After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.

After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.

Because before I bought it I had an oppo upconverting DVD, an Xbox 360 HD-DVD and an inability to play Blu-Ray. Now I am sitting here watching Fifth Element with the best video quality I have ever seen it at. For me it works great and it has the promise of having the few non-working audio features enabled in the future and the simplicity of a single player for all 5" optical disc formats currently available.

The better question is why do you (and others) feel the need to keep posting items like this. Do you go to other sections and tell people that equipment you don't own and have no experience with stinks?

After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.

1. So far I havent seen people ahve that many problems I think I have seen maybe 3 discs people have had issues with. That is not what I consider a lot of discs.

2. As far as bitstreaming goes, as far as I know that was ALWAYS promissed as a feature that would be added later on via a firmware update.

3. As far as the "grainy" PQ there are mixed reports and so far everyone has NOT had the same experience.

So far this player is doing what Samsung has always said it would do when it came out. People were hoping that it would implement other features, but nothing was promised. What I dont understand is that there are so many people bashing this player who dont even own it. If you dont like it fine move on there is no need to harp on others for their purchases. For some people this player is an upgrade, for others this is an intro to Blu-ray. For me personally I am getting this player to get rid of my add-on and so that I can enjoy movies from both sides of the fence. I mean really if you are no longer interested in the player then why post about it? If people whant to buy it whos to stop them its their money.

Yeah. Why would anyone buy the 5000. It totally sucks! Read what everyone has said about it! It's a total piece of sh-t!

Oh... I forgot. I actually have one.

And I like it.

Carry on........

After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.

What negative reviews? The vast majority of owners I've heard from are happy with it. The majority of wholly negative feedback I've seen is concerning features that those people knew weren't going to be there (DTS-HD MA for example) yet are complaining about anyways. Also, very few, if any, of the wholly negative reviews I've seen were from people who ACTUALLY OWN the player.

What negative reviews? The vast majority of owners I've heard from are happy with it. The majority of wholly negative feedback I've seen is concerning features that those people knew weren't going to be there (DTS-HD MA for example) yet are complaining about anyways. Also, very few, if any, of the wholly negative reviews I've seen were from people who ACTUALLY OWN the player.
Exactly.

Sorry TheHDMan, from the posts I've seen from you, you like to troll around samsung threads, and now, a whole new thread.

Why do you care anyway? What are you, the watch what you buy police?

Because Christmas is a time for new toys for bad boys.

I am not exempt, but managed to sell the HD-A1 and PS3 on the bay
to help with the cost of my escapade into 24p HBR and DSD
combo duct tape player, BD30/A35/Oppo980 terrific A/V transport system.
Now, setting up the Harmony remote was another 3 evenings :)

Fortunately returns at most reputable dealers are extended until January 30
so it will make it easier on the beta testing gang.

I bought it because #1 I wanted a dual format player, I didnt really care to have 2 players.

Bah, humbug!
What HD player has been problem free? It's a new platform. I went in fully aware there may be RESOLVEABLE issues. My XA2 was not perfect, and I had no illusion the 5K would be flawless. I now have the ability to play both formats with a single unit that has the potential to far exceed my expectations! I was willing to invest my dough in that.

To address your rant specifically:
Mine plays alot of disks (ALL the ones I have put in it so far, except the frisbee)
Yes the audio sounds pretty huge!
The only grain I see in MY PQ is if I happen to pass the food network and someone's baking bread.
All good things come to those who wait. I am patient.

Oh yea, one more reason:

Because we wanted to twist your undies in a knot.....

snowtrooper1966

They should have kept the 2400 and maybe killed the 5000? :)

Because ...

They should have kept the 2400 and maybe killed the 5000? :)

But then it wouldn't be a universal player.

I don't blame people for bashing it and I don't blame people for buying it. I own it (for 30 days, at least). The bashers are extremely disappointed. Who can blame them? The early reviews seemed to indicate that it was a great machine which with some tweaks could be extraordinary. Then Samsung took three months to release it and most people figured they were spending that time fixing the machine so that it would come to market full-featured and ready to go. It isn't. The blind date turned out to be a little ugly.

People buy it for reasons of their own. And I can assure you we're not stupid or deluded. Let me explain my reasoning. I've waited two years for this industry to settle down. I followed the threads through all the iterations of the Toshibas, Panasonics, etc. They have all had problems. They've all had complaints. I decided to jump in with the Sammy (coming from a Denon 5900 I bought 4 years ago for $1600) because I don't want to have two players to deal with. I've had my rack full of equipment and I don't like it. I don't want to set up two macros for two players with two different picture settings. HD should be icing on the cake of my life not my reason for being alive. I won’t be using all of the promised features any ways as I have a wife, family and friends that I like to sit and talk to and I have business that take up a lot of time. I just want to watch movies in the best, easiest way possible.

Most stated problems should be easily fixed with firmware just as they have been with every other player that has been released since the first Toshiba. There are no other dual format players out there other than the LG with its $999 price and list of problems.

Oh and if I bought the 2 separates I would want if I was to go that route, then I'd have an expense of about $998 (XA2 & BD 30) plus shipping and/or taxes.

I applaud Samsung and LG for having the moxie to try something none of the other "big boys" have the b***s to try. To me they’re the renegades, the outsiders trying to fill a niche even though there are real challenges in trying to do so.

What sticks in my craw are the people bashing/attacking people almost at the point of their purchase which is a nervous time as it is. The buyers become defensive and less able to remain objective. They feel they have to defend their purchase and the type of careful, dispassionate analysis we’ve seen goes out the window

That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

I don't have any problems with the criticisms. Like anything else, weigh the pluses against the minuses. To me, there are far, far more pluses than minuses. I too was disappointed it didn't come to market with full TrueHD. However, this is such a minor issue, on balance, it's seems to me ridiculous to call the player a piece of crap primarily because of issues like that. Some of these people need to get real...

I don't have any problems with the criticisms. Like anything else, weigh the pluses against the minuses. To me, there are far, far more pluses than minuses. I too was disappointed it didn't come to market with full TrueHD. However, this is such a minor issue, on balance, it's seems to me ridiculous to call the player a piece of crap primarily because of issues like that. Some of these people need to get real...

DITTO! Looking forward to getting mine as Crutchfield has just shipped mine.

Once it's updated, this will be an incredible player. I have no doubt Samsung will update. I have the BD-P1000 and they are still supporting it with updates when the need comes up.

After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.

Why do you care?

After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.

Why not spend your time and energy on something that will do you or someone else some good. Quit wasting everyone's time!:p

Would someone who owns an XA2 vouch for the 5000 that its
upconverting is just as equal or better than an XA2 ?

both use the Reon processor, right?

I'm waiting for the cost to go down and fixes to go up before buying this
one to replace my A1

What negative reviews?

You have seen the threads in this forum...yes?.............no?

Actually, I did buy this player and took it back...(Like joerod I have to buy every unit that comes out just to check it out)...anyways, if it did what it was supposed to do, and played great like the Panasonic unit, well I probably would have kept it. The problem is, just like with the 1400, it's a piece of JUNK!...Sorry, but facts are facts...The thing has problems up the wing-wong...I was just curious as to why anyone would support such a piece of crap...(masocists I guess?)...:D

Would someone who owns an XA2 vouch for the 5000 that its
upconverting is just as equal or better than an XA2 ?

both use the Reon processor, right?

I'm waiting for the cost to go down and fixes to go up before buying this
one to replace my A1


There is a thread dedicated to the player where someone owning both the XA2 and the new Samsung 5000 which states that the new Samsung is equal or better than the XA-2 at upconverting standard DVDs.

I am digging for that, or it could have been that a mod deleted it, but for now, here are some rather poor comparison shots:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=955388&page=34

Actually, I did buy this player and took it back...(Like joerod I have to buy every unit that comes out just to check it out)...anyways, if it did what it was supposed to do, and played great like the Panasonic unit, well I probably would have kept it. The problem is, just like with the 1400, it's a piece of JUNK!...Sorry, but facts are facts...The thing has problems up the wing-wong...I was just curious as to why anyone would support such a piece of crap...(masocists I guess?)...:D

lol....its funny because its true

why so many people want this player to fail?... I don't go post threads about how bad their players are. Maybe, they've made some bad decisions in the past and a wrong choice? well, my player rocks. /i've owned xa2. i owe ps3 and I made my choice/

They're called trolls p-g-m. Every forum has them.

I bought it because #1 I wanted a dual format player, I didnt really care to have 2 players.

I heard it's also good with HD beans.

I bought this for my parents and this is exactly what they need, put in a disk and hit play. When I come over I will update the firmware on the player (we have stooped into an ever lowering expectation of things to work perfectly out of the box.)

I have understood that things change rapidly and manufacturers cannot afford to hold products back due to a software glitch and we have seen this for the past 20+ years. At least we can let Samsung and other manufacturers know what the problems are and that the software can be updated or fixed.

I have the XA2 and now the Samsung BD-UP5000....the standard dvds look identical on both.

Im viewing via hdmi on a Samsung 71in pro calibrated DLP.

Also, I have not put a movie into the player that didnt play.

The machine works like a charm for me. Picture and sounds are great. It looks cool. It makes me format neutral. I plugged it in and it works.

Maybe some of us read a little more carefully then you.

That's why.

I purchased the first BD-UP5000 to arrive in smAlbany, NY from Best Buy this morning. I have until January 31st to decide if I will keep the player or return it. My decision will be based on how well the BD-UP5000 performs during the next month, the timing of any firmware update(s) from Samsung and what type of HD DVD/Blu Ray players are displayed at CES 2008.

Will other companies that haven't produced a dual player yet be able to learn from Samsung's and LG's present mistakes?

In other words--how long til someone offers a dual player that doesn't have many of their problems?

Will we at least see it by next Christmas?

it would be nice to see Panasonic come out with a dual player. Looks like their BD30 is a well built machine. All they need is to add hd dvd capabilities, which seems to be an easier to build and a more reliable technolgy...

Both LG and Samsung are Korean companies.

To me, this explains a lot as to why the dual-format players have been released early by these companies, and why they have issues so far.

I have lived in Seoul, Korea for over 5 years now. To understand how these companies (LG and Samsung) operate with regards to product releases, you have to understand the culture here.

In Korea, they believe in "bally-bally", which literally means, "hurry-hurry." People always want to be "first." There is a lot of pride in being the top student at school, winning an international sporting event, or being the first to release a product or do something that no one else has. This is also the only country I've been in where 60 year-olds quite literally sprint through the subway to be the one to get the seat. As in any culture, some people have been known to cut corners along the way, just to be the "first" as well (Dr. Hwang with Stem Cell Research which proved falsified).

This can be good, and this can be bad. For example, I can order something off of the internet and have it delivered the same day by truck or scooter delivery. I can call LG or Samsung service, and the guys come out that day, or the next at the latest. This is how my LG TV repair guys operate here. In Korea, if you have a problem with a Samsung or LG cell phone, you just drop into one of the hundreds of service centers available within a short distance, and they fix the thing for you on-the-spot. It's quick and usually fairly painless, provided they can fix the issue.

On the flipside, it is also part of the culture here to start a project quickly and fix the problems as they arise along the way. This happens in so many things around here, and when applied to things like HD players and TVs, you can see why we get so many firmware updates. This creates difficulties with cultures like the the American culture, where we just return something when it doesn't work. We expect it to work out of the box. People in Korea do too, but it's more culturally understandable if something needs an upgrade to work or add functionality later.

This is not a bash on Koreans or the Korean culture. This is explaning what it truly is like here. I have lived here for over 5 years, and this is the honest truth. I've posted these kinds of things before, but people complain to the mods that I'm some kind of racist or something (Koreans are not a race -- they are a culture). I am attempting to be fair and balanced here.

My lady works for a Japanese company, and the Japanese have their cultural differences too. They are very different from Koreans, for example. In Japan, they operate more on "group think." Japanese people are incredibly detailed. They thrive on details, and they are perfectionists. In my opinion, this is why their products (cars, electronics) that are made in Japan are of generally excellent quality from the get-go. On the negative side of things, Japanese companies are often slow to move or make changes -- and it is cultural to be stern (some would call this stubborn) about changing a plan once it has started. They are also slow to enact changes, as decisions are often made by groups of individuals, and in many situations, everyone must be in agreement within that group before the company goes ahead and makes the change.

lets see, mmmm, maybe its my history. One time I bought a Corvair it had a gasoline heater! I have owned a Pinto and a Gremlin. I have been married 3 times! I bought the first A1 sold out of the Olympia BB, I had to do a hard reboot 4 times the first time I played it,..... same as wife #2. So I guess I'm kinda drawn to having stuff that don't work right, but! has potential in my eyes. I have had a number of winners but what fun is there in talking about them anyway.

Baccusboy, all you say, actually makes sense. I would think, everyone wants to be first and best at something, but I, as a customer would also want the job to be well done. If you get your tv or your cell repaired fast, but it broke the next day, or it didn't have sound, or picture, what good is that? Here's a thought, how about, them make the best combo player first. I don't know about the LG, but I'd like to see those firmware updates from Samsung out, and soon...
p.s. Btw, now that I know the Korean culture a bit better, I would still go and buy that player as soon as it came out :)

This dual format player is having the same issues that other single format players are plagued with. So far, this unit is performing very well in my opinion. Yes it has a couple flaws that will most likely be addressed in firmware, but many, many other players are similar in that regard.

I do not blame the CEs for this. These formats are new and its not surprising that there are issues.

After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.

I just completed reading "ALL" the post so far on this Thread you started.

Just my 2-Cents.

Thanks for the Thread and those that have followed with their Post regarding same.

I have been waiting to see what owners would comment on the Samsung 5K after purchasing it and actually using it. Looks like as always there are those that will "Defend" the product and those that actually just state the "Pluses & Minuses" as they have now had the opportunity to actually use the player.

I will do as a few others here and (WAIT) until I read where this New DVD Player has the Firmware Updates Completed. I personally follow the thinking that I much prefer to have a product work when I spend my money for it. I do not have the knowledge to work around the Non-Working aspects of any product while the manufacture is waiting for the [Consumer] to TEST their product and get the feedback from the consumer.

Thanks to the THeHDMan for this Thread that has opened up the comments from owners of the Samsung 5K even if ??? he is as has been said a "TROLL". It has certainly gotten my eyes open to the fact that this player is not ready for the public as it is. Firmware Updates are needed and as I said I for one will wait with others here that wish to Purchase a [Complete-Working-Player] and not a kinda complete working product.

All in all this is a very good Thread in that it is information to us that have not spent their monies yet.

Thanks again to all of you members that have posted here and the information you have shared regarding the Samsung 5K Player.

BTW, if any members here have not read and followed this Thread on the Samsung 5K I "Highly" suggest doing so. Link below:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=955388

BD-UP5000 Universal Player Samsung [OFFICIAL OWNERS THREAD] & FAQ

Terry

On-Hold !!!!

I think everyone's expectations on the Sammy 5000
are very unrealistic....The days when you get a player and
everything works out of a box are over...
The days of plain DD and DTS using digital are over
Software,Discs are constantly changing, and hardware will
need to continue to update on a ungoing process..
I have had a HDMI processor since June 2006,
it has had at least 12 firmware updates.
We all have had numerous updates with the
Toshiba A1, A2, and PS3...If any of you think that
Hi-def formats are going to work perfectly out of the
box should simply stay out of Hidef dics and HDMI...

I can't believe the total lack on standardization
of HDMI..HDMI manufacturers seem to each do whatever
they dam well please, and we all have to hope later
for firmware updates...

I think the Sammy 5000 will be great, but we need to wait
on firmware updates, and accept that they need to keep
on coming...


Bob

After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.


Because I have yet to see any HD media player (Blu-Ray or HD DVD) work "as advertised" without at the very least, one firmware update!
Because those who are happy are less inclined to post favorably, than those who are negative, unhappy, impatient and unwilling to wait for said firmware update.
Because Samsung knows full well what is at stake, and is working to resolve the few bugs.
Because I have enough components in my rack!
Because I am sick of this idiotic Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD format war!
Because I don't give a rat's ass about which format with win, and thanks to my Samsung Duo I no longer care!
Because I can transition from watching Blu-Ray 'Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End', switch to 'The Fountain' on HD DVD, then play back my SD DVD 'Star Wars' without even having to change devices or inputs on my receiver!
Because right now I am watching '300', with PIP simultaneously displaying footage without CG effects, providing a great display of the art form that went into the making of the film!
Because progress is not made by taking the 'easy path', but by those who continually take risks to move forward!
Because 'you' don't like it, and I like to keep trolls in a constant state of befuddlement!
Because I like to see trolls put in their place!
...and
Because I don't believe everything that I read!
...do you sir? :rolleyes:

Maybe people are buying it because they understand this is the future. Single format players only represent the past. The future is flexibility and convenience that only DF players can offer. The 5000 is the first attempt at a DF player and it looks to be a pretty good one so far as it looks like all that's needed is a software update to fix most of the problems. Clearly LG's 100 wasn't as good as the 5000 when it first got released. When the next CEM releases a DF player the bar will be raised, not because of the issues the 5000 has but because of the possibilities it has. If nobody bought it no other companies would jump into the market.

I have one on order and it was a tough decision. I would rather spend money on a dual format player, then two players.

Having only one format was never an option for me. I have not spent a dime on High Def media until this year. I have been waiting for a solution like this. I am ready for the "warts".

Both LG and Samsung are Korean companies.

To me, this explains a lot as to why the dual-format players have been released early by these companies, and why they have issues so far.

I have lived in Seoul, Korea for over 5 years now. To understand how these companies (LG and Samsung) operate with regards to product releases, you have to understand the culture here.

In Korea, they believe in "bally-bally", which literally means, "hurry-hurry." People always want to be "first." There is a lot of pride in being the top student at school, winning an international sporting event, or being the first to release a product or do something that no one else has. This is also the only country I've been in where 60 year-olds quite literally sprint through the subway to be the one to get the seat. As in any culture, some people have been known to cut corners along the way, just to be the "first" as well (Dr. Hwang with Stem Cell Research which proved falsified).

This can be good, and this can be bad. For example, I can order something off of the internet and have it delivered the same day by truck or scooter delivery. I can call LG or Samsung service, and the guys come out that day, or the next at the latest. This is how my LG TV repair guys operate here. In Korea, if you have a problem with a Samsung or LG cell phone, you just drop into one of the hundreds of service centers available within a short distance, and they fix the thing for you on-the-spot. It's quick and usually fairly painless, provided they can fix the issue.

On the flipside, it is also part of the culture here to start a project quickly and fix the problems as they arise along the way. This happens in so many things around here, and when applied to things like HD players and TVs, you can see why we get so many firmware updates. This creates difficulties with cultures like the the American culture, where we just return something when it doesn't work. We expect it to work out of the box. People in Korea do too, but it's more culturally understandable if something needs an upgrade to work or add functionality later.

This is not a bash on Koreans or the Korean culture. This is explaning what it truly is like here. I have lived here for over 5 years, and this is the honest truth. I've posted these kinds of things before, but people complain to the mods that I'm some kind of racist or something (Koreans are not a race -- they are a culture). I am attempting to be fair and balanced here.

My lady works for a Japanese company, and the Japanese have their cultural differences too. They are very different from Koreans, for example. In Japan, they operate more on "group think." Japanese people are incredibly detailed. They thrive on details, and they are perfectionists. In my opinion, this is why their products (cars, electronics) that are made in Japan are of generally excellent quality from the get-go. On the negative side of things, Japanese companies are often slow to move or make changes -- and it is cultural to be stern (some would call this stubborn) about changing a plan once it has started. They are also slow to enact changes, as decisions are often made by groups of individuals, and in many situations, everyone must be in agreement within that group before the company goes ahead and makes the change.


My buddy was an exec at Samsung NA for years and he always said the same thing. Their product lifecycles are insane.

I have one on order and it was a tough decision. I would rather spend money on a dual format player, then two players.

Having only one format was never an option for me. I have not spent a dime on High Def media until this year. I have been waiting for a solution like this. I am ready for the "warts".

Yeah, but after reading what a piece of crap this thing is, why would you go ahead and buy it anyways?...:confused:

I don't understand....why is it a piece of crap?

I keep hearing that from PEOPLE THAT DON'T OWN ONE!

I'll admit, I was leary of it too from the reading I had done on it. But, in all fairness, most of the reading I did about it was based on people's opinions and some was pure speculation. Most of the actual owners seemed to like them.

I decided to bite the bullet and pick one up. I'm glad I did - the thing is awesome! In a brand new, cutting-edge market like HDM, products will have to change and evolve. How many BD/HDDVD players do you know of that haven't had firmware revisions after their release? The one true negative this player has is the lack of 5.1 TrueHD support. What percentage of the public cares or even knows what that is? Probably a very small number. I believe Samsung will release firmware shortly to correct the TrueHD issue. If not, so what! I'm still enjoying the hell out of it!

Samsung is not some fly-by-night electronics company and for some reason, they are getting a bad rep here. I own several Samsung devices and I like them all.

Yeah, but after reading what a piece of crap this thing is, why would you go ahead and buy it anyways?...:confused: Reading what?...your highly informative posts? "Crap" is what seems to be under debate. While everyone agrees that this player is far from perfect...you seem to be the only one using this word. :rolleyes:

I have one on order and it was a tough decision. I would rather spend money on a dual format player, then two players.

Having only one format was never an option for me. I have not spent a dime on High Def media until this year. I have been waiting for a solution like this. I am ready for the "warts".

You've got the exact same attitude as me. :)


I think everyone's expectations on the Sammy 5000
are very unrealistic....The days when you get a player and
everything works out of a box are over...
The days of plain DD and DTS using digital are over
Software,Discs are constantly changing, and hardware will
need to continue to update on a ungoing process..
I have had a HDMI processor since June 2006,
it has had at least 12 firmware updates.
We all have had numerous updates with the
Toshiba A1, A2, and PS3...If any of you think that
Hi-def formats are going to work perfectly out of the
box should simply stay out of Hidef dics and HDMI...

I can't believe the total lack on standardization
of HDMI..HDMI manufacturers seem to each do whatever
they dam well please, and we all have to hope later
for firmware updates...

I think the Sammy 5000 will be great, but we need to wait
on firmware updates, and accept that they need to keep
on coming...


Bob

You're absolutely correct here, and it's very unfortunate. Neither format's specs are simple/complete enough to get the level of ease and compatibility we had with DVD. And really, I think we have to get to this point before "Joe Six-Pack" gets into HDM. Heck, I know that many people don't even know how to (or understand why to) set their standard DVD players to progressive-scan!

Having worked with computers my entire life, I'm used to incompatibilities and having to tweak to make things work. So I feel comfortable getting into the HD game. But it's certainly not a friendly area for the average person.

I love this machine.
No issues with "Grain" thus far.
It has played all of my HDdvd and blu ray titles (about 17 of them)
And, the audio, I am not even bothering with yet as a firmware update will come along. Before this, I had the samsung 1400 and it had major issues which have been patched up with updates and now it can play DTS-MA HD and TrueHD. I got rid of the 1400 when I heard this machine was coming along.
I even love the fact that I don't have to care about bluray vs HDDvd. It's such a relief to know I can watch movies without having to worry about what disc they are on.

With the lack of audio issues I'm glad I didn't buy this player. BestBuy held one of the two they received for me and I went to the store to buy it but something told me to hold off. Anyway I will be at CES next week so maybe there will be other players worth considering on display.

With the lack of audio issues I'm glad I didn't buy this player. BestBuy held one of the two they received for me and I went to the store to buy it but something told me to hold off. Anyway I will be at CES next week so maybe there will be other players worth considering on display.

Hi Robert D

I hope when you do go to CES that if you see something worth talking about you will come back here and do either a [Separate-Thread] or Post here so I can see what is coming.

I'm personally waiting for a Completely Working Model:

Terry

BTW, If not to much to ask of "YOU" send me a PM once you return from CES: Thanks :)

Hi Robert D

I hope when you do go to CES that if you see something worth talking about you will come back here and do either a [Separate-Thread] or Post here so I can see what is coming.

I'm personally waiting for a Completely Working Model:

Terry

BTW, If not to much to ask of "YOU" send me a PM once you return from CES: Thanks :)

...sure. But don't you think, Samsung is already ahead of the rest. I mean the player is already out, the audio will be fixed, way before any others come out with their own players /with their own problems/. By the time you get the "completely working model", I'll be enjoying my HD movies...
That is like having a girlfriend or a wife. There isn't a "perfect one". You learn how to live with her, you deal with the problems and you enjoy the good moments...Well, at least that's how the grownups do it;)

Samsung is already ahead of the rest. I mean the player is already out...

That is like having a girlfriend or a wife. There isn't a "perfect one". You learn how to live with her, you deal with the problems and you enjoy the good moments...Well, at least that's how the grownups do it;)Not a very good analogy, but this grownup (admittedly w/the emotional character of an adolescent at times :D ) does not spend $863.99 of his hard earned money & "learn to live" with a DVD player that can't play the 1st Blu-ray disc he gives it.

does not spend $863.99 of his hard earned money & "learn to live" with a DVD player that can't play the 1st Blu-ray disc he gives it.


My 5000 has played every disc you guys claim it won't play flawlessly.

My 5000 has played every disc you guys claim it won't play flawlessly.Maybe the box that my BD-UP5000 came in was kicked around a little more during shipping.

It played the "300" on HD DVD just fine, it would not play "28 Days Later" on Blu-ray disc.

It played the "300" on HD DVD just fine, it would not play "28 Days Later" on Blu-ray disc.

Mine has played both of those as well as LFoDH and POC AWE without issue.

Mine has played both of those as well as LFoDH and POC AWE without issue.I guess that's why you are keeping yours & I returned mine.

...sure. But don't you think, Samsung is already ahead of the rest. I mean the player is already out, the audio will be fixed, way before any others come out with their own players /with their own problems/. By the time you get the "completely working model", I'll be enjoying my HD movies...
That is like having a girlfriend or a wife. There isn't a "perfect one". You learn how to live with her, you deal with the problems and you enjoy the good moments...Well, at least that's how the grownups do it;)

no, i don't think samsung is ahead of the rest in the area that counts in my situation.

when i see the specs on the upcoming denon blu-ray player with speaker distance settings and adjustable crossover, i not only realize that the UP5000 will never be capable of being "fixed," or "updated," nor will it ever work for me, i also realize that i'm going to require a high end dual format player (at least until the technology is way more mature than it is now).

no, i don't think samsung is ahead of the rest in the area that counts in my situation.

when i see the specs on the upcoming denon blu-ray player with speaker distance settings and adjustable crossover, i not only realize that the UP5000 will never be capable of being "fixed," or "updated," nor will it ever work for me, i also realize that i'm going to require a high end dual format player (at least until the technology is way more mature than it is now).

I was going to comment to the same Poster but I see from "Your-Comments" here in your post it will not be (Necessary). We are on the Exact same Line-of-Thinking. Great Reply !!!! It is our MONEY:

I'm on the same page and if it takes the manufactures a lot more time to get it right, So-Be-It !!!!

My Integra plays SD DVDs without all the Fuss I am reading about here with different owners of the 5K so I will as I just said WAIT.

Rest of comments here are to the other Poster p-g-m.

Well, at least that's how the grownups do it


BTW, I think we could leave the "Maturity-Grown-Up" comments out of Threads/Post here as per the request of Mark and other Mods. Lets just discuss Equipment and play NICE with One-Another. PLEASE !!!!!!

Terry

it would be nice to see Panasonic come out with a dual player. Looks like their BD30 is a well built machine. All they need is to add hd dvd capabilities, which seems to be an easier to build and a more reliable technolgy...
I wouldn't hold my breath for one of those. Panasonic is about as hardcore BD supporter as Sony.

I am loving my 5000, haven't had any problems with it, except Pirates 3. Powered on and off then it worked.

Plus, I got my player at BB for 699.99 after all the coupons i had. :-)

...Rest of comments here are to the other Poster p-g-m.

Well, at least that's how the grownups do it


BTW, I think we could leave the "Maturity-Grown-Up" comments out of Threads/Post here as per the request of Mark and other Mods. Lets just discuss Equipment and play NICE with One-Another. PLEASE !!!!!!

Terry[/QUOTE]

you're making too big a deal out of my comment. It was a joke. Now..
As far as Denon, I respect the brand name and am curious to see their player out...but again, I am very happy with my 5000. The picture is great, the audio...I can live with that...for now

when i see the specs on the upcoming denon blu-ray player with speaker distance settings and adjustable crossover, i not only realize that the UP5000 will never be capable of being "fixed," or "updated," nor will it ever work for me, i also realize that i'm going to require a high end dual format player (at least until the technology is way more mature than it is now).

As you implied in your post, however, the Denon is going to be a much "higher-end" component, which means a MUCH higher price. Denon "players" are traditionally substantially more expensive compared to the average price. For a LOT of people, this is an instant deal breaker. In other words, it won't MATTER how much better the Denon is if it's 3 times the price of the Samsung. It's simply a different market.

Larry

My 5000 has played every disc you guys claim it won't play flawlessly.

Be careful with this sort of comment since it's possible that you haven't tried EVERY disc that people have reported problems with. For example, have you tried the HD-DVD "Planet Earth"? As far as I know, EVERY person that has tried this disc has reported that you cannot select chapters -- you can only select "play all." I've yet to see a single report saying this didn't happen. To say that "every" disc that's been reported here works "flawlessly" seems like it might not be entirely accurate.

Larry

Wouldn't it be safe to say that some people are willing to put up with the shortcomings, perceived or otherwise, of this player for the DF capability while others are willing to wait?

If everyone took the OPs POV, why not start a thread on "Why do people keep buying a BR player other than the PS3?

BTW, Happy New Year!

As you implied in your post, however, the Denon is going to be a much "higher-end" component, which means a MUCH higher price. Denon "players" are traditionally substantially more expensive compared to the average price. For a LOT of people, this is an instant deal breaker. In other words, it won't MATTER how much better the Denon is if it's 3 times the price of the Samsung. It's simply a different market.

Larry
Larry,

I think you are correct in the pricing of the Higher-End DVD Players. But I would personally rather pay "A Lot-More" for a Working BR/HD DVD Player like the Integra SD DVD Player I have in my HT now. It did cost a lot but it works. So like some of the other members here I will wait even if it is another Year for a Very High End working BR/HD DVD Player. They will eventually be in the market place just like the SD DVD Players are and have been for some time now. It is just going to take time for the Major Players to come to market with Fully-Functional High End BR/HD DVD Players.

I have the time and in my case the Extra Money to purchase one of them when they finally get to market. The sooner the better.

I think from reading the Threads here on AVS as well as other Forums many members are tired of NON-Working Players from whichever Company.

Terry

I honestly believe that these higher end players will also have compatibility problems and need fw updates to resolve.

I DO think that they would have support for all of the advanced audio codecs though unlike what the 5000 currently has.

Of course, none of them are reality yet.

I have to give Samsung and LG alot of credit for making a universal player.

It really should be called a trio player though and not duo. DVD is a bigger format than both the HD ones and this player does excellent for sd dvd.

FYI - The Sony BDP300 that I am replacing STILL DOES NOT support TrueHD or DTS-HD. So, this is not just a problem for this player.

I honestly believe that these higher end players will also have compatibility problems and need fw updates to resolve.

I DO think that they would have support for all of the advanced audio codecs though unlike what the 5000 currently has.

Of course, none of them are reality yet.

I have to give Samsung and LG alot of credit for making a universal player.

It really should be called a trio player though and not duo. DVD is a bigger format than both the HD ones and this player does excellent for sd dvd.

FYI - The Sony BDP300 that I am replacing STILL DOES NOT support TrueHD or DTS-HD. So, this is not just a problem for this player.
No Offense. I have the 5000, a Panny BD30, and a Toshiba A35. I DO NOT consider the Samsung 5000 to be a high-end product compared to these 2 other units. They are also high-end. WHY? Fewer, way fewer glitches than the 5000. I waited and wanted to love the 5000. But I can't say that I do. Too many problems out of the gate. I don't want to have to apologize to company watching my HT that they are watching a work in progress. I trust that Samsung can address ALL of these issues. But I highly doubt it. When it can't even play a good handful of discs? Pushing buttons on the remote that don't work on certain discs? And stretching 4:3 SD material? And we haven't even started on the audio issues yet. How many firmware updates will there have to be? AND HOW LONG WILL ALL OF THIS TAKE? I just had to move on.

It seems that the 5000 is "High End" simply by components and price. Most of the players out there in the market, the "lower end", don't have HVQ, are 1.0 players, no ethernet, many not even 1080p, etc. Unfortunately, it is not all we hoped for, but many items, including its high price, make it High End, even if not the highest.

As you implied in your post, however, the Denon is going to be a much "higher-end" component, which means a MUCH higher price. Denon "players" are traditionally substantially more expensive compared to the average price. For a LOT of people, this is an instant deal breaker. In other words, it won't MATTER how much better the Denon is if it's 3 times the price of the Samsung. It's simply a different market.

Larry

i'm all for saving money. on the other hand i need a player that will do what i need it to do. the reality is that is going to cost some money.

i was using denon's upcoming BR player as an example. somebody just needs to manufacture a player with the things i need in it. i'll even wait for firmware upgrades as long as the player will eventually do what i want. the sammy won't.

The internet is full of negativity-mongering and bashing of products. Consider that for every one person who has a problem with something, and then goes on a mission to bash it at every opportunity, there are probably 10,000 people who never have a problem and never even log on to a special interest website.

I see this phenomenon with lots of special-interest sports equipment and electronic equipment that I own. I feel like the luckiest guy on earth, because I never have any problems with anything ! (knock on wood !)

No Offense. I have the 5000, a Panny BD30, and a Toshiba A35. I DO NOT consider the Samsung 5000 to be a high-end product compared to these 2 other units.

I have the BD-UP5000 and A3 (in my living room) now...Ive had the A1, A20, XA2, PS3 and BDP300. I consider NONE of them high end (even the 5000).

Ive had issues with ALL of them. The one that I had the most issues with was the XA2. Ive had the least issues with the PS3 and A3.

...Rest of comments here are to the other Poster p-g-m.

Well, at least that's how the grownups do it


BTW, I think we could leave the "Maturity-Grown-Up" comments out of Threads/Post here as per the request of Mark and other Mods. Lets just discuss Equipment and play NICE with One-Another. PLEASE !!!!!!

Terry

you're making too big a deal out of my comment. It was a joke. Now..
As far as Denon, I respect the brand name and am curious to see their player out...but again, I am very happy with my 5000. The picture is great, the audio...I can live with that...for now[/QUOTE]

p-g-m,

Sorry, for the comment then. It is Very-Hard to see and or know the person on the other end of a Thread/Post and when they are (Joking). MY-BAD !!!! :o

Thanks for bringing this to my attention:

Take-Care,

Terry

I have the BD-UP5000 and A3 (in my living room) now...Ive had the A1, A20, XA2, PS3 and BDP300. I consider NONE of them high end (even the 5000).

Ive had issues with ALL of them. The one that I had the most issues with was the XA2. Ive had the least issues with the PS3 and A3.

RockStrongo,

Thanks for your Post. I think as you have said here these are not High-End DVD Players. As we both know a High End DVD Player cost way more than these models and for the most part when they come to market they have been tested and WORK out of the Box.

I thought to myself that the Samsung 5K was very inexpensive to be a High End DVD Player but I like others was hoping it would Work. With the thousands of post here on AVS as well as other forums there are those that feel the Samsung works for them just fine and others that have sent/returned it for their money back.

Personally I think I will wait and spend my money on a True High End BR/HD DVD Player once they come to the market place.

Terry

Well, I replaced my Denon 2910 universal upscaling player with the 5000. The 2910, while more than likely not ultra high-end (probably no where near it), but nontheless cost about $850 dollars, more than the 5000. These units are definitely in the same class. I'll use the 2910 elsewhere.

<<GO Skins>>

Yes, my point is that many of us are not surprised by the compatibilty issues with some discs and the lack of advanced audio codec support right now (based on other player's problems).

Especially not surprising, since this player was delayed and then rushed to stores before xmas. Those who do not want to put up with it, should definately buy something else or wait for updates.

BUT, I do believe these issues will be fixed in the coming weeks/months.

So far, this player has not had an issue that we have not seen on another player. If these issues are not resolved within a couple months, I will be looking for something else.

The machine works like a charm for me. Picture and sounds are great. It looks cool. It makes me format neutral. I plugged it in and it works.

Maybe some of us read a little more carefully then you.

That's why.

Agreed, I have had mine 2 weeks and played around 10 movies of mixed HD-DVD, Blu-Ray and DVD. EVERY ONE played perfectly, looked and sounded great, some of them that the whiners said would not. Makes you wonder if some of those whiny negative posts were bogus.

Now I am sure there will be movies that it will have problems with but there is NO HD disc player in either format I know of that has not had SOME reports of problems on some movies. If there was, I would have bought that player(s) instead, but the fact is there is not. At this stage in the HD disc game, that is the way it is. Whine about THAT instead, it would make more sense!

Why? Because it has been a great player for me. Only have 2 movies under my belt so far but they played perfectly!

Why? Because it has been a great player for me. Only have 2 movies under my belt so far but they played perfectly!

I echo that completely. I have had mine since 12/19 and I have not had a single glitch so far. I originally thought I had a remote problem - but ended up being an issue with my IR repeater, not the 5000.

All I can say is this: I replaced my 360 HD-DVD drive and Sammy BD-1000 with the BD-UP5000 and have seen a noticeable improvement in the stability and sharpness of the image. I have been running the 5000 with 1080/24p exclusively into my Panny AE-1000U and the combo is jaw droppingly beautiful.

Lets face it. There are a lot of us that love to be the first on the block with a new gadget. The rest should thank us for being the beta testers so that the same units sold for 1/2 the price 12 months from now will be relatively bug-free. :)

Thank all the testers and guinea pigs out there.

Just one question... If you worked at Samsung in oh lets say quality control... Wouldn't you take a week to try and play through at least the top 25 titles in each format?

It just seems they are taking a lot of heat for racing this product to the street!

Sorry I will not be taking part in the Beta for $800!

But bless the folks out there trailblazing into the world of HD!

After reading all the negative reviews about this player, my question is, "Why are folks still buying a unit that doesn't play alot of discs, has big audio issues, Has grainy PQ, and doesn't bitstream the advanced audio codecs?< (I may have left a few problems out)...For Christ sake!...The unit doesn't do what it was supposed to do!...The unit is a piece of JUNK!.

If people are not getting an absolute fantastic PQ out of this player then they have it set up wrong.

In the store that I work in (Liptons Audio Video Unlimited) I just replaced a Sony BDPS300 connected to a Pioneer Elite Pro150HD 60" plasma, with the new Samsung Duo player and the PQ quality increase was night and day.

And trust me, both players were set up correctly. I am not some Best Buy reject who would just plug it in and expect it to work properly. I set up both players accurately. Sammy Duo player destroyed the Sony with Spidey3, Casino Royale, Corpse Bride, and Cars.

If people are not getting an absolute fantastic PQ out of this player then they have it set up wrong.

In the store that I work in (Liptons Audio Video Unlimited) I just replaced a Sony BDPS300 connected to a Pioneer Elite Pro150HD 60" plasma, with the new Samsung Duo player and the PQ quality increase was night and day.

And trust me, both players were set up correctly. I am not some Best Buy reject who would just plug it in and expect it to work properly. I set up both players accurately. Sammy Duo player destroyed the Sony with Spidey3, Casino Royale, Corpse Bride, and Cars.

I don't doubt you at all, but I still want the deficiencies fixed (for me that means mainly to enable all the High Def Audio decoding formats they promised this player will do). I think the PQ is excellent also. But the non-active navigational and menu button press bugs need fixing too.

I still swear the 5000 looks better than the XA2 it replaced.

I still swear the 5000 looks better than the XA2 it replaced.

This is true....the "piano black" matches exactly with my Samsung 71in DLP.

This thread might have had more relevance if it was presented better ...

From what I see being discussed here, there is a large group who see this as a player they want to use. There is also a group who have expectations beyond the initial delivery of the unit. I am in the first camp. I like the player. I have no problem with it (as yet). I know the complex issues with bringing this type hardware and software to market. So, ...I could chose to either wait for some type of "Grail" to be presented to me at some unknown future date, or use something that is available now. For those who don't like it ... fine. Don't buy this item, and buy your own solution that you think is so superior. Personally, I don't care. There probably are some complaints that hold merit. But, in the complete picture, they are not substantial to the bigger group. The "haters" just have a different need.

Some of the complaints I see, are in the areas that probably 98% of the users may never ever need or care to access. And if that need arrives, that user may than understand your venomous hatred for this product. And they may still think it is not a big deal.

This type of thread is why "reviews" are typically useful for product research, and forums can "suck". Sooooo, thanks for stating your case ... and than not "harping" on it. And yes, ... I do feel a bit more pious at the moment.

Maybe the box that my BD-UP5000 came in was kicked around a little more during shipping.

It played the "300" on HD DVD just fine, it would not play "28 Days Later" on Blu-ray disc.

Just a very quick thought borne of blue-sky thinking, but I wonder in what condition disks might be. For example, I've had several disks not play (or hang up with tiling) in my Panasonic RP-91 DVDP (especially "used" Netflix ones) only to give them a quick swipe with some Auric Illuminator goo I bought years ago -- and voila!, they play perfectly. Has worked with skipping audio CDs too. (Of course, some are scratched or damaged beyond repair. I have a 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son, and they've ruined a disk or three here and there. Mostly Elmo and what have you so I don't particularly care.)

So I would say these words to the wise -- clean every disk before placing it into the machine, EVERY time. I've gotten into the habit reflexively. Can't hurt and might help!

Looks like I'll be waiting for the BD-UP5500 due out this summer.

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/01/06/ces-2008-samsung-bd-up5500-combo-blu-rayhd-dvd-player-adds-blu-ray-bonus-view-compatibility/

Suppose to cost $599.

Looks like I'll be waiting for the BD-UP5500 due out this summer.

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/01/06/ces-2008-samsung-bd-up5500-combo-blu-rayhd-dvd-player-adds-blu-ray-bonus-view-compatibility/

Suppose to cost $599.

You've certainly got time to research it a bit. :)

Everything that I have read so far indicates that the 5500 will not include the REON HQV chipset, nor will it include multi-channel analog audio output. It is also stated that the 5500 will be BDJ profile 1.1 compliant, but appears to fall short of indicating that it is capable of upgrading to profile 2.0, which is something I would expect to be in the press release, were the unit 2.0 capable.

Of course time will tell, and things can change, but I'd have thought if the 5500 had these specific features, they would have been highlighted in the press release.

I've got until the end of the month to decide on the fate of my BD-UP5000.

Looks like I'll be waiting for the BD-UP5500 due out this summer.

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/01/06/ces-2008-samsung-bd-up5500-combo-blu-rayhd-dvd-player-adds-blu-ray-bonus-view-compatibility/

Suppose to cost $599.

I would expect it to hit the streets in the Fall time frame.

The 5000 was late, and it still trickling out and Samsung did cancel the 2400.

Yes, I own a 5000.

I'd be worried about the firmware fixes getting good attention with them already planning the 5500. I bet they will get it right with the 5500!

I'd be worried about the firmware fixes getting good attention with them already planning the 5500. I bet they will get it right with the 5500!Most likely the 5500 will never make it to retail & Samsung will drop support for the 5000.

Most likely the 5500 will never make it to retail & Samsung will drop support for the 5000.

nah, the 5500 will hit the streets for 2 weeks and then get pulled while the 6500 creeps into the stores in time for Easter 2009!!!! ;) :D :eek:

You've certainly got time to research it a bit. :)

Everything that I have read so far indicates that the 5500 will not include the REON HQV chipset, nor will it include multi-channel analog audio output. It is also stated that the 5500 will be BDJ profile 1.1 compliant, but appears to fall short of indicating that it is capable of upgrading to profile 2.0, which is something I would expect to be in the press release, were the unit 2.0 capable.

Of course time will tell, and things can change, but I'd have thought if the 5500 had these specific features, they would have been highlighted in the press release.

I've got until the end of the month to decide on the fate of my BD-UP5000.
There is also the LG BH200 dual format player which has the minimum hardware requirements for BD-LIVE (profile 2.0). Both the Samsung BD-UP5000 and BD-UP5500 are only PIP (profile 1.1) players with a firmware upgrade. Of course you would need to wait for June for the Samsung BD-UP5500 that will list for $599.

Quote for Samsung dual format players
“The deck's ethernet connection will enable firmware upgrades and web-enabled features with compatible HD DVD discs. (Company reps tell us the deck will not be BD-Live compliant, meaning it will not support web-enabled features on certain Blu-ray discs.)”
http://www.highdefdigest.com/tags/show/Dual-Format_Players (http://www.highdefdigest.com/tags/show/Dual-Format_Players)

There is also the LG BH200 dual format player which has the minimum hardware requirements for BD-LIVE (profile 2.0). Both the Samsung BD-UP5000 and BD-UP5500 are only PIP (profile 1.1) players with a firmware upgrade. Of course you would need to wait for June for the Samsung BD-UP5500 that will list for $599.

Quote for Samsung dual format players
“The deck's ethernet connection will enable firmware upgrades and web-enabled features with compatible HD DVD discs. (Company reps tell us the deck will not be BD-Live compliant, meaning it will not support web-enabled features on certain Blu-ray discs.)”
http://www.highdefdigest.com/tags/show/Dual-Format_Players (http://www.highdefdigest.com/tags/show/Dual-Format_Players)



Dont the samsung and the LG use the same broadcomm reference boards? So what did LG include that samsung didnt to enable it be upgrade to BD Live?

More memory allegedly.

The LG also has an USB slot. In theory it's closer to BD live then the 5k can ever be. Profile 2.0 spec require 1GB onboard storage but I'm sure a USB drive would accomplish the same thing. What's odd about the 5k is the main board has USB 2.0 traces on it, but no hardware port.

The LG also has an USB slot. In theory it's closer to BD live then the 5k can ever be. Profile 2.0 spec require 1GB onboard storage but I'm sure a USB drive would accomplish the same thing. What's odd about the 5k is the main board has USB 2.0 traces on it, but no hardware port.

Additional storage over local ethernet is not really any more complicated than USB. In theory, any player with an ethernet port could be pointed to a local network share (eg. a drive on your PC or NAS) for storage with just a minimal change in the interface allowing you to point it there.

Most likely the 5500 will never make it to retail & Samsung will drop support for the 5000.

Samsung has done well to support BDP1000 so far and UP5000 will be supported until the issues have gone.

and UP5000 will be supported until the issues have gone.

how can you know this .. seriously

they have said NOTHING

how can you know this .. seriously

they have said NOTHING

What gives me hope is that Samsung did release a FW update for the 1400 that allowed for DTS-MA bitstreaming. A little bit of hope for Broadcom since LG released a FW for their 100. And Justforcuriousity's interjections one of the hundred 5000 threads here.


I still have until the 27th, and the lack of anything from Samsung has me concerned as well.

They do not respond to e-mails, and their CSR's aren't helpful either.

Additional storage over local ethernet is not really any more complicated than USB. In theory, any player with an ethernet port could be pointed to a local network share (eg. a drive on your PC or NAS) for storage with just a minimal change in the interface allowing you to point it there.

Understood as I type this on a notebook backing everything up to a 2TB NAS, It's nice to watch my SD movies on my laptop will obsessing over the 5k :)
I'm a network/security engineer by trade and the Sammy was the 21st node on my "little" network

Anywho back on topic, the board and ethernet port make this very easy I just don't think it's going to happen. I do however think this is a MINOR issue. The majority of 5k and blu-ray 1.1 owners really don't care about fancy web content, myself included.

Samsung has done well to support BDP1000 so far and UP5000 will be supported until the issues have gone.Now that Blu-ray disc has won the format war and without a market for dual-format DVD players Samsung has no incentive to fix the BD-UP5000 & I doubt the 5500 will be carried by any of the big box retailers. Sorry.

Samsung has done well to support BDP1000 so far and UP5000 will be supported until the issues have gone.
Do you work for Samsung or have a vested interest in their products?

They've given no real reason for optimism at this point. If it takes a year to fix playback issues for current BDs, I don't think anybody is going to be happy. I've had 2 discs in a row not play and there is no record of problems with those discs in their db according to the rep.

Also, about 4 reps have confirmed that full TrueHD and DTS-MA will NEVER happen on this unit because of hardware limitations. That was a real kick in the teeth!

**UPDATE: latest F/W available tomorrow. TrueHD and DTS-MA by May according to phone talk w/Samsung exec

Blu ray officially won? :eek:

Blu ray officially won? :eek:

They have in fact not 'won'. However as Kosh used to say.

"The avalanche has started. It is too late for the pebbles to vote."

In other words, it's all but over except for a few remaining nails.

Spence

I am inclined to believe now, that the silence of Samsung on this BD-UP5000 player is a sign that they are caught between a rock and a hard spot. In other words, if it were my company and my responsibility and I had a solution to a problem that customers were kicking at my door about, I would most definitely tell them immediately that a fix is coming for sure.
By not officially and immediately telling us that the promised firmware update fixes for the DTS-HD-MA and other audio decodings is still real and coming, makes me think that the probability that they (and Broadcom) goofed on their hardware design implementation is highly probable. The silence is just too ridiculous and I think they just don't know how to word it to customers that "... we are sorry, we goofed, there will not be any firmware fix for the promised audio updates...".
Really if I were the owner of the company, I'd have already released an official statement to calm and keep my customer's by now. Here silence is not golden! :-(
But being the way I am, I still am hoping they figure out how to fix the crippled player.

I better go downstairs and tell my HD DVD collection they lost... :D

I better go downstairs and tell my HD DVD collection they lost... :D

I just told mine, they're all pissed off now. :D

Blu ray officially won? :eek:It's all but a done deal, think Blu-ray. :)