I have to be honest...

I love the PQ of the 5000...ease of use, etc.

The Big Plus: One Box

The Big Minus(es): It is very quirky. It won't even load "Pan's Labyrnth" HD-DVD. Audio and Visual Problems with "Ratatoullie". The 4:3 stretching issue.
Unresolved audio codecs...

OK...things we already know.

However...I have waited a year to jump into High Definition discs.

I bought an Integra 9.8 pre/pro which can handle any audio codec I can throw at it.

Bottom Line...I want 2 current solid players with GREAT PQ, GREAT UPCONVERTING OF SD DVDS, and minimal problems.

What two players should I buy?

FYI...I own a Sony SXRD XBR1 so it only takes in 1080i.

All honest opinions welcome and appreciated!

Tosh XA2 or A35, XA2 has the REON that everybody raves about, but then you've got a 9.8. As for Blu, Panny 30 or Pio elite BDP-95FD as it can act as a media server, but then again you've got a 9.8. I'd say stick with the Panny 3o, seems to be the most trouble free player and has profile 1.1.

audiomixer,

I recently purchased the Onkyo 885 as a replacement to an Arcam 350. Same boat... I couldn't wait and picked up the HD-A35 to compliment my PS3. A couple days later, my 5K came in to my local BB.

I am now in the "wait and see" mode. Should I keep the A35? If so, I am seriously looking at the BD-30K and moving the 5K to bedroom use. My wife would love the 5K since it is clean looking and will not "clutter" the bedroom. It's all about "WAF".

I've read the Sammy 1400 has common issues. I've been told by a good source(custom installer) that the BD-30K supports bitstream TrueHD multi-channel on the Onkyo 905. Pioneer Elite may not be worth the $$$. In the end, these will eventually become transitional units for better models. Just swallowing the $$$ and replacement timeframe hurts. I gave up a SugerBowl trip for these toys...

My personal recommendation would be the A35 and 30K combo right now. Who knows what CES is showing this coming year...

I would also recommend the Panny 30....great player. Paired with the A35 or XA2, its makes a great combo.

he owns a sony 1080i..????


xa2, a35...???? what..???????????

go with a ps3 (only good blu player), and an a2, or a1.

$500.00 total.

also to help, if you need an hdmi switcher. go on monoprice. got one for $48.00






i am still shocked at the advice.?

i have owned a samsung 1000, 1200, and 1400. the latter two i returned. the 1400 i sold. i have nothing against samsung ( i own the dlp 61") but hundreds of dollars for "quirky" is like buying shoes that will "stretch"

all set.

by the way ps3 is blu version 1.1 with the new update.

I was in the same dilemma as the OP. After having waited 2 mos almost for the 5000, and it lacklustre preformance, I went with the BD30 for Bluray and Toshiba A30 for HD-DVD(which btw is getting replaced with either a A35 or a Onkyo HD-805). As far as HD-DVD goes, if you want to stay in the budget, get the A35. If money is no objective and you want the best, then try the Onkyo 805 (which btw is a rebadged, tweaked XA2. XA2 is becoming increasingly difficult to buy for a good price). As far as Bluray goes, hands down the BD30. Price/Performance on this player is the best.

Now is a great time to get an XA2 for a really nice price. I have one since they arrived and I love the machine. The upconverting is awesome as is HD playback. I have several thousand standard DVDs in my library, so this is a REALLY BIG factor for me. And what are the odds of certain old TV shows such as Charles Bronson's (Man With A Camera) ever making it to HD DVDs? Yeah, right :)

And after doing a lot of research, I'm now considering a Panasonic BD-30 to round out my system. Good luck and enjoy the machines of your choice.

Does that Panny BD30 output the high rez formats over its 5.1 analog outs? Or do you have to use HDMI?

Now is a great time to get an XA2 for a really nice price. I have one since they arrived and I love the machine. The upconverting is awesome as is HD playback. I have several thousand standard DVDs in my library, so this is a REALLY BIG factor for me. And what are the odds of certain old TV shows such as Charles Bronson's (Man With A Camera) ever making it to HD DVDs? Yeah, right :)

And after doing a lot of research, I'm now considering a Panasonic BD-30 to round out my system. Good luck and enjoy the machines of your choice.
The Onkyo HD-805 is basically a XA2 with lot of tweaks & improvements. The XA2 currently averages around $600 and is in short supply. Unless you can snag one at the prices Amazon was offering it at in late Nov(around $450), the 805 is the way to go. You can get the 805 for $100 more if you shop around.

he owns a sony 1080i..????


xa2, a35...???? what..???????????

go with a ps3 (only good blu player), and an a2, or a1.

$500.00 total.

FYI

Since audiomixer has an Integra 9.8($1700) Pre-pro that can accept pcm or bitstream(advanced audio HBR), the higher models were proposed as a longer, "future proof" option.

I just got my case number from samsung to return the 5000 to BBFBusiness. I'm replacing it with the tosh a35 and panny bd30.

I was able to get the two with delivery for the same price as the single 5000 unit.

I just got my case number from samsung to return the 5000 to BBFBusiness. I'm replacing it with the tosh a35 and panny bd30.

I was able to get the two with delivery for the same price as the single 5000 unit.

Excellent choices

So are the A35 and BD30 the 2 most cost effective options if someone wants to bitstream all codecs to an HDMI 1.3 processor?

As far as I know the A2/A3 won't bitstream.

I have an integra 9.8, A2, and 5000 and also considering going with 2 solid players for the same cost.

So are the A35 and BD30 the 2 most cost effective options if someone wants to bitstream all codes to an HDMI 1.3 processor?

As far as I know the A2/A3 won't bitstream.

I have an integra 9.8, A2, and 5000 and also considering going with 2 solid players for the same cost.
Yeah, those 2 would be the most cost effective choices. If you want the Reon(some people do), then the Onkyo HD-805 or XA2 instead of A35(would run you twice the price of A35). As far as Bluray, BD30 is the best out there for the price.

So are the A35 and BD30 the 2 most cost effective options if someone wants to bitstream all codecs to an HDMI 1.3 processor?

As far as I know the A2/A3 won't bitstream.

I have an integra 9.8, A2, and 5000 and also considering going with 2 solid players for the same cost.
Btw, whats the display you have? Unless you have a 1080p display capable of 24fps, you won't get a great advantage videowise over your A2.

Abt which is local to me has the A35 for $374 and BD30 for $425. Ironically, that is exactly $799.

Samsung 1080P DLP is my display, it seems to accept the 24fps from the 5000. Sorry for the hijack!

Anyone want to a buy an A2 and a 5000? :)

Abt which is local to me has the A35 for $374 and BD30 for $425. Ironically, that is exactly $799.

You can get them both for cheaper than that on Amazon. And Amazon is throwing 3 free movies along with the 2 inbox and 5 free with A35.

Anyone want to a buy an A2 and a 5000? :)

As far as A2 goes, you may get peanuts for it at this point. As far as the 5000, you can sell it on Ebay for a premium right now.

I have to be honest...

I love the PQ of the 5000...ease of use, etc.

The Big Plus: One Box

The Big Minus(es): It is very quirky. It won't even load "Pan's Labyrnth" HD-DVD. Audio and Visual Problems with "Ratatoullie". The 4:3 stretching issue.
Unresolved audio codecs...

OK...things we already know.

However...I have waited a year to jump into High Definition discs.

I bought an Integra 9.8 pre/pro which can handle any audio codec I can throw at it.

Bottom Line...I want 2 current solid players with GREAT PQ, GREAT UPCONVERTING OF SD DVDS, and minimal problems.

What two players should I buy?

FYI...I own a Sony SXRD XBR1 so it only takes in 1080i.

All honest opinions welcome and appreciated!


Hi audiomixer,

I think I remember your name from the the 2005 SXRD XBR1 thread, as I also have it!! (By the way, I always had a very slight green blob that was not worth fixing, but it is now real bad and HAS to be fixed. I have the BB EW and I'm going to try that route and see what happens.)

Anyway, back on topic. I agree with you 1000000%!!! I have been waiting for the 5000 for months and months and while I realize that some features won't work out of box, there just seems too many compared to other units. I too am very serioulsy considering going to the Panny 30 and the Tosh A-35 as they seem to be getting very good reviews. I'm going to post on their threads and ask some specific questions on each.

I have until 1/31/08 to decide and part of me REALLY wants to keep the 5000, but at $800 there's just too much that's not working yet. I'm sure it all will work EVENTUALLY but how long that will take is the $64,000 question!

By the way I did call Samsung tech support and they acknowledge the problems and say they are working on them but other than that they are non-comittial!!

Good luck,
Gerry

Hi audiomixer,

I think I remember your name from the the 2005 SXRD XBR1 thread, as I also have it!! (By the way, I always had a very slight green blob that was not worth fixing, but it is now real bad and HAS to be fixed. I have the BB EW and I'm going to try that route and see what happens.)

Anyway, back on topic. I agree with you 1000000%!!! I have been waiting for the 5000 for months and months and while I realize that some features won't work out of box, there just seems too many compared to other units. I too am very serioulsy considering going to the Panny 30 and the Tosh A-35 as they seem to be getting very good reviews. I'm going to post on their threads and ask some specific questions on each.

I have until 1/31/08 to decide and part of me REALLY wants to keep the 5000, but at $800 there's just too much that's not working yet. I'm sure it all will work EVENTUALLY but how long that will take is the $64,000 question!

By the way I did call Samsung tech support and they acknowledge the problems and say they are working on them but other than that they are non-comittial!!

Good luck,
Gerry
We are on the same wavelength. I just replied to your post on the owner's thread!

For info on the Panasonic DMP-BD30, check out these reviews:

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Hardware/Panasonic/Joshua_Zyber/Hardware_Review:_Panasonic_DMP-BD30/1184

http://reviews.cnet.com/video-players-and-recorders/panasonic-dmp-bd30k-blu/4505-6463_7-32730548.html?tag=pdtl-list

They will give more detail on the audio capabilities, video problems, up-conversion, etc.
Note that it does not have Ethernet, so 1.1 disc extras cannot be obtained from the net, nor can firmware be downloaded. You have to use you PC and burn to a CD. Depends on needs/expectations and if you care about extras. They met the 1.1 requirements, but seem do have done so in half a** approach, by providing an SD card slot. The theory is movie companies may provide the additional content on-line and you can download it to your SD card and stick it in the player. I can live without the additional content, I just don't understand why claim to be the first to meet the new profile, but not really do it by providing the Ethernet...very inconvenient.

I just picked up the BD30 and the A35 for $850 w/tax @ BB after using a 10% coupon on both. Now I'll be cancelling my BD5000 order with One Call. I'm much happier with this set up. One breaks, you don't lose both players. Now the problem is finding a way to hook up two 5.1 inputs for the uncompressed audio into my Arcam avp700.

I already see me going out and buying a receiver or pre-pro that is 1.3 compliant to allow me to get everything hooked up right!

I have had no playback problems with the XA2 and PS3 combo. Great PQ on both. I have the 885 (9.8 clone) and a bit sore that the PS3 does (yet) not have DTS HD MA output. So if the Panny BD30 is as great as ppl say that may be the one to get. Other than DTS HD MA output, the PS3 is an amazing machine overall in terms of features, PQ + SQ, speed and the most upgrade friendly (it now has profile 1.1 and w/ built in ethernet most likely will support 2.0). The XA2 can output lossless tracks as bitstreams into the 9.8 as you may already know. I don't know how good the Reon is on the 9.8 / 885. I never used it as I just use my XA2 for SD DVD playback. But if you care about build quality, the XA2 is the winner hands down .

Does the Panasonic BD30 play in TrueHD and DTS-HD if I have the new Onkyo TX-SR705 receiver? The receiver will decode these audio formats, right?

I currently have the LG BH200 and am returning it tonight for two players. It looks as though I'll be going with the BD30 and the A35, as suggested above. I want 24fps and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. This is what the LG is missing and one of the main reasons I upgraded to the Onkyo TX-SR705.

Does the Panasonic BD30 play in TrueHD and DTS-HD if I have the new Onkyo TX-SR705 receiver? The receiver will decode these audio formats, right?

I currently have the LG BH200 and am returning it tonight for two players. It looks as though I'll be going with the BD30 and the A35, as suggested above. I want 24fps and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. This is what the LG is missing and one of the main reasons I upgraded to the Onkyo TX-SR705.

For sure that's the best combo. Both players will bitstream codecs to your 705 and pass 1080p/24fps.

Does the Panasonic BD30 play in TrueHD and DTS-HD if I have the new Onkyo TX-SR705 receiver? The receiver will decode these audio formats, right?

I currently have the LG BH200 and am returning it tonight for two players. It looks as though I'll be going with the BD30 and the A35, as suggested above. I want 24fps and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. This is what the LG is missing and one of the main reasons I upgraded to the Onkyo TX-SR705.

Hi CVC,

I've pretty much decided to return the Sammy 5000 and will be getting the BD30 and A35 players. The vast majority of the posters on those threads are very satisfied with them and they both are suppose to be able to bitstream ALL the advanced audio formats. I too will be hooking them up to an Onkyo 705, but I don't have it yet. (The Onkyo shipped last Thurs but the UPS tracking page only says Billing Info Received, so it may be lost! If its not lost the scheduled delivery shows Wed, but if it is lost J&R will have to send me another!!!)

Gerry

For sure that's the best combo. Both players will bitstream codecs to your 705 and pass 1080p/24fps.

One more question for you...

Can I assign each player to a different HDMI input on my 705 receiver? If the BD30 is assigned to HMDI 1 as "DVD", what should I assign the A35 to? Does the receiver only decode TrueHD and DTS-HD in the DVD setting?

If so, what are my options around this? Should I get an HDMI switch?

One more question for you...

Can I assign each player to a different HDMI input on my 705 receiver? If the BD30 is assigned to HMDI 1 as "DVD", what should I assign the A35 to? Does the receiver only decode TrueHD and DTS-HD in the DVD setting?

If so, what are my options around this? Should I get an HDMI switch?

Hi CVC,

As I posted before I don't have the 705 yet, but I did download the manual and have read it through. I am 99% sure that the audio decoding occurs on any of the HDMI inputs, and I fully intend to hook up the DB30 and A35 to two different HDMI inputs and the Onkyo will act as an HDMI switch. Granted only one will be able to be labeled "DVD" but whatever the other input is labeled should not matter.

Gerry

One more question for you...

Can I assign each player to a different HDMI input on my 705 receiver? If the BD30 is assigned to HMDI 1 as "DVD", what should I assign the A35 to? Does the receiver only decode TrueHD and DTS-HD in the DVD setting?

If so, what are my options around this? Should I get an HDMI switch?
You can assign each HDMI as whatever you want-dvd, cable/sat, etc. All codecs will be decoded regardless of input designation

Yep assign the HDMI ports anyway you want. The decoding happens regardless of the source. Then you can edit the display names, so HDMI 1 is Bluray and HDMI 2 is HD-DVD.

Just like many of you I was waiting for the 5000 and have decided not to buy it due to the audio problems. I've waited too long and have decided to move on.

I only had one HDMI cable to my TV area and purchased an OPPO 31 HDMI switcher that automatically switches for me. I have a universal remote but it even easier to have the switcher just pick the active player.

So, I have an Tosh A35 and the Panny BD30 on an automatic switcher that functions like a dual.

Scott

Another happy A35/BD30/Oppo980 HD A/V transport owner.

Just had my a35 and b30 delivered today. You can definitely assign them separately on the ONKYO. I have the 875.

Finally got my home theater master remote programmed.

.... time to give them a spin.

bob,

i have the same units. why are you using the 980??

thanks,

craig

Bob/CMR

Got the same units in my main room, too. Sammy 5000 already moved to bedroom.

Sting

Do any of the other units being discussed here offer reverse step or reverse slo-mo? The absence of these on the 5000 has been a disappointment that I wasn't expecting.

Thanks,

Larry

XA2 and BD30 are slim and will fit together in one slot if you are starving for real estate.

I'd like to thank you guys for helping me with my questions yesterday. You solved my problems and I couldn't be happier! Here's what I did...

Last night I went back to BestBuy and returned my new LG BH200. I turned around and purchased the A35 for $349 and then went to PC Richards where I got the BD30 for $399! The two players combined were cheaper than the LG BH200 (Originally I paid $999, but the price was then reduced to $799).

I got home, hooked up everything into my Onkyo 705, changed the audio output settings on each player and cha-ching! I first played Ice Age - The Meltdown in Blu-Ray (DTS-HD MA). It played perfectly and the receiver lit right up with DTS HD Mastr!

I then plopped in 300 in the A35 (Dolby TrueHD) and low and behold, the receiver lit right up again with the Dolby icon, followed by TrueHD!

I have the A35 as DVD, the BD30 as VCR/DVR and xbox360elite as TV/Game on the 705. Since I was out of inputs with 2 players now, I put the TV into a different HDMI input on the back of my display and ran a digital opitical to the Onkyo. The nice part about this is that my wife, can now watch TV without having to turn on the whole system while trying and figure out what buttons to push to get it to work.

Anyway, I couldn't be any happier. Thanks again to everyone.:D

Cheers!

C

I'd like to thank you guys for helping me with my questions yesterday. You solved my problems and I couldn't be happier! Here's what I did...

Last night I went back to BestBuy and returned my new LG BH200. I turned around and purchased the A35 for $349 and then went to PC Richards where I got the BD30 for $399! The two players combined were cheaper than the LG BH200 (Originally I paid $999, but the price was then reduced to $799).

I got home, hooked up everything into my Onkyo 705, changed the audio output settings on each player and cha-ching! I first played Ice Age - The Meltodown in Blu-Ray (DTS-HD MA). It played perfectly and the receiver lit right up with DTS HD Mastr!

I then plopped in 300 in the A35 (Dolby TrueHD) and low and behold, the receiver lit right up again with the Dolby icon, followed by TrueHD!

I have the A35 as DVD, the BD30 as VCR/DVR and xbox360elite as TV/Game on the 705. Since I was out of inputs with 2 players now, I put the TV into a different HDMI input on the back of my display and ran a digital opitical to the Onkyo. The nice part about this is that my wife, can now watch TV without having to turn on the whole system while trying and figure out what buttons to push to get it to work.

Anyway, I couldn't be any happier. Thanks again to everyone.:D

Cheers!

C
Smart move, IMHO. I did the same thing. I haven't got time for the pain...

All this talk about getting separate players has me wondering how you guys are able to get the advanced audio codecs and a calibrated video display at the same time. Let's say you have the A35 and the BD30, each connected via HDMI to a receiver to decode the advanced/lossless codecs. Then the receiver is connected to your display via a single HDMI cable. How, then, are you able to calibrate your display for each of the two sources since they are coming in to the display on the same input? I have 3 HDMI devices: a TivoHD, a Samsung DVD player, and the Samsung Duo. Each one has very different display settings when properly calibrated and I can't imagine using them uncalibrated. That is why I've held off on getting an HDMI receiver. I'm very happy with my HK AVR7200 and I wouldn't want to use any receiver's HDMI switching anyway because of this calibration issue. Am I missing something here?

All this talk about getting separate players has me wondering how you guys are able to get the advanced audio codecs and a calibrated video display at the same time. Let's say you have the A35 and the BD30, each connected via HDMI to a receiver to decode the advanced/lossless codecs. Then the receiver is connected to your display via a single HDMI cable. How, then, are you able to calibrate your display for each of the two sources since they are coming in to the display on the same input? I have 3 HDMI devices: a TivoHD, a Samsung DVD player, and the Samsung Duo. Each one has very different display settings when properly calibrated and I can't imagine using them uncalibrated. That is why I've held off on getting an HDMI receiver. I'm very happy with my HK AVR7200 and I wouldn't want to use any receiver's HDMI switching anyway because of this calibration issue. Am I missing something here?


I know the XA2 and believe the BD30 (my BD10 does) have adjustments for display of the video.

I know the XA2 and believe the BD30 (my BD10 does) have adjustments for display of the video.

That's interesting. Do they allow you to change brightness, contrast, color, and tint? And what do you do for the more esoteric settings such as gamma, white balance, etc?

All this talk about getting separate players has me wondering how you guys are able to get the advanced audio codecs and a calibrated video display at the same time. Let's say you have the A35 and the BD30, each connected via HDMI to a receiver to decode the advanced/lossless codecs. Then the receiver is connected to your display via a single HDMI cable. How, then, are you able to calibrate your display for each of the two sources since they are coming in to the display on the same input? I have 3 HDMI devices: a TivoHD, a Samsung DVD player, and the Samsung Duo. Each one has very different display settings when properly calibrated and I can't imagine using them uncalibrated. That is why I've held off on getting an HDMI receiver. I'm very happy with my HK AVR7200 and I wouldn't want to use any receiver's HDMI switching anyway because of this calibration issue. Am I missing something here?

Interesting question and it's just a limitation of using a receiver as an HDMI switcher. What I did was calibrate with DVE to for my most watched signal(directv). Then I make minor corrections with the brightness/contrast/color with the Reon on my Integra. Honestly, all I've done it kick down the brightness a few clicks for both my A2 and 5000.

Interesting question and it's just a limitation of using a receiver as an HDMI switcher. What I did was calibrate with DVE to for my most watched signal(directv). Then I make minor corrections with the brightness/contrast/color with the Reon on my Integra. Honestly, all I've done it kick down the brightness a few clicks for both my A2 and 5000.

How did you use DVE to calibrate your directv input? Does your directv player have a dvd player built-in? And do you feel that you have your A2 and 5000 dialed in or have you made a compromise in video quality in order to get your advanced codecs to work?

How did you use DVE to calibrate your directv input? Does your directv player have a dvd player built-in? And do you feel that you have your A2 and 5000 dialed in or have you made a compromise in video quality in order to get your advanced codecs to work?

With the use of PIP and some eyeballing. It's definitely not perfect, but I didn't want to spend the money on a professional calibrator for every input.

Honestly, all I've done it kick down the brightness a few clicks for both my A2 and 5000.

That's exactly what I do. I drop the brightness a few notches when I watch movies on either player.

With the use of PIP and some eyeballing. It's definitely not perfect, but I didn't want to spend the money on a professional calibrator for every input.

Maybe I'm not understanding this, but it sounds like it's still calibrated for your DVD player in this case since it's the one that is generating the test pattern, not your directv box.

Maybe I'm not understanding this, but it sounds like it's still calibrated for your DVD player in this case since it's the one that is generating the test pattern, not your directv box.

Correct, but with the test pattern playing on my previous setup I was able to show the Directv picture in the PIP. I would compromise between hitting the "Correct" black level on DVE and how it looked on the DTV side.

Now since I have everything running through an HDMI 1.3 pre/pro I can't do that. All sources are running through the Reon in my Integra. When I get my new set I'll calibrate to hopefully the BD5000, since it will be the same source for BR and HD-DVD. Then make corrections for the a component input for standard DTV viewing.

So it sounds like there is some compromise in the video portion still. That's what I was afraid of and just reinforces my belief that HDMI is a horrible idea.

Unless you have a test pattern for every source there always will be. To me the convenience of a single HDMI cable to my display out weighs the few clicks off my contrast or brightness might be.

The alternative is an ISF cablibration for as many inputs as you have sources.

Unless you have a test pattern for every source there always will be. To me the convenience of a single HDMI cable to my display out weighs the few clicks off my contrast or brightness might be.

The alternative is an ISF cablibration for as many inputs as you have sources.

Fortunately, I do have test patterns for all of my sources. I have Avia and DVE for disc based players and my 360 and TivoHD can stream photos from my computer. The first thing I do when I get a new source is a quick calibration with some basic test patterns. I don't think you necessarily have to do an ISF calibration.

Like others I gave up waiting for the 5000 and instead bought a BD30 and XA2. Very happy with both so far, and as with the 5000 its nice to be able to play any high def disk regardless of the format.

also to help, if you need an hdmi switcher. go on monoprice. got one for $48.00






i am still shocked at the advice.?

i have owned a samsung 1000, 1200, and 1400. the latter two i returned. the 1400 i sold. i have nothing against samsung ( i own the dlp 61") but hundreds of dollars for "quirky" is like buying shoes that will "stretch"

all set.

by the way ps3 is blu version 1.1 with the new update.

Ditch Digger, which HDMI switcher did you get?

I'm a frazzeled Samsung 5K owner who is just about to return it and go down this route. TV only has 2 HDMI inputs and one is for the cable box.

Seggers

HD NEt broadcasts test patterns if your lineup offers HD NET an dyou need to calibrate your cable/sat.

I was on the 5000 bandwagon but got scared off. I currently use an XA2 for HD DVD/DVD and a BPD1400 for BR. Luckily there is no variation as far as calibration needs between these units. My 8300HDC requires a few notch bump in brightness. If you have a DLP you don't need a test pattern to calibrate brightness at least.

I'm eyeballing the BD50 to replace my 1400 soon.

Just like many of you I was waiting for the 5000 and have decided not to buy it due to the audio problems. I've waited too long and have decided to move on.

I only had one HDMI cable to my TV area and purchased an OPPO 31 HDMI switcher that automatically switches for me. I have a universal remote but it even easier to have the switcher just pick the active player.

So, I have an Tosh A35 and the Panny BD30 on an automatic switcher that functions like a dual.

Scott

No problems with that switcher? I couldn't find on the website about the active automatic switching. That's a really helpful function. Does anyone know which Monoprice swithcher is similar?(most are out of stock).

I had the 5k took it back and got thee Panny BD-30 with 10 free disks and the A35 with 5 free. Overall the cost for both way $775 with 15 movies vs the sammy at $800 with 0 free movies. Plus I know have DTS-MA decoding and it rocks

I had the 5k took it back and got thee Panny BD-30 with 10 free disks and the A35 with 5 free. Overall the cost for both way $775 with 15 movies vs the sammy at $800 with 0 free movies. Plus I know have DTS-MA decoding and it rocks

What he said! :D

I had the 5k took it back and got thee Panny BD-30 with 10 free disks and the A35 with 5 free. Overall the cost for both way $775 with 15 movies vs the sammy at $800 with 0 free movies. Plus I know have DTS-MA decoding and it rocks

Hank,

Where did you get such good deals from?

Seggers.

I had the 5k took it back and got thee Panny BD-30 with 10 free disks and the A35 with 5 free. Overall the cost for both way $775 with 15 movies vs the sammy at $800 with 0 free movies. Plus I know have DTS-MA decoding and it rocks

Does the BD-30 require a firmware update? Can this be done with a disc that panasonic sends you? Any comments on the SD DVD upconversion(seems to be an issue I read).

Thanks

FWIW, just returned the Samsung BDUP5000 and bought the Toshiba A35 HD-DVD player for $249.97 (incl. shipping and a $30 rebate for signing up for their Visa) on Amazon. at this price i can't go wrong, even if the format dies a slow death. i will buy the Panasonic BD50 BD player once it's available, and have a dedicated player for each format. i don't own any Blu-Ray titles yet, so I can wait on the Panny. as long as the Panny comes in at less than $550, I'll have the two players for the same price as the Sammy. BTW, I'm all HDMI 1.3 with the Integra DTC-9.8 and look forward to bitstreaming Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA.

So it sounds like there is some compromise in the video portion still. That's what I was afraid of and just reinforces my belief that HDMI is a horrible idea.

HDMI seems to be created for a user-friendly interface for non-techies and more importantly to the ones that matter, provide HDCP to protect IP(Intellectual Property). Sadly, it is a compromise for the enthusiasts...

I calibrated the A35 using HD-DVE and will see how close the bd30 is when the blu-ray version is released. Currently, this is the only way to get lossless audio into a receiver/pre-pro since dual-player(5K/BH200) audio is crippled.

I wouldn't mind seeing a manufacturer make "THE TRULY UNIVERSAL PLAYER THAT DOES EVERYTHING... WELL" but I think it's still too $$$ for the market. Not enough projected $$$ profit to recoup R&D...

Like many others... what to do? separates... universal... or compromise and enjoy now.

BD30 (v1.3), A35 (v1.3) (especially w/toshiba's price cuts) :D

I have a UP5000 (was actually one of the first to get one of the "display" units from BB). The PQ on the player so far has been awesome for both HD and SD. In fact, I have a 50" plasma (Pany th-50pz750u), and watching SD dvds on the UP5000 is almost as good as watching HD/BR when just watching a movie. Obviously, pausing and doing side-by-side comparisons shows the difference, but when just playing a movie, the differences become smaller). I think this is due to the excellent upscaling/deinterlacing capabilities of the reon.

Part of my whole grand plan was to get the UP5000 and then get a better receiver than the one i have which can do HDMI switching. I've settled on the Denon 2308 or 2808ci (the latter can do lossless audio). Both have Faroudja DCDi upscaling/upconversion.

What i'm wondering is will a BD-30 doing or HD-A3 (doing no upconversion/deinterlacing) run through a Denon 2308 or 2808 (to do the upconversion/deinterlacing) look as good as the UP5000 for SD?

Thanks.

...alex...

Of these separate best units for HD DVD and BlueRay, which have digital coax audio output? I need that for the D-Box motion simulator. I note that the HD-35 does NOT have coax out, but don't know about the other units of Toshiba or the BlueRay players, and thought someone might have that info.

Unfortunately no, the DCDi chip really is an entry level upscaler. The Reon presents a much better picture. Running those transports through the Denon at the native resolution, to allow for DCDi conversion to output to TV resolution, will present a better picture than one could achieve with just the transports themselves. However, the Reon is quite a step up in video processing capability from the Faroudja chip.

I only use the DCDi chip in my 3808 for the DirecTV feed since that does not natively output 1080p. I don't need it for DVD since I have the Realta in the 3930.

All this commotion about this player made me act today. I decided to cancel my order with *******. They did not have any available for shipping today (wasn't today the release day for internet stores?). So I guess I lucked out that they didn't have any so I wasn't stuck with it. This unit seems to be too plagued for my liking. I don't need the Reon, as I have the Realta in my 3930. Also, I don't need analogs; everything is 1.3. I bought it for the one unit simplicity and the bitstream DTS-MA and TrueHD audio capability. From what I'm gathering it won't have the latter until May...when the 5500 is released. The 5500 sounds more promising to me, and has a sleeker look. I'll be waiting until then for the features I'm looking for anyways (if I had a 5000), so I'll just wait for the 5500.