S1 to my HP M6580N DLP via HDMI. The HP is to supposed to take 1080P/24 via HDMI, so I have that enabled in the Sony menu. (I am not really techy enough to know what the 24hz thing means, but they tell me it is good that both my TV and BR player can do it.)

PICTURE
I have watched T2, Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven, and Syriana on BR. I owned all 4 on SD, and knew them reasonably well. All 4 showed major improvements in PQ. 3 things leap out at me when I watch BR films:

1. Lots more detail. You can see all the pinstripes on the suits in great detail in Syriana. I was really impressed at how much more one can simply SEE. The image is much richer. That may also be a function of the size of my TV.

2. Far greater 3-dimensionality. The images look 'deeper' or more window-like.

3. Colors. They are better defined, blur less, 'pop' more, etc.

(Syriana I thought particulary looked just great on Blu-ray. It was a major leap over the SD. Grain issues hurt 5E, Stargate and T2, but that's not the player's fault.)

Upscaling seems fine. Not really different than my previous upscaling Sony DVD player (DVPNC85HB).

INTERFACE
As far as the interface between the BDP-S1 and the MD6580N, it went smoothly. I am using HDMI, and I have had not issues. Fanboys may not like that the lack of lots of tweaks. But this is hardly a deal-breaker. It is a first-gen player on a new format, so you have to live with a basic user interface until the format ripens, or you have to keep waiting. And I got sick of that after 6 months.

I have one odd thing to report though. I have 24hz enabled. But when I set video format to Auto (in which the BDP-S1 plays at the best resolution the TV can demonstrate), I get clipping in the image. But when, I manually set the video format to 1080p, it then looks good.

So here is my question for other BDP-S1 owners: In order to get 1080p/24, do I have to have BOTH "24 Ouput" enabled AND "Video Format" set to Auto, OR if I enable 24hz, but set the video format to 1080p, will I still get 1080p/24? Take a look at pages 45-46 of the manual and tell me what you think. I can't figure it out.

OTHER
1. Remote is kinda clunky; looks like a leftover from 'I Love the 80s.' And for $1000, it should be backlit. But that said, it works fine. My Logitech Xbox Harmony remote doesn't have the codes for the BDP-S1 (yet?). Grrr. Anyone know when Logitech will get on top of this ?

2. The response time on everything is slower - on/off, open/close, FF & rewind, etc. The firmware update next year will probably improve this. It is a pain, since we are so used to SD-DVD player speed, but it is certainly no deal-breaker.

3. The lack of CD and other support doesn't bug me much. If you are reading the AVS forum, you probably have several other disc playing devices in your set-up. so just use those. I agree, the lack of CD support is kinda ridiculous, but if you are spending $1k on a DVD player, you already got enough CD players .

4. I am very pleased overall. I found the improvement in PQ so dramatic, I went out and bought 10-15 BRs, because they are so much better to watch. Now Sony just needs to improve the catalog fo available titles. Who wants to watch clunkers like Sahara or Ultraviolet on $5k in home theater equipment?

I believe you have to have "24p output" set to on and then either have "Auto" or "Direct" set for Video Format. That works for me with my Pioneer Elite PRO-FDHD1 and the BDP-S1 to get 1080p/24.

What exactly do you mean by "clipping in the image"?

The manufactured date should be listed on the back of the player.

Do you have a calibration disc? If so I'd suggest using that to get better results. If not and you have Netflix you may want to rent it to tide you over until the HD version is released.

By using YCbCr and RGB you are simply selecting the color space being used. Does one look better than the other?

The manual for the BDP-S1 recommends the following:

Y, Cb, Cr
–Select this when connecting to an HDMI device.

RGB (16-235)
–Select this if colors appear overly rich when set to “RGB (0-255).”

RGB (0-255)
–Gives brighter colors and deeper black. Select this if colors are weak.



I decided to exchange the BDP-S1 since BB just got a new batch in to see if I could get better quality. The box had one pc of tape only not the two pieces of tape like the origional one (large one over a small tape). The box still had the free disk.

The picture quality of this unit is much better in terms of sharpness and color quality. Maybe the other unit was bad or just a large variance in performance (true with many products). The only difference mechanically is the drive mechanism make a loader motor noise when opening and closing the drive (again the variance between units).


Just wanted to advise since all of you were helpfull in assting in my concern. Thanks.

TC

I just bought a BDP-S1 last night, arrived home at midnight, and popped in Kung Fu Hustle that I also picked up.

I connected the player via hdmi and selected direct so I could pass 1080p24 to our HD-70 projector. Right off the bat the picture looked much improved over our Sammy player.

The problem I had though is there are what looks like tiny frame jumps every couple of minutes. Has anyone else experienced this? Could this be 1080p24 related? Also the movie froze at the end fight scene and the player powered itself off and back on. I have never had a single hiccup on the Sammy through 36 movies. I'm going to try watching Superman Returns tonight on 1080p60 to see if that will help the frame jumps.

Anybody get discrete codes for the player yet?

Anybody get discrete codes for the player yet?

Second that!

Norm

I just bought a BDP-S1 last night, arrived home at midnight, and popped in Kung Fu Hustle that I also picked up.

I connected the player via hdmi and selected direct so I could pass 1080p24 to our HD-70 projector. Right off the bat the picture looked much improved over our Sammy player.

The problem I had though is there are what looks like tiny frame jumps every couple of minutes. Has anyone else experienced this? Could this be 1080p24 related? Also the movie froze at the end fight scene and the player powered itself off and back on. I have never had a single hiccup on the Sammy through 36 movies. I'm going to try watching Superman Returns tonight on 1080p60 to see if that will help the frame jumps.

Reports like these make me kinda nervous to buy the Sony. Please report back your findings re: frame jumps.

I just bought a BDP-S1 last night, arrived home at midnight, and popped in Kung Fu Hustle that I also picked up.

I connected the player via hdmi and selected direct so I could pass 1080p24 to our HD-70 projector. Right off the bat the picture looked much improved over our Sammy player.

The problem I had though is there are what looks like tiny frame jumps every couple of minutes. Has anyone else experienced this? Could this be 1080p24 related? Also the movie froze at the end fight scene and the player powered itself off and back on. I have never had a single hiccup on the Sammy through 36 movies. I'm going to try watching Superman Returns tonight on 1080p60 to see if that will help the frame jumps.

Is that an Optoma projector? If so, this review doesn't list 1080p24 compatibility:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_hd70.htm

Is anyone using this Blu-ray player with the Pro930/1130 Pioneer Plasma? If so, how is the PQ and are you having any problems with judder etc? Realizing that these last gen plasmas do not except 1080p/24 I want to make sure that the BDP-S1 would be a good match for my Pro930.

Thanks

Yeah its a Optoma, I know it doesn't list 1080p24 but it works. The menu shows 1080i60 on the projector status but when the movie starts the projector loses sync and then reconnects and displays its running at 1080p24. I read the Optoma HD-70 could display 48hz so I assumed the 1080p24 is actually running at 24 fps? Is this correct?

Yeah its a Optoma, I know it doesn't list 1080p24 but it works. The menu shows 1080i60 on the projector status but when the movie starts the projector loses sync and then reconnects and displays its running at 1080p24. I read the Optoma HD-70 could display 48hz so I assumed the 1080p24 is actually running at 24 fps? Is this correct?

It works? I though you said you had frame problems? I'm guessing that's why. Have you tried contacting Optoma?

I'm thinking its the player, I'll try 1080p60 tonight and see if the same behavior occurs. If it does I'll just trade the Sony for another unit and try again. Hopefully its just a faulty unit. :)

www.sony.com/blurayupgrade

"Note about Interactive Capability of BD-J (BD-Java) Function"


Someone already registered your player?

The firmware upgrade for BD-Java is available?

I didn´t registered my player yet, because i´m in brazil.

Until now, i´m enjoying the player :)


----------------------
Toshiba HD-XA1
Sony BDP-S1
X360 + HD-DVD

I registered.

As far as I know its not available.

I think Sony said January.

I'm thinking its the player, I'll try 1080p60 tonight and see if the same behavior occurs. If it does I'll just trade the Sony for another unit and try again. Hopefully its just a faulty unit. :)

I have had a similar issue with clipping at 1080p/24. My HP DLP is supposed to take 1080p/24, but I get what I can only describe as frame jumps or clips sometimes. Not quite sure what that means. If you return your device and 1080p/24 works better, let me know. I may exchange mine too.

I tested some over my lunch break. I put in Click and watched 15 minutes on 1080p60 and it worked fine with no frame jumps. Then I turned on 24p and saw 2 jumps about a minute apart, went back to 60 and didn't see any for about 10 more minutes. So its pretty obvious it must be the projector has a problem with 24p mode.

I tested some over my lunch break. I put in Click and watched 15 minutes on 1080p60 and it worked fine with no frame jumps. Then I turned on 24p and saw 2 jumps about a minute apart, went back to 60 and didn't see any for about 10 more minutes. So its pretty obvious it must be the projector has a problem with 24p mode.

Well it seems we may have identified the first issue with the BDP-S1. What kind of TV do you have, gas-leak ?

Anyone else with a 1080p/24 capable TV having trouble with the BDP-S1?

I am not too concerned though at the moment. This is the kind of thing that can be fixed with the firmware update next year.

Well it seems we may have identified the first issue with the BDP-S1. What kind of TV do you have, gas-leak ?

Anyone else with a 1080p/24 capable TV having trouble with the BDP-S1?

I am not too concerned though at the moment. This is the kind of thing that can be fixed with the firmware update next year.

His problem isn't the player. His display specs don't list 1080p/24 capability.

I have mine running at 1080p/24 with no problems

Well it seems we may have identified the first issue with the BDP-S1. What kind of TV do you have, gas-leak ?

Anyone else with a 1080p/24 capable TV having trouble with the BDP-S1?

I am not too concerned though at the moment. This is the kind of thing that can be fixed with the firmware update next year.
It's a Optoma hd70 projector and I don't think it's the player either. The projector can only do 1080p 48hz or 60hz and the Sony player doesn't allow me to select 48hz. It only allows me to select 24p on or off, so I think that's the problem.

So we need to replace our BDP-S1s then ? You think it is a problem in the Blu-ray player?

I wish we had other posting on this issue...

I ran the BDP-S1 to a sony Pearl projector which accepts 24fps and it is smooth as silk. No problems whatsoever.

So we need to replace our BDP-S1s then ? You think it is a problem in the Blu-ray player?

I wish we had other posting on this issue...

Issue? There is no issue. Hook the Sony up to a 1080p/24 capable projector and you won't have a problem.

There is no problem with the Sony player. I thought my pj could do 1080p24 and it can't.

No matter how many ways you state it, if the PJ is not spec'd for 24hz it will not display properly. If its important to you, get a VP to output 48hz to your PJ.

Jim

I picked this player up last week at Best Buy to go with my new 50PH9UK plasma. I have it set to 1080i/60, since that is what my display accepts. I am using the optical audio output, since I have an older receiver (Denon AVR-5700)

Overall, it's a pretty good player. The image and sound quality are both pleasing. So far I've watched a handful of Blu-Rays and both my wife and I were fairly impressed.

On the downside, though, the player has frozen up on me a few times. There is also significant lag when trying to search or scan through a disc. The real disappointment, though, is the lack of features (no HDMI 1.3, advanced audio support, etc).

All in all, I would say that this player is a stretch at $1K. The quality is mostly there, but with the lack of features it isn't very future resistant. It will be going back to BB once my HD-A2 comes in next week.

Hopefully within a year, a fully featured (1080p/24, HDMI 1.3, Advanced Audio, 7.1 analog out) Blu-Ray player will be out at a more reasonable price point (~$800). I'm hoping that the successor to the Panasonic DMP-BD10 will fit the bill.

For now, I'll stick with HD DVD. The player is cheaper and there are enough titles to hold my interest.

Greetings & Good Evening fellow Videophiles!

I am on the BDPS1 thread because that is what I believe I want. I have a 3yr-old rear-projection UltraVision HDTV capable of 1080i so I'm wondering [hoping] a blu-ray machine, albeit 1080p, will render good service. What say ye, genius comrades?

I've researched Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, & Pioneer in the blu-ray format & Toshiba in the HD-DVD camp. I have only seen Samsung & Sony Demo'd at BB, so I don't have any experience w/Toshiba, Pioneer, or Panasonic. But I read user reviews.

That said, what caused you to buy the Sony instead of the Panasonic DMP-BD10K?
I have not seen the Panasonic in action, yet it reads well on most sites. And it plays CDs. So, I'm just asking. Is it a case of the cost diff? Sony is a few hundred less.

So far, I'm leaning towards the Sony...even tho' the best I'll receive it at is either 1080i (not p) or possibly 720p. Is it worth the cost? Thanks in advance. I'm close to hitting the BUY IT NOW button on eBay. Stop me or tell me to punch it! LOL

Ty-K

My BDPS1 is going back to BB tomorrow assuming they have a replacement in stock. Tonight it froze twice on Revenge of the Sith and the second time required a hard reboot. This makes 4 out of 7 SD DVDs that it has frozen on. No problems with 4 BDs and the PQ is very good to excellent on both BDs and DVDs. Hopefully the replacement will have as good PQ and no significant problems.

The variation in BD to BD is shameful. I started to think I wasted my money on both the Blue Ray player and my Yamaha projector but when I turned on my Sat HD I realized ITS ALL ABOUT THE TRANSFER. "Superman Returns" is shameful. "The Fifth Element" (which came "FREE") with the player wasn't any better. I would think that if Sony really wanted to show off the player, they would give us a reference quality transfer. Then again, they didn't even go to the trouble of giving buyers an HDMI cable. Ice Age actually came close to meeting my expectation. If the BD camp wants to win consumers over, they really need to tighten up the quality. Otherwise I'm going back to buying used SD DVD and buying only an occasional BD disc for classic movies with excellent transfers. Shameful waste of what should be excellent technology. Of course, I have Toshiba's 2nd gen HD DVD on order, I'll see if they can do better. At least it will be cheaper.

I've had my BDPS1 for the last 4 days and it has froze several times as well. It happens with both BD and SD DVD discs. I also have to eject and reinsert each disc after completing the first disc.

I'll try and update this post with each occurrence and the time

Frozen at:
[BD] Corpse Bride: 29m 42s (restarted by itself 45-60 seconds after freezing)
[SD] X-Men 3: ...m...s (didn't note the time)


On the positive side, the great news is that the PQ when connected to the Pearl/Carada BW screen is incredible using HDMI. I'm seeing new details with all of my upconverted SD DVD's. My wife and I are enjoying our SD DVD collection all over again.

I'm really happy with it and have to agree with the Ultimate AV/Mag Review (http://www.ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/1206sonybdps1/). I will return it to BB after the holidays and hope that that PS3 will satisfy my requirements.

All these freezing problems being reported remind me of the early days of the A1 (and laserdiscs!). Not good. However, I guess the Panny and Samsung are pretty good in this respect. We'll have to see how the Pioneer sorts out soon. One things for sure - I want a machine w/o freezing problems. Ruins the movie for me (and embarrassing as hell if you have guests over).

On the positive side, the great news is that the PQ when connected to the Pearl/Carada BW screen is incredible. I'm seeing new details with all of my upconverted SD DVD's. My wife and I are enjoying our SD DVD collection all over again.

I agree 100%. My major reason for choosing the S1 over Panny is the 480i over HDMI. Fed to a Lumagen HDP with that outputing 1080p to my 65" Panny at 1:1 makes a good PQ DVD look like a different movie. Given some of the movies available on BD, I would have to think longer about returning this particular unit if it froze on BD rather than DVD.

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups if you would mention that also. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups would be appreciated. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.

I'd like to determine if it's an HDMI problem only. Anyone with a component connection having issues?

I have had no freeze up problems with BD discs (have not tried SD)

The only problem I have encountered is sometimes the player ejects the disc (Fifth Elelment) at startup as if it cannot read it: I try it again and it is fine: I have had to reboot the player by disconnecting the AC once

The simultaneous output of HDMI and component video is a big plus for me

I bought the Middle Atlantic RSH-4A custom rack drawer for the Sony and I like the player :)

I had a freeze up on Kung Fu Hustle. Watched it again last night all the way through with no freeze though. So far 1 out of 2. I'm also using HDMI

When using the the analog outputs..What should the player be set to in the audio setup menu? Dolby Digital or Downmix PCM ? Samething with DTS...Or does it matter at all..

Well, so far so good over here-no freezeups or glitches with sd or hd material. Watched WTC and KoH on Bluray all the way thru without any hiccups whatsoever. My box also had the double tape but everything sure seemed mint inside and like I said-no problems(knockonwood).

I'd like to determine if it's an HDMI problem only. Anyone with a component connection having issues?

im using component connection with my ps3 and have had no issues with freeze or visual trouble of any kind. also, i notice no difference in PQ using hdmi over component on the ps3. i only have 1 hdmi input on my dlp set and i use it for my hd-a1 hd-dvd player cuz it upconverts standard dvd through hdmi as well. btw, if your going to use component connection for your ps3 DO NOT spend extra $$ on monster cables. i'm using the same sony made component connection i purchased for my ps2...it works perfect....looks great.

sorry....just noticed this is for the sony standalone player. my mistake. sorry guys

I hate to jinx myself, but not a single freeze. Only glitch I had was when I put in a bad copy of speed, it got confused and tried to read it for about 5 mins with out allowing for the disc to eject. Other than that it has played everything that has been thrown at it.

I have it connected to a Pearl with HDMI. 1080/24p

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups if you would mention that also. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.
i have no freeze ups with bd but only play sd-dvd on my toshiba since it is a better up converter so i cant address the sd freeze up issue on sony.

The only time my BDPS1 appears to have frozen is when I've been changing the audio track selection. Pressing chapter skip back or forward gets it going again.

Question -- I like the bitrate display on the Sony, and I've seen Stargate and TN go over 40-42mbps (wow!) But is there any way to display what codec is being used for the video or audio track, or at least the separate audio bitrate for the current track?

If not, that'd be a nice addition to a future firmware update.

-John

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups if you would mention that also. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.

I've had my player since the end of november and have never ran into any freeze issues. I have it set on 1080p24 . Overall im very happy with it. PQ is awesome. :)

Power On
0000 0069 0000 0015 005f 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0017 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0030 0200

Power Off
0000 0069 0000 0015 005f 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0017 0017 0017 0017 0017 0017 0030 0017 0030 0017 0030 0200

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups if you would mention that also. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.


No freeze-ups here. I've played 18 BR movies, several more than once, and have not had ANY problems with the player. Like Mark, I haven't played any SD material, as all of those are in my K-Scape. If the problem is significant in numbers, ya gotta think a firmware update is in the works. Then again....

Jim

budeone - thanks for the codes!

No freeze-ups here. I've played 18 BR movies, several more than once, and have not had ANY problems with the player. Like Mark, I haven't played any SD material, as all of those are in my K-Scape. If the problem is significant in numbers, ya gotta think a firmware update is in the works. Then again....

Jim


A suggestion that could help to check for patterns is to comment on freezes and provide your serial number. This could possibly provide some insite and trends on the problem,

I have had no freezes but only played 4 BR and 2 SD disks.

My serial number is 8020250 which I got tuesday this week. I exchanged a previouse one (serial # 8007660) forlack of sharpness in the picture. The new player is extremely sharp.

The only issue I have is the loader motor noise when opening and closing the disk draw which may or may not be a problem. I would like other peoples comment on the motor noise of the draw openeing and closing.

Thanks.

Tony

budeone Thanks greatly appreciated!

Only disk I had problems with was Black Hawk Down. Had some skipping issues and one freeze up around 1hr50. Stopped the player, hit play and watched the movie without anymore issues. I exchanged the player for a new one and will watch it again soon. SD disk no problems and have watched 3 BD with no problems.

Norm

Had a freeze up with Superman Returns BD, during the plane action sequence. Restarted and it played fine the second time through. Hooked up to HDMI, direct. No problems with SD DVD so far. I've found with my Yamaha DPX 1200, using the direct HDMI and letting the projector do the scaling gives the most pleasing PQ. Opinions?

My serial number is 8007482 and I use a HDMI/DVI connection to a Lumagen HDP VP with DVI/HDMI to my Panny plasma. As reported above, 4 out of 7 SD DVDs have frozen at least once. Playing of 4 BDs has been flawless. Last night the S1 (or HDP ?) had problems with the HDMI/DVI for the DVD Steamboy. No picture only sound. Finally changed to an HDMI only cable directly to TV. That worked although the PQ definitely suffered regardless of whether the S1 or TV did the deinterlacing and scaling. Today I plan to "reinstall" the S1 to see if that will fix the HDMI/DVI issue. Overall I am very happy with BD PQ and extremely happy with SD sourced PQ. I am currently waiting for a call from Magnolia to see if they will price match Tweeter's pre-order price on the Pioneer. Decided to skip to the chase and buy the Pioneer. Hopefully the extra 20-30 days they have spent on doing QC for the firmware will make a difference. In talking to the Magnolia people here in Orlando, they were aware of the freezing issue. On the otherhand, that particular BB is sold out of the S1.

My player has frozen twice, once with a Blu-ray disk and once with an SD DVD. Both
times I had to unplug reboot it. My serial number is 8015694.

Tasos

Just out of curiousity... have you tried connecting directly to your display, and bypassing the Anthem?

Regards,

Doug

==================

I have it going with HDMI into and Anthem Avm-50.. Talked to Sony for 45 min they dont know either. They said they are going to call me back.

has anyone noticed the audio output from the stereo jacks is very low?

I have a small display with an AVC box and the audio is very low: tried all the settings (5.1 analog/coax and optical audio outputs work fine)

I decided to exchange the BDP-S1 since BB just got a new batch in to see if I could get better quality. The box had one pc of tape only not the two pieces of tape like the origional one (large one over a small tape). The box still had the free disk.

The picture quality of this unit is much better in terms of sharpness and color quality. Maybe the other unit was bad or just a large variance in performance (true with many products). The only difference mechanically is the drive mechanism make a loader motor noise when opening and closing the drive (again the variance between units).


Just wanted to advise since all of you were helpfull in assting in my concern. Thanks.

TC

Looks like several people have mentioned two pieces of tape vs. one on the box. And that some of the exchanged units make a noise (louder?) when opening the tray.

What's the possibility that Sony replaced the disk drive in the unit with a more current one?

Can anyone who has this player tell me whether in the setup screen it is possible to output any 1080p signals via component? If so at what frequencies? (1080p/24, 1080p/60 etc).

Thanks.

According to the Sony BDP-S1 manual on Page 46, if the Video format is set to 1080p, it will output 480i though Component. If Video format is set to 1080i, it will output 1080i for Blu-ray and 480p for regular DVD's that are copy guarded. According to the manual, it will only output 1080p/60 or 1080p/24 through HDMI.

The manual is available for downloading at the Sony website in case you want to look at all of the various permutations of video output.

Can anyone who has this player tell me whether in the setup screen it is possible to output any 1080p signals via component? If so at what frequencies? (1080p/24, 1080p/60 etc).

Thanks.

The player won't output 1080p via component. No player of either format (Blu-ray or HD-DVD) will output 1080p via component. Because of studio piracy concerns, all player manufacturers limit component output to 720p or 1080i.

eonibm - I agree with what fa8362 said. I certainly wasn't trying to say otherwise in my post. My BDP-S1 is only hooked up via HDMI, so I had to rely on quoting the manual.

has anyone noticed the audio output from the stereo jacks is very low?

I have a small display with an AVC box and the audio is very low: tried all the settings (5.1 analog/coax and optical audio outputs work fine)

OUCH!

That's a huge issue for me if true. I have not yet installed my new home theater speakers so everything runs stereo through my LCD and it bugs me to no end when I have to crank the volume to 75-80+ just to be able to hear things.

Anyone else have this issue?

Well, I'm on week 2 with the unit and mine had the 2 pieces of tape and I have had no hiccups at all with the player. I don't want to just go exchange it if there isn't a problem but I'll keep a vigilant watch for any problems.

What HD player do you own (Blu-ray owners including PS3)

Placed in both the HD DVD and Blu-ray hardware forums.

If you own both you can post in the poll for the other format

Poll for Blu-ray owners
What HD player do you own (Blu-ray owners including PS3)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768087

Poll for HD DVD owners
What HD player do you own (HD DVD owners including Xbox add on)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768075

Well the Sony player is going back to BB tomorrow.

I've played six disc so far.
The first one, Kung Fu Hustle froze.
The next three played fine, Kung Fu Hustle again, Superman returns and The Great Raid.
The third, Underworld Evolution, wouldn't even load until I unplugged the unit and restarted.
The fourth, MI:3, froze about thirty minutes in. Took out the Sony and replaced it with the Sammy and watched the rest of MI:3 without a problem, that makes 37 movies on the Sammy without a hitch.

I think the video is a little sharper on the Sony but I'd rather have stability and the Sammy has been good to me (knock of wood).

Well Guys n Gals....I made the decision--and it was a difficult one for me! :eek:

I read much (but not all) of the 'sticky' threads on Toshiba (HD-DVD camp) plus the Panasonic, Samsung, Pioneer, and the SONY I bought on eBay Friday! Did I make a wise decision? Dunno yet. But I did make a basically INFORMED one.

If there is anything I need to know when it arrives & I am setting it up, please advise. Not sure when it will ship but I have an e-mail "into" the seller--asking when it will ship (hopefully today) along w/a tracking number!

I changed my mind (even back n forth) several times before finally just hitting the BUY-IT-NOW button on Friday afternoon! I started first looking a Samsung, but changed my mind after seeing it at Best Buy compared to the Sony! Then I thought I wanted the Sony. Then I read more about Toshiba, and thought, I can live with it for half the price of the Sony. But, I made another trip to BEst Buy and they had two--yes, count 'em two A2's in stock, but the salesman indicated blu-ray was much crisper (even tho' I couldn't compare quality of video as no unit on display). But, they had one of the A2's sitting on the shelf and after I inspected it, it seems kinda chinsily-built (if that's a word), so damn! What to do?

I researched Panasonic and liked everything I read about it, including the fact it plays CDs but price and availability got me. I could find them available for $1,200-$1,300 several places but didn't wanna pay that much for it. The ones I found for $999 were not in stock & I guess I want one now--so hence the Sony, which does look very-well built. Heavy & attractive AND available for $800 on eBay, so I just did it, as Nike says!

Again, if there is anything I need to know either just before, or during, or immediately after initial set-up, please advise. Lastly, altho' everyone's taste in movies varies, as does my own, is there a "special" blu-ray movie that is better that all the others for realizing most vivid colors, etc.

The absolute best DVD I've watched (and especially listened to) for testing and showing off my Onkyo sound system is the crash scene in Final Destination 2. I just watched it again this weekend after moving my widescreen & sound-system to our new house. That crash scene still rocks! It always takes my breath away cranked up and pouring out diff sounds thru 6-1 spkr system and 150-watt woofer! Let me just say, "Damn!"

Thanks in Advance for any forthcoming helpful hints on my soon-arriving Sony! :cool:

Ty-K

Good luck w/ your new Sony - hope it meets your expectations. :)

Well Guys n Gals....I made the decision--and it was a difficult one for me! :eek:

I read much (but not all) of the 'sticky' threads on Toshiba (HD-DVD camp) plus the Panasonic, Samsung, Pioneer, and the SONY I bought on eBay Friday! Did I make a wise decision? Dunno yet. But I did make a basically INFORMED one.

If there is anything I need to know when it arrives & I am setting it up, please advise. Not sure when it will ship but I have an e-mail "into" the seller--asking when it will ship (hopefully today) along w/a tracking number!

I changed my mind (even back n forth) several times before finally just hitting the BUY-IT-NOW button on Friday afternoon! I started first looking a Samsung, but changed my mind after seeing it at Best Buy compared to the Sony! Then I thought I wanted the Sony. Then I read more about Toshiba, and thought, I can live with it for half the price of the Sony. But, I made another trip to BEst Buy and they had two--yes, count 'em two A2's in stock, but the salesman indicated blu-ray was much crisper (even tho' I couldn't compare quality of video as no unit on display). But, they had one of the A2's sitting on the shelf and after I inspected it, it seems kinda chinsily-built (if that's a word), so damn! What to do?

I researched Panasonic and liked everything I read about it, including the fact it plays CDs but price and availability got me. I could find them available for $1,200-$1,300 several places but didn't wanna pay that much for it. The ones I found for $999 were not in stock & I guess I want one now--so hence the Sony, which does look very-well built. Heavy & attractive AND available for $800 on eBay, so I just did it, as Nike says!

Again, if there is anything I need to know either just before, or during, or immediately after initial set-up, please advise. Lastly, altho' everyone's taste in movies varies, as does my own, is there a "special" blu-ray movie that is better that all the others for realizing most vivid colors, etc.

The absolute best DVD I've watched (and especially listened to) for testing and showing off my Onkyo sound system is the crash scene in Final Destination 2. I just watched it again this weekend after moving my widescreen & sound-system to our new house. That crash scene still rocks! It always takes my breath away cranked up and pouring out diff sounds thru 6-1 spkr system and 150-watt woofer! Let me just say, "Damn!"

Thanks in Advance for any forthcoming helpful hints on my soon-arriving Sony! :cool:

Ty-K

All you need to do is read the manual before using the player.

Black Hawk Down is a BD 50 and I hear it's great. Eight Below. Those are 2 that I hear are getting good reviews.

www.blu-ray.coms' forum has reviews of the discs.

Eight Below is a great movie:

shows very high bit rates on the display

Thanks fa8362, vick vega, and markrubin...for your posts! Since wifey likes both Black Hawk Down AND Eight Below--I will buy for her...I'm more the romantic comedy kinda dude! What's wrong with this picture--right? Heh! Yes, I will read the manual...but do I hafta read it BEFORE installing & viewing at least a small segment of a movie? I will go crazy!

You should check out The Devil Wears Prada as well.

Thanks fa8362, vick vega, and markrubin...for your posts! Since wifey likes both Black Hawk Down AND Eight Below--I will buy for her...I'm more the romantic comedy kinda dude! What's wrong with this picture--right? Heh! Yes, I will read the manual...but do I hafta read it BEFORE installing & viewing at least a small segment of a movie? I will go crazy!

You need to understand how to set output and resolution settings before using the player. Otherwise, you might end up viewing 480i/480p output and wondering why it doesn't look any better than DVD. Also, there is an initial setup procedure that must be followed for proper operation.

I got my player last week but didn't have time to watch anything on it till the weekend. Here are some random thoughts. I watched Devil Wears Prada and Talladega Nights, as well as a little bit of X-men 3. They looked good, but nothing that blew me away, especially compared to my hd-a1. Though I realize three titles are hardly a large sample size. I never had a single glitch on any discs and it does boot up pretty quickly, about 15 seconds or so. The players response is a bit sluggish though skipping chapters and going to the menu. I'd actually say it's a bit slower than the Toshiba in that aspect. The upconversion on sd doesn't look nearly as good as the Toshiba's either, at least to my eyes. I do like the fact that I can change inputs on my tv without it completely stopping the disc when it loses the hdmi connection. So I guess summing up my initial reaction, it's kind of a mixed bag. But overall I'm happy so far.

OK, here's what I bought at lunchtime (btw, already bought The Devil Wears Prada b4 buying the Sony....so, oh well) Anyway I bought these 6 BLR:
MONSTER HOUSE
BLACK HAWK DOWN
EIGHT BELOW
X-MEN 3
BROTHER'S GRIMM
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

You'll be enjoying those.

I just got this player and I really like it. I have it hooked up through a Pioneer 84 receiver and viewing it to the Pioneer Elite 1080p plasma. It looks great to me. As this is my 1st post, I am sure that you guys are all much better at this hobby than I am, but I like the picture. I also like the upconvert job that the player does on the normal dvd's. Just my 2 cents.

cheers

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups if you would mention that also. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.
My Sony player has now played these blu rays - Devil Wears Prada, U2 Rattle & Hum, Talladega Nights, MI 3, Gone in 60 Seconds, and The Italian Job.

It has also done a stellar job of upconverting Click (reg. dvd). I am watching a Pioneer Elite 50" 1080p plasma and listening through a Pioneer 84 receiver. So far, I am in awe of the quality.

I to had similar problems with sd discs, when pirates 2 new disc was played,also on a panic room super bit movie it froze complete and I had to hold the players power button down untill it shut down.I called sony and wanted too advise them in order to help them make a good player into a great player. I was told this was to be mainly for bluray playback and may cause sd freeze up,I said this unacceptable and asked to speak to a supervisor[I have over 500 sd movies,10 bluray],the supervisor came on the phone and we where cut off by poor phone reception, no call back either. SO i dont whether to keep trying play back or exchange my unit for another. I also have the green blob problem on my kds-r50xbr but thats another story,7 months old,3200 dollars later. to be continued
I returned my player sunday,and just received a call from sony about the lock up on sd playback. He asked several questions about what was happening and I told him that I had returned the unit to best buy because I had one headache with my tv and didnt need another. So of course I asked the important stuff like when are the next players coming out he said 07 2 players will be out. a new bdp-s1, and a newer player and this is the one I should wait for.I say bring it on. :rolleyes:

I exchanged my player for another at Best Buy, they had different batch numbers so I went for it.
I also got two free movies this time! Picked up World Trade Center and Fantastic Four. Just finished watching WTC and everything went smoothly. So far so good. :)

I exchanged my player for another at Best Buy, they had different batch numbers so I went for it.
I also got two free movies this time! Picked up World Trade Center and Fantastic Four. Just finished watching WTC and everything went smoothly. So far so good. :)
What are the different batch numbers? Does it have to do with serial numbers? If so what are the first four numbers on it. My second unit has 8002 as the first four digits for the serial number. I might take it back to exchange it due to the freezing issues.

I checked the sticker batch number on top of the box when I bought the first one, they had three and all three were the same. When I exchanged yesterday all the players had new batch numbers different than the three that was there a week ago, so I guess they sold all of them and got a new shipment in.

I can't check the serial number b/c I'm at work now but I'll check when I get home and post.

The one I won over at AMEX, should be here tomorrow or Friday, I’ll post the batch number and serial when it arrives?
Supposed to be coming direct from sony

Still no problems here at all-just finished dvd of United 93 upconverted and not a single glitch so even though mine had double tape I'm keeping it for now.

these blu-ray discs look great on sony bdps1:

talladega nights
world trade center
ice age 2
ant bully
windtalkers
monsterhouse
click
the wild
transporter 2

I realize blu-ray recording media (BD-R) is still very expensive...anywhere from $12 or $13 UP, but has anyone tried it yet--and if so, what are/were the results, please? Thanks. I'm always thinking ahead--as NETFLIX does offer a wide selection of both blu-ray & HD-DVD rentals but upconversion of SD's is still the cheaper mode (for recording new movies) at this time.

TIA,

Ty-K
PS: If anyone has found a reasonably priced site offering such for sale, please advise! :-)

Just got back from lunch. My Serial begins with 8003 and the Batch # is F349198.

I didn't write down my old numbers but I know the batch # was different it had some 2s in it.

I realize blu-ray recording media (BD-R) is still very expensive...anywhere from $12 or $13 UP, but has anyone tried it yet--and if so, what are/were the results, please? Thanks. I'm always thinking ahead--as NETFLIX does offer a wide selection of both blu-ray & HD-DVD rentals but upconversion of SD's is still the cheaper mode (for recording new movies) at this time.

TIA,

Ty-K
PS: If anyone has found a reasonably priced site offering such for sale, please advise! :-)

It's not clear what you are asking. PC-based BD burners are available for recording onto BD-R media and there have been some reports of the success, or lack of, of making recordings (from such sources as a HD camcorder) then playing back the BD-R recordings on a standalone BD player. However, your final statement implies you think it possible (it isn't do the copy protection on BD) to copy a rented BD or HD-DVD movie onto BD-R media.

Ron Jones

I just got my PS3 but no talladega nights! I see no coupon or anything regarding talladega nights. Is it suppose to be in the box? Thank God its not Lord of the Rings or some great movie like that.

*

I got my BDP-S1 on Dec 6th, just couldn't wait any longer. I intend on taking it back as it has locked up on me 4 time, 3 of these time I had to unplug the unit and let it reboot, it has done this on SD-DVDs and BDs. never on the same disc. I find the image to be very soft and not near as 3D looking as my JVC D-VHS deck. In order to see detail in black I had to set a memory with the black level turned up as high as I could. The unit does a poor job in high contrast scenes such as daylight and a shadow this lproblem exist on both BD & SD-DVDs, ie Great Raid chapter 10, the shadowed parts of faces are black with little to no detail, WTC and Phantom is just as bad, I don't have this problem with either my Denon 3910 or Oppo 981. I was also disapointed with the deinterlacing of SD-DVDs. Recognizing Bd to be in its infancy I am still disapointed, I will say the BDP has less video noise than my D-VHS and is very smooth on 24fps mode during film based material, that is about all it excells in. I put my name on the waiting list for a Pioneer. I have a Panasonic AE900 720p 3LCD projector and took the unit to a friends house and hooked it directly to his Sony VW50 and had the same image complaints.

TytaniumK,
I'd guess that a very high percentage of AVS members pay for their movies, whether they be on DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-ray disc, or D-VHS. The few who steal them (and yes, making copies of Netflix rentals is stealing), don't usually discuss it in an open forum, such as this.

(Sorry for dragging this thread further off topic.)

...I put my name on the waiting list for a Pioneer...But isn't the Pioneer essentially the same as the Sony but with a few estra bells and whistles?

I got my BDP-S1 on Dec 6th, just couldn't wait any longer. I intend on taking it back as it has locked up on me 4 time, 3 of these time I had to unplug the unit and let it reboot, it has done this on SD-DVDs and BDs. never on the same disc. I find the image to be very soft and not near as 3D looking as my JVC D-VHS deck. In order to see detail in black I had to set a memory with the black level turned up as high as I could. The unit does a poor job in high contrast scenes such as daylight and a shadow this lproblem exist on both BD & SD-DVDs, ie Great Raid chapter 10, the shadowed parts of faces are black with little to no detail, WTC and Phantom is just as bad, I don't have this problem with either my Denon 3910 or Oppo 981. I was also disapointed with the deinterlacing of SD-DVDs. Recognizing Bd to be in its infancy I am still disapointed, I will say the BDP has less video noise than my D-VHS and is very smooth on 24fps mode during film based material, that is about all it excells in. I put my name on the waiting list for a Pioneer. I have a Panasonic AE900 720p 3LCD projector and took the unit to a friends house and hooked it directly to his Sony VW50 and had the same image complaints.

I have had the same freezing problems. However, I have had no problems with black levels and I don't recall anyone else having mentioned problems. Have you checked the color space settings? If you have DVI in the chain, as I do, it has to be set to 16-235 to avoid black level problems.

pioneer the same? It seems I suffer from a disorder known as "Early Adopter Syndrome" I have so many gripes about the Sony I would like to try something else. One of the local Magnolia employees is an EE and has taken the cover off the Sony,Pani & Pio pre production units and says it is built the best, I borrowed the Pio proto type and in the short time I had it thought it looked pretty good compared to the D-VHS unit. On Dec 27th I will be able to compare what I have to a freinds PS-3. I hope I have the pio by then, if not it will be the BDP-S1, if I don't see a great deal of difference I will trade it for a PS-3 and may get a used Toshiba HD player. I hear that Denon is working on a BD player but not to expect it before fall 2007.

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups if you would mention that also. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.

Had one for a couple weeks now with no glitches at all....and ironically enough ..it even syncs perfectly at 1080p with my Optoma H-78...which is a 720p pj. ...that happens to accept 1080p:)

I have watched at least a dozen BD's, and my family has watched at least that many sd dvd's without a hitch.

I have had the same freezing problems. However, I have had no problems with black levels and I don't recall anyone else having mentioned problems. Have you checked the color space settings? If you have DVI in the chain, as I do, it has to be set to 16-235 to avoid black level problems.

dsinger,

Please tell me more. My BDP-S1 is due delivery tonight (UPS) and I will be at the new house Fri night & most likely connect it early Sat morn. My TV has the DVI connection, so please tell me what other (additional?) settings I should choose for optimal performance! It was a lucky snag for me just spotting your 16-235 setting suggestion! I'd like to set it up right THE FIRST TIME if possible. Also, did you choose 1080i or 720p...as I'm assuming your TV (like mine) is just 1080i capable. :p :rolleyes:

Thanks in advance,
Ty-K

.... I was also disapointed with the deinterlacing of SD-DVDs. Recognizing Bd to be in its infancy I am still disapointed, I will say the BDP has less video noise than my D-VHS and is very smooth on 24fps mode during film based material, that is about all it excells in. I put my name on the waiting list for a Pioneer. I have a Panasonic AE900 720p 3LCD projector and took the unit to a friends house and hooked it directly to his Sony VW50 and had the same image complaints.

Sorry about your general malaise with the Sony BDP-S1, I'm quite happy with mine. I have it paired with a Sony VPL-VW100 via a Lumagen Vision HDQ. Since acquiring the BDP-S1 I'm actually using my Sony 1080p Ruby more than I was before it arrived... :D

I'm guessing the 24fps playback was done with the VPL-VW50 and not your AE900???

dsinger,

Please tell me more. My BDP-S1 is due delivery tonight (UPS) and I will be at the new house Fri night & most likely connect it early Sat morn. My TV has the DVI connection, so please tell me what other (additional?) settings I should choose for optimal performance! It was a lucky snag for me just spotting your 16-235 setting suggestion! I'd like to set it up right THE FIRST TIME if possible. Also, did you choose 1080i or 720p...as I'm assuming your TV (like mine) is just 1080i capable. :p :rolleyes:

Thanks in advance,
Ty-K

I am not going to be of much further help. Using 16-235 solved black level problems as well as contast for a DVI hookup. I use a Lumagen HDP video processor and the player is set to output 480i over HDMI for SD and 1080i for BD. The Lumagen deinterlaces and scales both to 1080p for my 65" 1080p Panny plasma. IMO the SD PQ is excellant and BD very good to excellant. Check the manual regarding player setting possibilities. The 3 memory setting available allow you to tailor color/hue etc to your tastes. Play around with these until you are happy.

One final thing on DVI. The player I have reverts to something other than 16-235 (0-255 ?) when turned off although 16-235 remains identified as the choice in the menu. If you turn it off, go into the setup menu and click on 16-235 again before playing a movie!

I am not going to be of much further help. Using 16-235 solved black level problems as well as contast for a DVI hookup. I use a Lumagen HDP video processor and the player is set to output 480i over HDMI for SD and 1080i for BD. The Lumagen deinterlaces and scales both to 1080p for my 65" 1080p Panny plasma. IMO the SD PQ is excellant and BD very good to excellant. Check the manual regarding player setting possibilities. The 3 memory setting available allow you to tailor color/hue etc to your tastes. Play around with these until you are happy.

One final thing on DVI. The player I have reverts to something other than 16-235 (0-255 ?) when turned off although 16-235 remains identified as the choice in the menu. If you turn it off, go into the setup menu and click on 16-235 again before playing a movie!

OK, thanks dsinger! :cool:

I will read the manual & play around w/the settings this weekend--when I actually get to our retirement house--and see what happens. I have a rear-projection 51" Hitachi (UltraVision) HDTV w/DVI input which is why I was asking. Already bought the HDMI-to-DVI cable...so I'm ready! Also bought 6 BLRs at Best Buy & ordered 4 more from Amazon (better prices). Can't wait to hook this puppy up...and listen to it thru my 750-watt Onkyo Home Theatre (already connected). Expecting good things! Thanks for your advice...I'm definitely a novice in the blu-ray field so far!

Ty-K :eek:

HDMI set to AUTO, I notice HDMI switches to 480p intermittently when viewing DVDs & BDs.

Will the Sony up-rez SD discs to 720p through component or am I stuck with 480p?

Jim

Will the Sony up-rez SD discs to 720p through component or am I stuck with 480p?

Jim

None of the players do that.

Thanks for the reply. Second question, can I output 480i through component? I have a faroudja that will process 1080i to 1080p and 480i to 960p. It will not handle 480p.

If I have to, I can go through an elaborate scheme to change HDMI to DVI-D to Component (stripped HDCP) but what a pain in the ass. I'm feeding a G90 which has relatively new tubes and I knew I would eventually reach this roadblock...just hoping it's a little further down the road.

Jim

Thanks for the reply. Second question, can I output 480i through component? I have a faroudja that will process 1080i to 1080p and 480i to 960p. It will not handle 480p.

If I have to, I can go through an elaborate scheme to change HDMI to DVI-D to Component (stripped HDCP) but what a pain in the ass. I'm feeding a G90 which has relatively new tubes and I knew I would eventually reach this roadblock...just hoping it's a little further down the road.

Jim

It will output 480i thru component.

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups if you would mention that also. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.

Have owned BDP-S1 since about first of December and have encountered zero glitches or freeze-ups. Serial number is S01-8007835-H SPEED, however, was very slow load but I understand that this is disc problem. I have also owned the Samsung player since introduction with zero freeze-up or drop outs. I also have Toshiba HD-DVD player and it is difficult to get through a movie without drop outs and lip sync problems. The Toshiba also has experienced several freeze ups requiring power off to resolve. Both Samsung and Toshiba players have latest software. Of the three players, the Samsung seems more refined in its operation with the Toshiba at the bottom.

I have to say, I actually prefer this players hdmi-dvi picture when upconverting sdvd's vs. my HDA1. the colors just seem better or more right I guess. I will give the edge to the Tos for the sharpness/depth of image but the image just seems more pleasing to the eye with Sony. I'm going into a Mits 55" crt by the way.

General Question:
I just purchased the BDP-S1 and hooked it up to a Sony KDL46xbr2 1080p TV via
HDMI cable. The BD's I have played up until now are amazing, but the SD's are marginal at best.What can I do to sharpen them up?? I have already:
1)Calibrated the tv(using settings from the Bravia forum)
2)When I ran through the start-up menu(step6),I selected the "1080p"option for video output format.
Any help would be appreciated as I'm just diving into this complicated buisness. :rolleyes:

Try outputing SD as 480i over HDMI and letting the LCD do the scaling. Perhaps it does a better job. Finally, what is your point of reference. I output SD as 480i but use an external video processor. Relative to prior DVD players I have owned, I think the PQ is great BUT it will never match BD.

I recieved my BDP-S1 today. I connected it to my Sony Pearl by HDMI.
Put in "Kingdom of Heaven" and it worked fine. Switched of the player and
turned it on again 1-2 hours later to try a few more discs.
Now it will not load "Kingdom of Heaven" anymore! :mad:

The following discs do work:
Fifth Element
Rocky
All the Kings Men

The following discs do not work:
Kingdom of Heaven
Black Hawk Down
Talladega Nights

SD DVDs are working.

I unplugged the player but it did not help. Any ideas whats i could do? :(

I recieved my BDP-S1 today. I connected it to my Sony Pearl by HDMI.
Put in "Kingdom of Heaven" and it worked fine. Switched of the player and
turned it on again 1-2 hours later to try a few more discs.
Now it will not load "Kingdom of Heaven" anymore! :mad:

The following discs do work:
Fifth Element
Rocky
All the Kings Men

The following discs do not work:
Kingdom of Heaven
Black Hawk Down
Talladega Nights

SD DVDs are working.

I unplugged the player but it did not help. Any ideas whats i could do? :(

I don't have any ideas, but is it a coincidence that the three discs that work are suppose to be SL (25GB) and the ones that don't DL (50GB)?

Blackhawk Down worked for me.

The strange thing is that "Kingdom of Heaven" did work when i first tried it.
It was the first disc i put into the player after taking it our of the box.
Now no DL discs do work...
I tried umplugging, is there any other way to reset the player?

I think i will go and watch some LDs now... :cool:

The strange thing is that "Kingdom of Heaven" did work when i first tried it.
It was the first disc i put into the player after taking it our of the box.
Now no DL discs do work...
I tried umplugging, is there any other way to reset the player?

I think i will go and watch some LDs now... :cool:

Check the manual for reset. Seems like I remember instructions something like hold down the start botton on the player for x seconds.

Bought the Sony BDP-S1 last Saturday and it won't play Mission Impossible 3 Blu Ray format disc. Took the disc to CC where I bought the Sony, and it won't play in their display BDP-S1 either. Salesman stuck my disc in a Samsung Blu Ray player and VIOLA! it played just fine. What gives?? I thought the Sony would be better. The salesman agreed that it isn't right that the Sony wouldn't play this disc but the Samsung would. He said I should return the Sony. I will return it unless there is a reasonable explanation or fix for the problem.

I just bought the Sony BDP-S1 and am hooking it up tonight. Coincidentally, I rented MI:3 from Netflix and plan to use that as the first test disc. From all reports, it seems like a crapshoot in that some buyers have freezing problems while others are fine.

I've had no problems playing MI:3 or Kingdom Of Heaven in my Sony BDP-S1.
No problems playing TFE or TOTS either.
Haven't tried Pearl Harbor, Swordfish or The Last Samurai yet (they just arrived from Amazon).

Has anyone else had a problem with the Sony losing the correct settings? I installed the unit today and did the Easy Setup followed by choices for 24p and the correct audio. I then played a few minutes of a test movie and went back to work. Tonight, I turned the movie on again from the beginning and found that all of my settings (24p, Dolby Digital, DTS, etc...) had gone back to the default settings. I thought that you could just set it once and then forget it?

LisaM,
I hope someone answers the "losing settings" difficulty you've identified--and I tend to agree w/your synopsis about a 'crapshoot'. I bought the BDP-S1 on ebay last Friday--it was delivered Wed night & I will hook it up this weekend...hoping I got one that doesn't FREEZE UP as returning it would be a fiasco--not as simple as returning it to my nearest BestBuy. Wish me luck! We shall soon see if saving $300 via purchasing on eBay rather than BB was the better idea~hmmmmmm. WWYD? (What Would You Do?)

olden51,
I hope I don't experience your problem as MI: 3 is one of the 6 I purchased from BB. Why is the Sony machine so flaky? Natch I will be posting my experiences/results either Sat night or Sunday morn. Again, wish me luck with MY particular blu-ray unit AND all blu-ray movies!

Ty-K

LisaM,
I hope someone answers the "losing settings" difficulty you've identified--and I tend to agree w/your synopsis about a 'crapshoot'. I bought the BDP-S1 on ebay last Friday--it was delivered Wed night & I will hook it up this weekend...hoping I got one that doesn't FREEZE UP as returning it would be a fiasco--not as simple as returning it to my nearest BestBuy. Wish me luck! We shall soon see if saving $300 via purchasing on eBay rather than BB was the better idea~hmmmmmm. WWYD? (What Would You Do?)

Ty-K

Did you buy from an "authorized Sony dealer" on e-bay? So the warranty will be honored if you have a problem - or does it not matter w/ Sony products ?

I shy away from buying electronics on e-bay. Too risky. (but good luck too you)

Did you buy from an "authorized Sony dealer" on e-bay? So the warranty will be honored if you have a problem - or does it not matter w/ Sony products ?

I shy away from buying electronics on e-bay. Too risky. (but good luck too you)
Yes, John....I did purchase from an "authorized Sony dealer!" So, it's not that the warranty won't be honored, per se, just that an exchange will take mo' time! But at least I was smart enuf to buy it BRAND NEW-IN-BOX from an auth rep! ;)

I thought that you could just set it once and then forget it?

That's all I did. I've never had any malfunction with settings or when playing BD discs or DVDs.

I am going to check it this morning to see if the settings held.

I have a Sony BDP-S1 connected to a Sony KLD-46XBR3 and I love it.

Yes. As someone interested in this player because of 1080p/24 I'd like some reports by those who have projectors, tv sets, etc. which can take this signal like my HP Pavillion 1080p can. Quality of video, etc.


I have a Sony BDP-S1 connected to a 1080p Sony KDL-46XBR3 and I love it!

I had mine freeze on a Netflix rental and one SD disc I own. That's out about 50 BD and SD discs. I'm keeping mine. Unsure of BD disc quality issues or potential Netflix damage.

I watched Mission Impossible 3 tonight - no freezes but I thought that the image was softer than an HD television program. I checked to make sure I was on 1080p/24 as opposed to 480. I am going to play a few more discs before deciding what to do. The good news is that my settings did not revert to default.

Anyone know if the Hdmi and component outputs are both active at the same time?
I thought someone had said that early on but I can't get it to work with my Anthem.

I got BDP-S1 on 12/19/06 I have later model sr# 8016 are first 4 i have not had any freezing of BD or SD media, I did have problem with kindom of heaven i got this odd set of white circles at bottom on top menu screen after put disc in, there was like 8 of them in a circle and they seemed to lightup and go out in Clockwise rotation. once i hit the popup menu and hit play they went away could this be java menu problem. I only seen this on one disc. it played fine never the less. I have philips 32" LCD 1366x768 1080i is max res i guess it down converts them 1080i to LCD native format I have tried the sony in auto 1080/60i is what it shows and direct 1080/60i as well as in 720p i cant really see a difference so i been leaving it in auto

Interesting observation: I stopped in Circuit City this afternoon to view a Blu-ray demonstration since I was not blown away by the quality of the picture when I watched MI:3 last night. The Blu-ray loop was definitely much more 3-D and sharper than the PQ of the movie last night. The CC salesman (who actually seemed to know something) said that, when they first played a disk on the new Sony machine, it seemed like a standard dvd to him. They ended up swapping out several machines before they found one which displayed great PQ with a blu-ray disk. I am not sure whether I have a bad player or not. I am going to watch a few more disks before deciding whether to exchange it at Crutchfield.

Interesting observation: I stopped in Circuit City this afternoon to view a Blu-ray demonstration since I was not blown away by the quality of the picture when I watched MI:3 last night. The Blu-ray loop was definitely much more 3-D and sharper than the PQ of the movie last night. The CC salesman (who actually seemed to know something) said that, when they first played a disk on the new Sony machine, it seemed like a standard dvd to him. They ended up swapping out several machines before they found one which displayed great PQ with a blu-ray disk. I am not sure whether I have a bad player or not. I am going to watch a few more disks before deciding whether to exchange it at Crutchfield.

What are the first four numbers of the serial number on your player? Did it have one or two pieces of tape on the box?

I finally gave up on Tweeter and ordered from Vann's. I'm glad I did otherwise I'd still be waiting for the player. Shipped on Saturday and received it on Monday, thankfully right before the snow storm. The s/n on my player starts with 8005 and it only had one piece of tape on the box. I haven't had any issues so far.

What are the first four numbers of the serial number on your player? Did it have one or two pieces of tape on the box?

I can't get to the back of the unit right now but the number on the box is 8023272-A, which I am assuming is the serial number. Single piece of tape on the box.

I can't get to the back of the unit right now but the number on the box is 8023272-A, which I am assuming is the serial number. Single piece of tape on the box.

The 8023272 part would be the s/n. Mine shows S01-8005***-3 (* represents the respective numbers on my player) on the box of mine. According to your s/n it looks like Sony has already produced over 23K units so far.

I just returned my Sony-it kept on freezing. I'm sure it was one of the first since I got it from a Sony Style store 3 hours after they arrived on 8 Dec. During the discussion the salesperson mentioned that there was a maintenance update available that could fix the problem. He said it was three disks and it sounded like it would take almost an hour to update. For those of you who have registered you should get a notice.

I am glad I didn't get this player after reading all these horror stories about lock ups, nothing ruins a movie more than a lock up, and after trying the upscaling on SD DVD's I know exactly what I want since I watch a lot of SD dvd's, OPPO 981 for the best upscaling possible and a PS3 for blu ray dvd's and the occasional game, although not a gamer.

My second Sony player just locked up on Invincible. This is quite frustrating. This POS is going back after Christmas. No exchanges this time.

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to chime in a say that I've had my Sony BDP-S1 for about two weeks now and have had no freeze ups in either Blu-Ray or SD DVD. My over all opinion? Overall I am very happy with this player...

The first week I had it, it used to spit a few discs back out when I would try to close the disc drawer. This would actually happen more with Blu Ray discs but it has since gone away. It happened maybe a half dozen times.

Also, I am happy with the SD playback so far on newer discs. I have to do more research but older transfers like the the Halloween Anneversary edition has lots of jaggies and macro blocking. This is more a problem with the transfer but I was hoping the Sony would handle it a bit better. Overall I think my older Sony DVD player did a better job but the BDP-S1 does a great job on newer discs. I have to do more research in order to see if this is consistant.

I have watched 5 movies so far. One froze for about 5-6 sec and started playing. I love the pic and I am happy with the player.

How is the layer change speed on this player.

Haven't really noticed a layer change yet. On Blu Ray or SD.

My player has been free of freeze ups also.

The 8023272 part would be the s/n. Mine shows S01-8005***-3 (* represents the respective numbers on my player) on the box of mine. According to your s/n it looks like Sony has already produced over 23K units so far.
My S/N is: S01-8001967-H
and I have zero idea which are the "good" ones and which are the "bad" ones but I hooked mine up Sat morn & have experienced ZERO problems, so far. It plays BR, SD and DVD+Rs all quite well, so I am a happy camper in that respect...also that none have frozen up [yet]. :)

The PQ is great but NOT astounding, and the reason for that is probably cuz my 51" Hitachi UltraVision is only capable of up to 1080i (vs 1080p on the newer sets!) But, as I already anticipated such, it was not a huge surprize, esp since I'm connecting HDMI-to-DVI (the only way possible w/my 2004 WideScreen).

The PQ on SDs is actually quite spectacular but I think I'm wasting my money on the 10 blu-ray movies I bought. X-MEN III I have in both formats and I truly didn't see much diff between the blu-ray AND SD versions, so until I buy a 1080p capable set, just gonna watch great-looking SDs & DVD+Rs 98% of the time. :cool:

Ty-K

No one else has said it, so I will. I'm beginning to wonder how many of the "freezing" complaints are real and how many are from non-owners reporting problems because they have a desire to make the BDP-S1 look bad.

I say this because we (owner of a local store and I) were able to reach all 11 owners of the first units he sold (we were all on a list awaiting delivery) and not one person had ANY problems with the BDP-S1. What are the odds that those 11, and me, and the owner, and three other friends in different states, have had zero problems and yet on the forum we find people reporting that the player (and sometimes a second or third "replacement") is so "bad" they have "given up" and would no longer consider owning the player, nor recommend it. Read enough of these posts and you start to think that 1-in-3 players is bad. From what we can tell, that is just not true. Given the biases, and agendas (some hidden) floating around these threads, I can't help but wonder.....

I'm not saying there can't be a bad player. No doubt there are problem players, as there are with ALL new entries, but the BDP-S1 is starting to get an undeserved bad rap, IMO.

As an aside, we also compared the Pioneer and Sony yesterday for PQ/Audio, and could find "no difference" between the two players.

Im very happy with my unit i played discs for about 12 hours today one right after an other two bluray discs 8 bellow and corps bride those two discs looked wonderful but then the compression was AVC and VC1 not mpeg2 also i think many reports about poor video quality are media not the DVP-S1 also many people have the older 1366x768 LCD or plasma units they call them 1080i and they will take 1080i signal but its downconverted to just over 720p as thats the real native res of the 1366x768 units. sure there are now 1080p units true HD but 1000's of units are older units and I my self have LCD philips that I know is not giving me the true HD views a 1080p unit would, still the bluray discs with good transfers look wonderful, its a real shame that many bluray movies actually look worse then DVD due to poor transfers when they were pressed.

I have had no problems with "freezing" until now, and i´m using the player since 12.10.

But, what do you exactly mean with "freezing"??
What happen?



I have compared the BDP-S1 with Samsung and Sony is much better than Samsung. Much more sharp. I am using Sanyo PLV-Z3 (HDMI). My brother who lives with me is owner of Samsung.

In January we are going to receive the Panasonic AE1000 (LCD 1080p), to use in 1080p24 :)

Could a few more BDP-S1 owners report if they are having any freeze ups on SD or BD and also any owners that are not having any freeze ups if you would mention that also. Too often only the people having problems report on them and we never hear from owners that are happy and problem free. I'm trying to make a purchasing decision and determine if this is an across the board problem.

Forgive me as I am coming to this thread late...

My SN is: S01-8004823-B

I have only had one problem with the BDP-S1 on a BD and that was "Into the Blue." The disc took minutes to load and I had to turn the player off and back on to get it to start. This was the first BD I played on the player, and I had never used the disc before... Several discs later I am near 100% certain I got a defective *disc* not player (too late to return it unfortunately as I bought the disc before the player months ago). All other BD discs play cleanly and quickly on my player (I use the 1080i setting via component connections for BD, BTW feeding to a 50 inch 1366 X 768 Sony LCD set).

Regular DVD playback has been another animal entirely, unfortunately. I have had freezeups on many discs. The most recent occurances were during my Horatio Hornblower marathon session. I have now watched 6 discs in the past 3 days, and the player froze on 5 of them. Each time, the player unfroze about 15 minutes later in the movie. Once I rewound to the spot of the freeze, the movies all played fine for the rest of each disc.

I have had similar instances (without the 15 minute jump) on more recent/mainstream DVD releases, but thought the brief freezes were due to layer changes I had not noticed previously on my prior DVD player (a Denon DVD-1600). Now I think it actually is due to the Sony.

In any case, for BD I am satisfied. I would say the picture is almost as good as my HD-A1, but without the video hicups on the BD material that I still get when playing some HD DVDs on the A1. Unfortunately, both the A1 *and* the Sony are not ready for prime time glitch-wise when it comes to regular DVD playback, IMO.

I own 76 HD DVDs and 44 Blu-ray disc and have watched all of them all the way through. I hate to pause or stop during a movie. So all were played completely through. This is what I have encountered.

HD DVDs played all on HD-A1 using 2.0 firmware: 3 out of 5 lose audio sync with video and 1 out of 76 froze where the player had to be unplugged.

Blu-rays played on Samsung using latest firmware: 38 disc played fine with no glitches and no freezes. This is why I love Blu-ray and have now started buying all disc but Universal on Blu-ray.

Blu-rays played on First Sony : 3 out of 7 disc froze and the player needed to be unplugged to do anything. One disc wouldn't load at all until I restarted the unit.

Blu-rays played on Second Sony : 1 out of 3 have froze and player needed to be unplugged.

I have never had any problems with anything freezing before, Never experienced a freeze with a SD DVD on any player I have owned, and I have had 14 of them. The only movie freeze I ever experienced was one on the HD-A1. Now with the Sony I've had 4 out of 10 and have lost confidence in its ability to make it to the end on a movie. Instead of experiencing the movie, I constantly worry about when it is going to freeze and I hate that. :(

Going back to BB after Christmas and I really don't know what to do. Should I try one more time or just put the money towards a Panny?

No one else has said it, so I will. I'm beginning to wonder how many of the "freezing" complaints are real and how many are from non-owners reporting problems because they have a desire to make the BDP-S1 look bad.

I say this because we (owner of a local store and I) were able to reach all 11 owners of the first units he sold (we were all on a list awaiting delivery) and not one person had ANY problems with the BDP-S1. What are the odds that those 11, and me, and the owner, and three other friends in different states, have had zero problems and yet on the forum we find people reporting that the player (and sometimes a second or third "replacement") is so "bad" they have "given up" and would no longer consider owning the player, nor recommend it. Read enough of these posts and you start to think that 1-in-3 players is bad. From what we can tell, that is just not true. Given the biases, and agendas (some hidden) floating around these threads, I can't help but wonder.....

I'm not saying there can't be a bad player. No doubt there are problem players, as there are with ALL new entries, but the BDP-S1 is starting to get an undeserved bad rap, IMO.

As an aside, we also compared the Pioneer and Sony yesterday for PQ/Audio, and could find "no difference" between the two players.

jlgLaw,

This shows the potential danger of these anonomous Forums. Unknown folks can can do severe damage to companies/ products, often without ever owning the product. And we have no way of knowing the identity of these detractors nor what equipment they used for their tests. This place has become infested with such posts. Sadly, for myself, I pay little or no attention to what I read here.

No one else has said it, so I will. I'm beginning to wonder how many of the "freezing" complaints are real and how many are from non-owners reporting problems because they have a desire to make the BDP-S1 look bad.

I say this because we (owner of a local store and I) were able to reach all 11 owners of the first units he sold (we were all on a list awaiting delivery) and not one person had ANY problems with the BDP-S1. What are the odds that those 11, and me, and the owner, and three other friends in different states, have had zero problems and yet on the forum we find people reporting that the player (and sometimes a second or third "replacement") is so "bad" they have "given up" and would no longer consider owning the player, nor recommend it. Read enough of these posts and you start to think that 1-in-3 players is bad. From what we can tell, that is just not true. Given the biases, and agendas (some hidden) floating around these threads, I can't help but wonder.....

I'm not saying there can't be a bad player. No doubt there are problem players, as there are with ALL new entries, but the BDP-S1 is starting to get an undeserved bad rap, IMO.

As an aside, we also compared the Pioneer and Sony yesterday for PQ/Audio, and could find "no difference" between the two players.

Appeciate you taking the time to post this. We really do need to get a greater sample size. Even people with honest complaints skew the data as happy people don't typically seek out and post on sites like this.

Unsure if people are intentionally "trashing" this unit, but nothing surprises me anymore. Much of the behavior I read about on this site is truly disappointing. Top of the list is people "buying" equipment with absolutely no intention of keeping it. You know the guys that take every available player home for their personal audition for a couple of weeks and then return most or all of them. As a retailer you must love that attitude. I wonder what cost premium I'm paying to support these ethically challenged shoppers. I see that their abuses have even driven COSTCO to alter what was truly a great return policy...for honest people.

I have had no problems with "freezing" until now, and i´m using the player since 12.10.

But, what do you exactly mean with "freezing"??
What happen?



I have compared the BDP-S1 with Samsung and Sony is much better than Samsung. Much more sharp. I am using Sanyo PLV-Z3 (HDMI). My brother who lives with me is owner of Samsung.

In January we are going to receive the Panasonic AE1000 (LCD 1080p), to use in 1080p24 :)

My definition of freezing would be a where a still image becomes fixed on the screen not just for a moment,as in a layer change, but until some type of action is taken to correct the freeze such as having to press FF,Rev,Chapter skip,or some other corrective procedure to continue playback. A worst case scenario would be having to reset the player by powering off or unplugging the unit.

Much of the behavior I read about on this site is truly disappointing. Top of the list is people "buying" equipment with absolutely no intention of keeping it. You know the guys that take every available player home for their personal audition for a couple of weeks and then return most or all of them. As a retailer you must love that attitude. I wonder what cost premium I'm paying to support these ethically challenged shoppers. I see that their abuses have even driven COSTCO to alter what was truly a great return policy...for honest people.

Couldn't agree more. I'm amazed everytime one of these people admits to this behavior in a post.

Jim

jlgLaw,

This shows the potential danger of these anonomous Forums. Unknown folks can can do severe damage to companies/ products, often without ever owning the product. And we have no way of knowing the identity of these detractors nor what equipment they used for their tests. This place has become infested with such posts. Sadly, for myself, I pay little or no attention to what I read here.

Agreed.

Agreed.

I personally consider myself lucky to have access to these forums to help make a purchasing decision. Imagine if everyone had to rely on information that the salesman wearing the blue shirt provided. I have been saved many times from spending my hard earned money on products that have been reported to have serious flaws in these forums. I hope knowledgeable forum members continue to provide feedback on products both good and bad.

My definition of freezing would be a where a still image becomes fixed on the screen not just for a moment,as in a layer change, but until some type of action is taken to correct the freeze such as having to press FF,Rev,Chapter skip,or some other corrective procedure to continue playback. A worst case scenario would be having to reset the player by powering off or unplugging the unit.
Thank you.

I didn´t see nothing like this until now

I have about 20 BD discs.

Going back to BB after Christmas and I really don't know what to do. Should I try one more time or just put the money towards a Panny?

Like you, I have both formats. I have, however, decided to support BR. When properly transferred, BR is IMO just as good as HD-DVD. I have 38 HD-DVD's and admittedly like them all, but I decided that by buying both I'm contributing to a prolonged "war," and I think BR holds the most potential going forward.

Having said that, given your reported experiences with the S1 it is fair that you are not happy. I just feel that your experience is unusual and I find it hard to believe you would end up with three bad players in a row.

I now have all of the BR players except the Samsung (not knocking the player) and can only say that all three, IMO (completely subjective), have essentially the same PQ, so you wouldn't be giving up anything by moving to the Panny.

Jim

I personally consider myself lucky to have access to these forums to help make a purchasing decision. Imagine if everyone had to rely on information that the salesman wearing the blue shirt provided. I have been saved many times from spending my hard earned money on products that have been reported to have serious flaws in these forums. I hope knowledgeable forum members continue to provide feedback on products both good and bad.

John was just commenting on potential abuses that are, unfortunately, always possible on open forums. I agree with that comment. I also agree people benefit from the HONEST opinions of forum members. I know I have.

Jim

jlgLaw,

This shows the potential danger of these anonomous Forums. Unknown folks can can do severe damage to companies/ products, often without ever owning the product. And we have no way of knowing the identity of these detractors nor what equipment they used for their tests. This place has become infested with such posts. Sadly, for myself, I pay little or no attention to what I read here.Unfortunately, this is true.

As you can see from my profile, I own an HD-A1. But I've always known that I'd get a good BD player at some point ... and when that moment comes, it'll probably be the Panasonic. I'm just waiting for some really compelling software.

But I do recall some time ago making a comment in an HD DVD thread about the bad quality of one of Warner's releases. I think it was "The Perfect Storm". At any rate, one of the other AVSers called me out because I didn't have any info in my profile about my system. In fact, I had virtually no profile at all. And this other person was right (BTW, I'm not sure but I think it was "cjplay"). Anyway, he was right! And so I went to my AVS control panel and created a rather detailed profile of me and my system. I'm sure most people don't look at it ... but it's there if you want to.

And with that, out went my "anonymity". I really don't care since I'm a bit of a public person. But, the ability of people to make comments that can sway a great many others in their purchasing decisions ... and to make them in complete anonymity is, in fact, dangerous. And since I filled in my profile, I've noticed that there are a fair number of posters here that provide absolutely no info about themselves.

Now I know that posting info about yourself on the internet can be risky. But there has to be some sort of happy medium. I personally agree with "cjplay" (if it was him who called me out). There ought to be some minimum profile requirements for all posters here.

Now, just so no one will go ballistic, keep in mind that this is JUST MY OPINION.

I don't have a vested stake in either HD-DVD or Blu-ray and I would never bash the opposing technology. I just want to make sure that, for $1000, I have a player which is defect free and which has the proper picture quality. Over the years, I have learned so much from these forums - break-in and post break-in settings, tweaks, audio calibration tips, etc... - which allowed me to make informed buying choices and to set up my system without having to hire a professional installer. Gaining information via the Internet is similar to obtaining info elsewhere - you have to know whose info to trust and which info to filter out.

All good points.

It is probably time for all of us (myself included) to get back on the topic of this thread (the BDP-S1) before it turns into another "which format is better" discussion. Plenty of those threads already exist.

Sorry for taking us OT!

Jim

I reported earlier that my player never froze....and I guess it still hasn't...but it did stop playing Fearless on sd dvd rental about 3/4 the way through.

It then would not read the next sd dvd I tried to play also....saying can not play this disc.
Since then I have played an sd dvd which worked fine. :confused:

Still no problems with any of the 20 BD titles though....and after having time to do a proper comparison between the Philips and the Sony using several BD'S...the Sony has slightly better color, sharpness and smoothness...and when you add it all together...it makes for quite a bit better picture overall.

The Philips has never had a single glitch in two months...and is a bit faster at loading (except for those certain Fox titles) and also quicker at function reaction times.

I pick the Sony as the better BD player for its better P/Q and better A/Q via analog outs.

All three BD players including the original Samsung ...are better functioning players than my HD-A1 or RCA hd dvd players....hands down.

We should all remember that Sony is going to release both java update as well as a BD-R and BD-RW reading update as well as I'm sure some bug fixes as free update disc to all that registor. and As well we know usually it take one or two firmware/bios updates to tweakin most dvd players or burner. I know my panasonic player worked much better after a firmware update, and so did my pc dvd burner. so I'm sure the sony BDP-S1 will benefit from one or more firmware updates

We should all remember that Sony is going to release both java update as well as a BD-R and BD-RW reading update as well as I'm sure some bug fixes as free update disc to all that registor. and As well we know usually it take one or two firmware/bios updates to tweakin most dvd players or burner. I know my panasonic player worked much better after a firmware update, and so did my pc dvd burner. so I'm sure the sony BDP-S1 will benefit from one or more firmware updates

A Sony Rep. here believes we should see a firmware update within 60 days. Personally, I think that's a bit optimistic, but I'm hopeful.

A Sony Rep. here believes we should see a firmware update within 60 days. Personally, I think that's a bit optimistic, but I'm hopeful.

What will this firmware update address?