Still very early in the game, but just curious who will be keeping their 5000, waiting for new firmware updates...who are already moving on...or who is still not certain what to do.

I'm returning it. The video was amazing except when the backgrounds were fairly monochromatic. In conditions like that, I saw significant video noise... much like some other owners. Couldn't tolerate it.

I have a panny 30bd and tosh a35 on the way for the same that I paid for the 5000 and they come with 12 total free discs.

I may be returning my BD-UP5000. It's noisy while initially loading a DVD & did not play the 2nd movie I tried "28 Weeks Later" on Blu-ray Disc.

I want to love this player, but can only "like" it right now. I bought a Yamaha 3800 to take advantage of the new sounds and can't get them all on the 5000. I'm keeping it till end of Jan when my deadline to return it to BB comes around hoping for a fix. If not, well....

Greetings!
I will not be returning the 5K, which will only be getting better with firmware upgrades....
Best,
snowtrooper1966

Greetings!
I will not be returning the 5K, which will only be getting better with firmware upgrades....
Best,
snowtrooper1966

I am sure owners of the Sammy 1200 & 1400 thought the same.:eek:

im still unsure right now, gonna watch some more movies with it over the next few days and make a decision

I am sure owners of the Sammy 1200 & 1400 thought the same.:eek:


What is it they say about the truth hurts. This one cuts to the bone.:D

There isn't much incentive to keep an $800 DVD player that cannot play DVDs. :rolleyes:

No stutter or graining. Plays LFoDH without issue. Bitstreams to my recvr. I have no issues with it so I'm keeping.

When I bought mine, it was less expensive than buying 2 good separates (a35 and bd30). That is no longer the case.

I liked having one set of cords etc...

However, I was never thrilled with the idea of having a single expensive box. I prefer having separate players now. If one dies, it won't hurt as much. Furthermore, it makes upgrading either the hddvd or BR easier (and less expensive)

I'm not bashing the 5000. It just didn't work for me as expected.

What is it they say about the truth hurts. This one cuts to the bone.:D

IM new to the Samsung-5000. What are the problems with this player:confused:

IM new to the Samsung-5000. What are the problems with this player:confused:For one, it does not play all Blu-ray Discs. I rented "28 Weeks Later" from Hollywood Video yesterday and my BD-UP5000 will not play that move.

IMO this $800 player is not quite ready for prime time yet. I'm returning mine to Best Buy tonight or tomorrow and I am back in the "wait & see" mode until after CES 2008 and/or when Samsung gets the "kinks" worked out.

I knew there was a reason why I stopped buying A/V products from Samsung & Panasonic, preferring to spend my dough on Pioneer 'Elite' equipment instead. ;)

Got it for Christmas. Already choked on a few discs. Coupled with no advanced audio bitstreaming (which I knew of) I will go back to my Panny and Toshiba combo.

I want to keep it, but I also don't want an expensive combo player that cannot play more than just a few discs out there. It seems to be more than just some very isolated problems. Did they just push too hard to get it out by Christmas? It is brand new and should not already need firwmare updates (assuming that would even solve the problems)!

I think firmware updates will help, but by the time they arrive I expect prices to drop across the board. if the Samsung can deliver in 1-2 months then I will revisit it, but for now the best combo IMHO is the 30 and a35.

I think firmware updates will help, but by the time they arrive I expect prices to drop across the board. if the Samsung can deliver in 1-2 months then I will revisit itBy then Samsung will probably throw in a few free DVDs too. ;)

firmware updates aren't fixing what i need to have done (better analog section in the player). next!

IM new to the Samsung-5000. What are the problems with this player:confused:


It really is not about what is wrong but that people are expecting FW to fix the problems. Go over and look in the Blu-ray section about the 1200 made by Samsung. The fact that the player cannot play Pixar Shorts yet and it was released Nov.6. So needless to say waiting on FW updates from Samsung is abit of a joke. I am so glad I got rid of my 1200 for a good player. I was watching the 5000 closely to see if they had fixed some of the quality control problems and they did not. So all I have to say is with any Samsung product is caveat emptor.

It really is not about what is wrong but that people are expecting FW to fix the problems. Go over and look in the Blu-ray section about the 1200 made by Samsung. The fact that the player cannot play Pixar Shorts yet and it was released Nov.6. So needless to say waiting on FW updates from Samsung is abit of a joke. I am so glad I got rid of my 1200 for a good player. I was watching the 5000 closely to see if they had fixed some of the quality control problems and they did not. So all I have to say is with any Samsung product is caveat emptor.

And what is this 'good' player?

I was so impressed by Samsung Customer Support! :rolleyes: I talked to three different people (one because of an incorrect transfer), and had to retell each of them my phone number, name, unit, problem, etc. Then the two that did "help" me said I needed to download the latest firmware update. I asked if it had been posted today, since I just checked and there wasn't one. They both said yes, there is an update. When I called up the "System Update" screen (for each rep), it said that I have the latest firmware available. I don't think the first rep ever really understood me and/or my problem, that is why she transferred me. The last one finally had me repeat my model number, and then I think the light finally came on. "Oh, that's our most recent unit. We are still working on the firmware update. We'll email you when it is available. It is a brand new product that plays both blu-ray and hd-dvd, unlike our other players...." I made a comment about not wanting to wait beyond the return window for a firmware update that may or may not correct the problem. He tried to convince me it would. Based on the way he said everything, it seemed like a generic "we're working on an update" answer without any actual knowledge that they are really going to fix the problem, i.e. there is nothing else he can do. Hopefully my impression was wrong.

And what is this 'good' player?

Since there were only 2 choices at the time for a Blu-ray player to output the advanced codecs via bitstream the Samsung 1400 and the Pioneer 95. I went with the 95. I have only had 2 problems with it and one of those was not something a player can fix and that was a disc authoring problem,DH2. The other was with Underdog if you hit the enter button it would not start the movie. Well guess what the FW is already out to fix it. The movie was released on Dec. 18 and the FW was up on Dec.26. So even during the week of Christmas they were working to make sure they had no problems.

If Samsung would own up to the problems they have with their players I would give them some respect. This is how they have responded to emails sent to them. The last line is the best.



Thank you for contacting us.

The firmware that was released for the Blu-Ray player does not address the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, Die Hard, or Superbad, as well as any other movie released in the last 4 weeks. We will have a fix for this in the next 1-2 weeks. This is not a problem with the Blu-Ray player. The producers of the movies ( 20th Century Fox, Pixar etc.) are not sharing the format of the movies they are releasing prior to the actual release dates. Which in turn causes us to create a firmware solution after the movies are released. If we had cooperation from the production companies, these firmware updates would be pre-installed in the unit or available prior to the release of the movie to prevent these format issue we are experiencing. All Blu ray manufacturers are having the same problem.



Thank you

I was so ...He tried to convince me it would. Based on the way he said everything, it seemed like a generic "we're working on an update" answer without any actual knowledge that they are really going to fix the problem, i.e. there is nothing else he can do. Hopefully my impression was wrong.


Same impression... same transfers... same consulting product specialists routine... same song and dance...

Was his name "Bret"? I spoke to him on my pre-sales CaseID and my post-sale CaseID. Makes you question the "promise?" of an update to fix all... I be in waiting mode, but at least call to put pressure on Samsung. Their CSR's are clueless. He wanted me to hookup my optical output to make sure it didn't pass DD TrueHD multi-channel... :confused:

I believe previous Onkyo and Denon owners have been burned by promises of product fixes and or future proofing(within reason)... 5910, 3910, sp1000, NR1000, etc. These are not sub-$1000 units. That's why I bit the bullet on the BD-UP5000 and the Onkyo Pro PRSC885(integra 9.8 clone).

Well, early update. I picked up a Panny 30 and I have to say that it looks markedly better than the 5000 on Blu-Ray. Sharper and much less black crush. On to testing the a35!

Another update! The Toshiba A35 looks great, too. and upconverts DVDs better than the 5000, IMHO. I will be taking the Sammy back to BB. And I feel good about it now.

Problems: Black Crush...both the Panny and the Toshiba looked better...more depth,IMHO. Problems: 4:3 Stretching...TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE, IMHO.
And I will be able to bitstream all of the audio codecs from both machines into my Integra 9.8.

I threw many discs at both machines without a hitch.

And the Sammy DOES NOT load up faster...SORRY.

Anyway...I'm glad I tried it. I'm even happier that I tried these two players! :>)

I'm keeping my DFP. My minimalist tendencies won't let me go back to separates (especially since I've already sold them). Worst case scenario, I keep the UP5K until a better, higher-end DFP comes along. So far it has played everything I've put in it without issues.

Firmware updates are already promised by the manufacturer, so I can at least wait that long to see if it becomes the do-all, end-all.

I'm taking mine back next week unless Samsung releases an update that can fix the black crush before the 15th. I can hold out hope that they may fix playback and audio issues, but I cannot watch something with the horrible loss of detail that the black crush causes.

Still very early in the game, but just curious who will be keeping their 5000, waiting for new firmware updates...who are already moving on...or who is still not certain what to do.I returned my BD-UP5000 to Best Buy this morning and received a full credit back to my Visa Card. When I pay $900 for a Big Boy toy I anticipate the device will perform satisfactorily right out of the box. My BD-UP5000 did not so now its history. ;)

After watching a PRO-150FD during the past three months, I don't know what possessed me to consider a Samsung DVD player to begin with? :confused:

I'll cool my jets for 10 days until the 2008 International CES (http://www.cesweb.org/default.asp) exhibition begins to see the line of separate and dual format HD DVD players reported to be available next year. Hopefully Pioneer will unveil something to complement its FD Kuro series PDPs. I’d rather pay twice as much for a Pioneer dual format HD DVD player that works properly instead of $900 for the BD-UP5000, which does not.

Well, early update. I picked up a Panny 30 and I have to say that it looks markedly better than the 5000 on Blu-Ray. Sharper and much less black crush. On to testing the a35!

Hi audiomixer,

Could you give us a few more details on how the Panny BD30 / Tosh A-35 combo compares with the 5000. I'm especially interested in your comment that the A-35 upconverts an SD DVD better than the 5000.

Some other questions:

1. Did they both come with the latest firmware, or did you have to update one or both? If updating was needed how did it go?

2. Do you have an HDMI surround AVR and if so have you confirmed that TrueHD and DTS-HD MA can be bitstreamed from both players to the AVR.

3. Any other comments and/or impressions would be appreicated.

As you know I have the same TV as you, and I'm also very much on the fence on whether to keep the 5000 or not.

Thanks,
Gerry

P. S. Could you indicate where you bought them and at what kind of price. On-line or B&M?

Looking for more info on the BD30 and A35 combo as well. Have the BD30 now and love it compared to the other BD players I had and looking strongly at getting the A35

Hi audiomixer,

Could you give us a few more details on how the Panny BD30 / Tosh A-35 combo compares with the 5000. I'm especially interested in your comment that the A-35 upconverts an SD DVD better than the 5000.

Some other questions:

1. Did they both come with the latest firmware, or did you have to update one or both? If updating was needed how did it go?

2. Do you have an HDMI surround AVR and if so have you confirmed that TrueHD and DTS-HD MA can be bitstreamed from both players to the AVR.

3. Any other comments and/or impressions would be appreicated.

As you know I have the same TV as you, and I'm also very much on the fence on whether to keep the 5000 or not.

Thanks,
Gerry

P. S. Could you indicate where you bought them and at what kind of price. On-line or B&M?


I too own the 5000 and I'm on the fence and look forward to additional feedback on the a35/bd30 combo. As far as cost is concerned both of these can be had for $763.99 shipped from Amazon.

I bought one today for several reasons:

1) The laser assembly in my A2 died and I couldn't see buying an A3.
2) I have only one 1080-capable input available, and can't support both formats separately.
3) Samsung's official product spec on the player promises full lossless audio in January.
4) My local Circuit City had one in stock.
5) I want to piss off some of the antifanboy posters here that seem to think it's important that we hear them diss this player a 423rd time. We heard you the first time. Now move on and let folks have a constructive conversation.

I bought one today for several reasons:

1) The laser assembly in my A2 died and I couldn't see buying an A3.
2) I have only one 1080-capable input available, and can't support both formats separately.
3) Samsung's official product spec on the player promises full lossless audio in January.
4) My local Circuit City had one in stock.
5) I want to piss off some of the antifanboy posters here that seem to think it's important that we hear them diss this player a 423rd time. We heard you the first time. Now move on and let folks have a constructive conversation.

Do you have a link or a source for #3 above?

I bought one today for several reasons:

1) The laser assembly in my A2 died and I couldn't see buying an A3.
2) I have only one 1080-capable input available, and can't support both formats separately.
3) Samsung's official product spec on the player promises full lossless audio in January.
4) My local Circuit City had one in stock.
5) I want to piss off some of the antifanboy posters here that seem to think it's important that we hear them diss this player a 423rd time. We heard you the first time. Now move on and let folks have a constructive conversation.


I too would also like the link for point 3 and I fully support #5. There is a certain poster who has his feelings in his signature line. It's quite entertaining to click on his posts in anticipation of his next insightful comment.

I too own the 5000 and I'm on the fence and look forward to additional feedback on the a35/bd30 combo. As far as cost is concerned both of these can be had for $763.99 shipped from Amazon.

I also have this combo and it is wonderful. Slightly cheaper than the 5000. Both units have better picture quality, more stable and both bitsream all the advanced audio. Throw in many free HD DVD and BD with the purchase of these and it really is a no brainer.

Ill revisit the 5000 if/when a firmware is released but my experience is that Samsung makes subpar HD machines. Good luck with your purchase.

I bought one today for several reasons:

I want to piss off some of the antifanboy posters here that seem to think it's important that we hear them diss this player a 423rd time. We heard you the first time. Now move on and let folks have a constructive conversation.This is a very childish reason to spend $800 for a sub-par DVD player... but I guess that's your problem. :p

there is a very strong sentiment, IMHO, by ardent blu-ray backers that dual format players are bad in that they will stall the outcome, presuming there can ever be one, of the current stalemate...so with that in mind, one always has to be very mindful of what they are reading and what advice they might take...

i'm keeping mine despite all the ney-sayers and *problems* (not problems IMHO as every other player on the market suffers from the exact same issues and rely on f/w upgrades)...so far the stalemate has given me, the consumer, WAY more than i would have at this point in time without such a competitive environment...i'm not in this for maximizing profits to a single side, only to minimize cost to me and get HDM ...

I too would also like the link for point 3 and I fully support #5. There is a certain poster who has his feelings in his signature line. It's quite entertaining to click on his posts in anticipation of his next insightful comment.

Well, I don't see the "january" reference that I quoted from memory (my mistake or they edited it?), but the product flyer (http://www.samsung.com/us/system/consumer/product/2007/11/07/bd_up5000xaa/BD-UP5000.pdf) promises that it supports all audio formats and particularly TrueHD ("upgradable by firmware"). This goes rather further than the user manual in its audio specifications.

This is a very childish reason to spend $800 for a sub-par DVD player... but I guess that's your problem. :pSay, why are you here? Don't you have something bettter to do? I really don't get this jihadi stuff at all.

You don't like the player. Fine. Don't buy one. But let those that do have one discuss it without screaming in our ears all the time!

Well, I don't see the "january" reference that I quoted from memory (my mistake or they edited it?), but the product flyer (http://www.samsung.com/us/system/consumer/product/2007/11/07/bd_up5000xaa/BD-UP5000.pdf) promises that it supports all audio formats and particularly TrueHD ("upgradable by firmware"). This goes rather further than the user manual in its audio specifications.

The flyer says "Dolby®Digital, Dolby Digital Plus decoding, dts®HD, HR, MA (upgrade-able by firmware) TrueHD". Technically, it does all of this already, just not using it to its fullest. It does decode TrueHD, but only 2 channel. It also supports DTS-HD/MA by playing the embedded DTS-core track.

And there's also this little gem at the bottom: "All features, specifications, and model numbers subject to change."

My 5k should be arriving from circuitcity.com next week. If there's no fix for the lossless codecs before my 30 day return period expires, back it goes. I'm sure that getting a bunch of units returned to Samsung makes a louder statement than a bunch of phone calls to their support line.

There is no reason to believe that it will not support all advanced codecs: the BCM-7440 is quite capable of it. Seems like they are just waiting on the finished DSP code from Broadcom.

But yes, if you really wanted to read that in the most possible cramped way, you could with some struggle do so.

Say, why are you here? Don't you have something bettter to do? Does Pioneer pay you for each post or something? I really don't get this jihadi stuff at all.

You don't like the player. Fine. Don't buy one. But let those that do have one discuss it without screaming in our ears all the time!You must be confused :confused: because this is the Who Is Keeping Or Who Is Returning Their Samsung 5000? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=962140) thread and not a BD-UP5000 Universal Player Samsung [OFFICIAL OWNERS THREAD] & FAQ (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=955388[/url) discussion.

BTW, not that it matters to an irrational juvenile like yourself, but I am free to express my opinion regarding the sub-par performance of a $799.99+ BD-UP5000 as is anyone else.

There is no reason to believe that it will not support all advanced codecs: the BCM-7440 is quite capable of it. Seems like they are just waiting on the finished DSP code from Broadcom.

But yes, if you really wanted to read that in the most possible cramped way, you could with some struggle do so.

I spent some time on the Broadcom site trying to read the specs regarding audio. I couldn't find much. Says it decodes the advanced codecs. Doesn't say word one about how many channels. It IS full of disclaimers about their "foreward looking" technology wording (i.e. subject to change w/o notice).

Couldn't find anything to get optimistic about (although I am planning on keeping mine) with respect to audio - I may not be looking in the right place.

I did see on the LG 200 owners thread that they (LG) have changed the wording with respect to future upgrades on multichannel decoding. Since they share the Broadcom 7440, my hopes are lowering.:(

I have until the end of January to return my 5000. If by that time we get no firmware to fix audio formats and 4:3 stretch issue, or at the very least official Samsung announcement on the upcoming firmware and fixes, it's going back.

Hi, I am a n00b to this thread; I've posted mostly in the Sammy xx71 LCD thread since I will be getting an HDTV for the first time soon, and I am struck on my first day reading about this player (in anticipation of needing HD player capability) by the similarity in tone and content of the conversation as in the xx71 TV forum.

What's with this company (Samsung)? It seems they routinely release products with problems that people *hope* will be fixed by firmware updates. Doesn't a reasonable majority of people believe Samsung (or any company) should work these problems out before releasing products to the public, rather than letting customers beta-test them?

Sorry for asking a total n00b question, but are there any other single-box options out there now, or is the A35/BD-30 combination the real competition?

Really, all nonsense aside. If you can handle 2 separate units, that's my recommendation. BTW, I own the 5000 so I can speak from my personal experience with the machine.

I'm not bashing the 5000. It's just that it seems to fall short of MY expectations in many ways. I purchased it for 799 when getting the BD30/A35 combo was in the 950 range. Now that they can be had for the same coin as the 5000, why not?

If one breaks I'm only out half the investment. I just don't trust the 5000. Too many simple things don't work for me.... even remote button operation (not to mention button operation on the unit) is iffy.

If you want a one box solution, the 5000 is probably better than the LG (at least the price and specs are). However, I would really question how important having a single box is to you before purchase it.

I'm keeping mine. It's REALLY important to me to not have separate decks. Has worked fine on everything I've played on it, the pictures are stunning on my Pioneer 60" Kuro; sound is more than acceptable for now and I'm confident/comfortable that Samsung will deliver on better support for hi-res codecs. BTW, I'm HDMI end-to-end with a Denon 4308CI in the middle.

Happy New Year to all!

I dont have the 5000 but thought about it till I had the 1400. Even after mulitiple firmware updates it seems the 1400 is still not up to par.

Here is the breakdown for me. I am not sure what free discs you get with the 5000 unit.

I bought Panasonic BD30 $449 plus 5 my choice free BD discs and 5 by mail for a total of 10 BD

Ordered the Toshiba A35 $349 plus 5 discs all ones I wanted and 5 by mail. So total cost for both units is 800 with 20 free discs.

The Pansonic BD30 has worked flawlessly for me and I looking forward to the A35 with all firmware updates for the A35 out already I believe it will work as well as the BD30.

Down the road if I want to update one box it is less of a loss and one format wins same thing.

I bought Panasonic BD30 $449 plus 5 my choice free BD discs and 5 by mail for a total of 10 BD

Ordered the Toshiba A35 $349 plus 5 discs all ones I wanted and 5 by mail. So total cost for both units is 800 with 20 free discs.

The Pansonic BD30 has worked flawlessly for me and I looking forward to the A35 with all firmware updates for the A35 out already I believe it will work as well as the BD30.

Down the road if I want to update one box it is less of a loss and one format wins same thing.

I own a 5000 but the above math plus the fact that the BD30 is $410 now at Amazon just might do it for me. As much as I want to love this player it's impossible argue against $760 plus upwards of $400 in free movies plus 2 players that will bitstream to my Integra.

I already have 2 players connected(A2) for my A/B testing so 2 players doesn't bother me at all. Even if Samsung gets the audio right it's more expensive and there are zero free movies. The only place I see this fitting is for someone who has no space for 2 players.

If other owners can show me the error in my logic please do!

I own a 5000 but the above math plus the fact that the BD30 is $410 now at Amazon just might do it for me. As much as I want to love this player it's impossible argue against $760 plus upwards of $400 in free movies plus 2 players that will bitstream to my Integra.

I already have 2 players connected(A2) for my A/B testing so 2 players doesn't bother me at all. Even if Samsung gets the audio right it's more expensive and there are zero free movies. The only place I see this fitting is for someone who has no space for 2 players.

If other owners can show me the error in my logic please do!

had the 30K done internal decoding, or even promised such in a f/w upgrade, i would have bought it when it came out...while i am tracking down an Integra DTC-9.8 for my main setup, i do want the flexibility of moving/retasking this player in the future and don't want to have to keep upgrading my equipment to handle the outboard audio decoding.

my other very real and influential consideration is my wife and family...the convenience of one player, no thinking involved as to which player to insert the disc, which activity on the remote to activate in order to play a red or blu-cased disc, etc. really is something that i can't underestimate...the grief i here and the calls for help i already receive based on the complexity of the setup and various components that need to be on and switched to the proper inputs etc. is something i don't want to increase.

these are my reasons for a dual format player...nothing to do with the two competing formats and whether buying a dual player will somehow forestall the adoption of a single format, etc.

if the 30K and some other hd dvd player works for someone else, by all means, buy it, plug it in and start watching movies :)

my other very real and influential consideration is my wife and family...the convenience of one player, no thinking involved as to which player to insert the disc, which activity on the remote to activate in order to play a red or blu-cased disc, etc. really is something that i can't underestimate...the grief i here and the calls for help i already receive based on the complexity of the setup and various components that need to be on and switched to the proper inputs etc. is something i don't want to increase.


This is another real concern I didn't mention and very valid in your case. In my case those 20 free movies, $60 cheaper price tag, and bitstreaming of all codecs make it a no brainer. Right now I can't figure out why my brain isn't working and my order isn't in at Amazon already :)

Hi ALL,

I am now about 70% sure I'm going to return the 5000! I'm very sad as I was waiting for this for a long time, and while I realize that there are no Hi Def players that were 100% working out of the box, there are just too many problems and I am losing confidence that Samsung will fix these in a timely manner. From looking at the other Samsung player threads there are still problems in their other Blu Ray players that are still not fixed after several months.

So over the next few days I'm boxing it up and returning it to BB. As other have done I'll be getting the Panny BD30 and the Tosh A-35.

I already voted on this poll, but if I could change my vote it would be for the Yes, I returned it!!

Sorry!!!
Gerry

Hi ALL,

I am now about 70% sure I'm going to return the 5000! I'm very sad as I was waiting for this for a long time, and while I realize that there are no Hi Def players that were 100% working out of the box, there are just too many problems and I am losing confidence that Samsung will fix these in a timely manner. From looking at the other Samsung player threads there are still problems in their other Blu Ray players that are still not fixed after several months.

So over the next few days I'm boxing it up and returning it to BB. As other have done I'll be getting the Panny BD30 and the Tosh A-35.

I already voted on this poll, but if I could change my vote it would be for the Yes, I returned it!!

Sorry!!!
GerryI returned my BD-UP5000 & will wait to see what is announced regarding HD DVD players @ CES 2008 next Monday.

BTW... although some individuals seem to get frosted by my negative assessment of the BD-UP5000 if Samsung can get the bugs worked out & this player becomes more reliable in its price category, I will just buy another BD-UP5000 in a few months.

For one, it does not play all Blu-ray Discs. I rented "28 Weeks Later" from Hollywood Video yesterday and my BD-UP5000 will not play that move.

IMO this $800 player is not quite ready for prime time yet. I'm returning mine to Best Buy tonight or tomorrow and I am back in the "wait & see" mode until after CES 2008 and/or when Samsung gets the "kinks" worked out.

I knew there was a reason why I stopped buying A/V products from Samsung & Panasonic, preferring to spend my dough on Pioneer 'Elite' equipment instead. ;)
Something is very wrong here, especially since these new titles are having problems on all Samsung players. I think the fault lies with the movie studios, not Samsung. Are they not testing their movies at all? You would think that they would try the disc on several player before sending it to the presses.

If/when Samsung can get the kinks worked out and provided something better does not come along @ CES 2008 next week, I will revisit the BD-UP5000 again.

I have not been following HD DVD/Blu-ray disc/player technology before now but seeing all the problems with various players & DVDs really annoys me.

This is a part of the continuing shuck & jive BS that the MPAA, CATV/Satellite providers, A/V manufacturers and Congress have foisted upon the hapless consumer, where we continue to spend $$$$ on equipment & digital services that do not work as advertised.

Remember the Y2K non-event? The upheaval surrounding 2/17/09 should be quite different, although like Congress with the AMT & the NFL Network with the Patriots/Giants game, will probably cave and extend the analog shutoff date again.

I'm keeping mine until my return deadline is over (Jan. 31st). If I don't get a firmware upgrade or hear an official statement from Samsung about one before that date, it's going back to BB.

Wow I didnt know that this player had so many problems.I thought it would be great to have a dual format player but now I think getting 2 players isnt a bad idea.

Wow I didnt know that this player had so many problems.I thought it would be great to have a dual format player but now I think getting 2 players isnt a bad idea.

This player is quirky...and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
I have hundreds of hi-def discs and at least 6-8 had loading problems, audio problems, etc. I bought a Panny 30 and a Toshiba A35 to compare. Each of those played any disc that I threw into them with no problems. Easy firmware upgrades on their websites. I didn't feel like taking a chance. And I've been waiting since April for this player!!! My gut told me to move on.

This player is quirky...and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
I have hundreds of hi-def discs and at least 6-8 had loading problems, audio problems, etc. I bought a Panny 30 and a Toshiba A35 to compare. Each of those played any disc that I threw into them with no problems. Easy firmware upgrades on their websites. I didn't feel like taking a chance. And I've been waiting since April for this player!!! My gut told me to move on.

Quick question for you, I'm close to making the jump but does it bother you that the BD30 isn't and from what I know can never be profile 2.0 compliant?

I could be wrong but I think it requires 1GB storage + ethernet port, which the BD30 can never have.

Quick question for you, I'm close to making the jump but does it bother you that the BD30 isn't and from what I know can never be profile 2.0 compliant?

I could be wrong but I think it requires 1GB storage + ethernet port, which the BD30 can never have.

Hi ChicagoTC,

I'd like to give you an answer, if you don't mind.

My main criteria is to watch and listen to a movie with the best picure and sound. Sure I watch some of the special features on how the movie was made, but I usually don't watch them more than once. However if the movie is good I'll end up watching it many times.

As far as the internet enabled special features the only one I have tried so far is from Transformers. The movie was fantastic!! The internet extras were, in my opinion, a total waste of time! Granted there will be other disks with better internet features, but not having them doesn't bother me at all. Remember there still is a question on whether the 5000 has enough memory to do the profile 2.0 stuff anyway.

I currently have the 5000 and I already have the A35 coming in and will be ordering the BD30 in a day or so. The 5000 is going back on Thurs and I REALLY REALLY wanted it to work, but there's too many problems and I have lost faith that Samsung can correct them in a timely manner.

There is a new post in the owners thread that Broadcom may not be able to get DTS-HD working AT ALL!!!

Gerry

Quick question for you, I'm close to making the jump but does it bother you that the BD30 isn't and from what I know can never be profile 2.0 compliant?

I could be wrong but I think it requires 1GB storage + ethernet port, which the BD30 can never have.

I will never use this player for internet content...Absolutely no interest. Even 1.1 profile is meaningless to me. I want a solid player will solid picture & sound. I guess I'm old-fashioned that way! :D

This player is quirky...and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
I have hundreds of hi-def discs and at least 6-8 had loading problems, audio problems, etc. I bought a Panny 30 and a Toshiba A35 to compare. Each of those played any disc that I threw into them with no problems. Easy firmware upgrades on their websites. I didn't feel like taking a chance. And I've been waiting since April for this player!!! My gut told me to move on.

I just returned my 5000 and the a35 and bd30 were delivered today. I will say that at least on first viewing, they seem a bit softer than the 5000. However, their remotes work and they've played every disc that I threw at them.

This player is quirky...and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
I have hundreds of hi-def discs and at least 6-8 had loading problems, audio problems, etc. I bought a Panny 30 and a Toshiba A35 to compare. Each of those played any disc that I threw into them with no problems. Easy firmware upgrades on their websites. I didn't feel like taking a chance. And I've been waiting since April for this player!!! My gut told me to move on.

I bought an Onkyo nr905 and Samsung 5000 from Crutchfield on the 1st (5000 was backordered!), with a %20 discount. The nr905 is on the way and I am still comfortable with that one but after reading this thread I'm going to cancel the backordered 5000 and go for the non-backordered a35 (+8 discs) and the b/o bd30 (only 1 music disc ???). I read that others are getting 10 discs but Crutchfield is only showing a total of 8 HD and 1 BD...

I will never use this player for internet content...Absolutely no interest. Even 1.1 profile is meaningless to me. I want a solid player will solid picture & sound. I guess I'm old-fashioned that way! :D

Thank you for the opinion, I feel the same way.

Good chart on bluray profile requirements here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc

I'm keeping mine. I hope the eventual FW fixes some stuff, but as is, paired with my Onkyo 805 and JVC HD-70FH96, the picture and sound are still great. Even if only Dolby D 5.1. For some reason I have not had any disc issues with the exception of no chapter selection on Planet Earth series. However, Pirates 3, Casino Royale, Bourne Ult and about 30 others all work. Have spent a lot of time feeding this thing discs. It has, a couple of times, froze up with a blank screen while switching discs and accepting a new, but was cleared by cycling the power off. And this really only happened twice in a day of disc swapping. I love the space saving ease of a single player. My Onkyo, XBox 360, and Direct TV HR-20 take up the other 3 spots.

I have been an owner of the 5000 for approx. 2 week. So far, mostly good.

The only issues were some audio hiccups in the Simpsons and Meet the Robinsons. Right now, it is hooked up to my JVC 52G886 and the audio is optical to my Sony STR-DE675. (Audio upgrades coming).

Just based on the PQ alone, I am inclined to keep it. But I did vote "I don't know".

I don't plan on returning my 5000 at this point, but I've lost track of which other Blu-Ray players do on-board decoding, whether DF or Blu-Ray only?

given wb going blu exclusive, i think we need a part deux, or a reloaded, for this poll?

I actually think the WB announcement helps this player. If the audio and video issues are worked out it's a perfect way for current A2/A3/A30/A35/ETC owners to go blu. They will be able to play their HD-DVD collection and BR on a single player. In addition this player has everything needed to be profile 2.0 except the 1GB local storage. With the ethernet connection there are ways around this. I also feel the internet connectivity ability is going to be more important for future advanced content.

I was prepared to return the player and pick up an A35/BD30. Now for sure I won't get an A35 and the BD30 lacks an ethernet port, so it's very likely I stand pat with this player.

Mines going back tomorrow.
-won't play fox titles.
-crushes blacks.
-audio static over analog outs.

hope I just got a bad unit.

Mines going back tomorrow.
-won't play fox titles.
-crushes blacks.
-audio static over analog outs.

hope I just got a bad unit.Nope...seems to be quite common for some of these players right now.

I had previously voted that I was going to keep it.

But now, with the Warner announcement, I am leaning toward returning it and getting just Blu-ray.

Mines going back tomorrow.
-won't play fox titles.
-crushes blacks.
-audio static over analog outs.

hope I just got a bad unit.

I've only tried one Fox title (LFoDH) and it played fine. I calibrated mine with the HD-DVD of DVE and didn't notice any black crush.

Mines going back tomorrow.
-won't play fox titles.
-crushes blacks.
-audio static over analog outs.

hope I just got a bad unit.

I don't see any evidence of crushed blacks. Does anyone else see any issues with black reproduction on this unit?

Thanks,

Larry

I've had the 5k in the house since the 4th.

Pre FW update, I had a 4 for 4 HD DVD issue, with no BD issues at all.

Post the FW update, 2 seemed to have gone away, one got slightly better and the other was just as bad.

I want the player to do all the best of everything, including sound.

So for now, I'm going to return it to CC for an exchange unit and see what that does. This will give me another player to try and another 30 day window to see what occurs in the FW update stakes.

However, if there are still basic issues (it doesn't play discs without issues) then back it goes and I'll go for the BD30/A35 route.

3 way HDMI splitters can be had for about $50 (better ones for more) and I have room for 2 seperates.

I want to be able to watch a film without audio/visual glitches (another old timer... :D ). Pluses, like 1.1 and internet connections are nice to have, but let's learn to walk first huh.

I wanted the player to work. It has so much potential, could have been so good.

Samsung, so near, yet so far....

Seggers

And now I'll be off to get the BD30/A35 combo.

Seggers

I havent changed my mind...Keeping mine

I don't see any evidence of crushed blacks. Does anyone else see any issues with black reproduction on this unit?

Thanks,

Larry

Larry,

I havent seen any crushed blacks either. I was watching From Hell which as we all know is a "dark" movie and didnt notice anything wrong with the picture it actually looked really nice.

And now I'll be off to get the BD30/A35 combo.

Seggers

You won't be looking back at all!:D

keeping.

Just returned mine to Magnolia and picked up a Panny BD30.

That was after finding that I could not tell the difference in SD upconvert between the 5000 via HDMI and a 10 year old DVD player via S-Video (i.e., upconvert by the TV (a 1080P Panny plasma.))

You won't be looking back at all!:D

I actually ended up buying a 40Gb PS3 instead. Looks like it has the most chance of being 2.0 compliant etc. And it cost me less via Amazon.

Still, no more 5K for me....

Seggers

I returned mine for a PS3 80G (which I already love!) and an A35. I will buy another dual format when a good one (BR 2.0 and no major glitches) comes along. I have two HT's so it would be nice not to have four different boxes. My goal was to just have two players but, I can already tell that the PS3 is a keeper. So, when a suitable dual player comes along I will sell the A35 and pair my XA2 with the PS3. Good luck to everyone keeping theirs, I hope that you get the proper support from Samsung.

Previously stated I was on the fence, but with the latest firmware update, I now am not having too many issues. All titles I have tried play well, albeit I have yet to try anything other than popping it in and trying the a few menu functions, jumping to a scene, play, ff, etc. I have another week to decide, but I would venture to say it's staying.

I havent changed my mind...Keeping mine

Same here!

I got my 5000 the third week in December and I finally gave in and sold it last week (happened to be significantly more lucrative than returning it, oddly enough). Anyways, the hangup for me was the advanced audio codec decoding. This was the sole feature that made me buy this player when I hadn't bought the previous dual format offerings which weren't advertised as being able to decode TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. There is too much uncertaintly as to if or when this functionality will be added and I'm not really inclined to wait several months to find out if Samsung will support or abandon this unit.

However, on the playback side I was very happy. It played every disc I fed it and the only issues I had were some moderately slow chapter/layer changes on some discs. Picture and audio quality were outstanding. If only it had delivered on the audio decoding I would still be raving about how amazing this player is. Oh well. No seperates for me at the moment. I'll bide my time until somebody makes a full featured DF player that delivers. Maybe that will end up being another 5000 if they enable it via firmware in a few months, who knows.

Already sent it back. Got an Onkyo DV-HD805 (basically a tweaked XA2) for the Reon upscaling and handling all audio formats. Got the Sony BDP-S500 for the same reason (money is not an issue for me). I don't need or desire all the headaches and customer service issues.

Both these players work beautifully with every disc (with the exception of a few quick audio drop-outs on CEOTTK). I wish the Sony loaded faster, but at least this way, I can get next-gen 2.0 Blu player in a year or so and let the Onkyo handle my HD DVD discs until the format is fully deceased.

I want so much to keep this player and be done with my search for the best player(s) for both formats but as it stands and it has turned out thus far, Samsung has not given me any confidence in fixing the bugs and deficiencies of the player soon. I wanted to enjoy all this new HD Audio formats right now (that's why I spent so much money on this and a new HDMI 1.3 capable Onkyo NR905 receiver). As it turned out, it was a disappointment and to this day, I have never, ever been able to hear and enjoy my audio in true HiDef Audio format. I am in the process of trying to return my unit to BestBuy For Business (BBFB). They have been jerking me around for two weeks now since I requested my RMA from them. So yes I am another soon to be ex-owner, returning mine and will wait until the dust settles to see which players in the coming months will win my money. Right now BBFB has my money though!:(

I sadly returned mine. I had big expectations for the 5000 but was sadly disappointed after experience a number of problems playing certain disks and with set-up - engaging 24 mode was a pain - yes/no menu didn't always appear and you had to press the remote blindly!

I know the issues will be fixed by firmware and the player will probably most likely work beautifully by May but, why do I want to pay all this money now and only have cheaper more fully functioning units available when this unit gets finally fixed. I'll stick with my PS3 for BR movies and buy a cheap HDDVD player to HD titles. I'll also benefit from receiving 7 HDDVD titles which will justify the player cost.

Here's to the 5500 or 6500 fully working and at a responsible cost in May/June 2008!

Yet another reason to return the BD-5000, is not looking good folks.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/23/the-samsung-bd-up5000-to-be-discontinued-in-may/

With Samsung effectively stabbing you in the back, I'd take it back right now.

All of you!

Oh wait, I did last Sunday :p

Seggers

well I got screwed...If I lived in the States, Id return this and get my money back..but hearing this news today..theres no way I can get it back to the States on time..I guess I am stuck with this thing

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.

"it's a little ridiculous when we're forced to wait for a new player longer than it's on the market"

"what else could possibly warrant a mid year revamp? We suspect the problem is that the player isn't delivering"

I hate to say it, but... I told you guy's so ;)

The Samsung BD-UP5000 to be discontinued in May (http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/23/the-samsung-bd-up5000-to-be-discontinued-in-may/)

I received my BBFB RMA this afternoon and shipped it back this evening. Waiting for my refund to be processes now... then will look at alternative players. Too bad this player did not live up to the promise. I hope that future players will support everything without any bugs. I really liked the BD-UP5000 for the things that did work on it. But I could not live without the full HD Audio formats support. I am into high quality sound and music more so than the video. Good Luck Samsung in fixing this mess.

Too late for me...Ebay or keep are my main options.

Although I earlier answered the poll saying I'd keep mine, after all the developments this past week and my continuing problems after the firmware update, I took mine back yesterday and bought a BD-30 and A30 to replace. Very happy with both.

I returned mine two weeks ago. What's truly pathetic is the "Official Owners" thread, wherein people are still posting about the player's POTENTIAL and how they TRUST that Samsung will eventually fix all the bugs (i.e., advanced audio codecs, etc.) People, this player has already been discontinued and replaced. Wake up!

Already sent it back. Got an Onkyo DV-HD805 (basically a tweaked XA2) for the Reon upscaling and handling all audio formats. Got the Sony BDP-S500 for the same reason (money is not an issue for me). I don't need or desire all the headaches and customer service issues.

Both these players work beautifully with every disc (with the exception of a few quick audio drop-outs on CEOTTK). I wish the Sony loaded faster, but at least this way, I can get next-gen 2.0 Blu player in a year or so and let the Onkyo handle my HD DVD discs until the format is fully deceased.

Need clarification here...I wasn't aware that the Sony 500 can pass the bitstream signal to a receiver with an onboard decoder...?? Please confirm...Thx

I returned mine two weeks ago. What's truly pathetic is the "Official Owners" thread, wherein people are still posting about the player's POTENTIAL and how they TRUST that Samsung will eventually fix all the bugs (i.e., advanced audio codecs, etc.) People, this player has already been discontinued and replaced. Wake up!

ahhh yes I guess some people cant just play nice and have to resort to calling people pathetic. If the owners like myself are happy with the player then so be it we are not attacking you on our choices. :rolleyes:

Well I just picked one up last night at BB. I didn't see this thread until today. I was not aware that dual players had their own forum. I looked at BluRay and saw nothing much about the 5000 so I took the plunge.

I MUST HAVE 7.1 ANALOG CAPABILITIES. That's the only reason I bought it. Dual format is a plus but I don't own a single HD-DVD or BluRay disc yet. I have a heavily modified Lexicon DC1 and a custom vacumm tube amplification system that I will not scrap for some single box AV receiver just to get HDMI audio. So I really don't care about HDMI audio problems. I do have an HDCP compliant projector.

SO far I only tested standard DVD's which played fine. The up conversion was sub par from my SD DVD system but that's to be exected due to the advanced broadcast grade processing equipment I have for SD.

I ordered some BluRay DVD's from CD Universe this week. If this thing is a dog, I have until 2/24 to return it. The new Poineer scheduled out in MAy looks very promissing.

Anybody want to comment on other players with 7.1 analog outputs I'm listening.

P.S. I you are wondering why I didn't buy a movie at BB, there was not a single title that appealed to me that I don't already have on DVHS. I have over 500 titles recorded from Dish since 2001. Hence my late entry into HD DVD and Blu RAY.

Well I just picked one up last night at BB. I didn't see this thread until today. I was not aware that dual players had their own forum. I looked at BluRay and saw nothing much about the 5000 so I took the plunge.

I MUST HAVE 7.1 ANALOG CAPABILITIES. That's the only reason I bought it. Dual format is a plus but I don't own a single HD-DVD or BluRay disc yet. I have a heavily modified Lexicon DC1 and a custom vacumm tube amplification system that I will not scrap for some single box AV receiver just to get HDMI audio. So I really don't care about HDMI audio problems. I do have an HDCP compliant projector.

SO far I only tested standard DVD's which played fine. The up conversion was sub par from my SD DVD system but that's to be exected due to the advanced broadcast grade processing equipment I have for SD.

I ordered some BluRay DVD's from CD Universe this week. If this thing is a dog, I have until 2/24 to return it. The new Poineer scheduled out in MAy looks very promissing.

Anybody want to comment on other players with 7.1 analog outputs I'm listening.

P.S. I you are wondering why I didn't buy a movie at BB, there was not a single title that appealed to me that I don't already have on DVHS. I have over 500 titles recorded from Dish since 2001. Hence my late entry into HD DVD and Blu RAY.


You sound like a candidate for one of the "new" Denon Blu-Ray units and maybe the Onkyo 805 for HD-DVD if you want to be "Purple" :cool:

Edit ** Taking a peek at the Denon thread seems to be having some problems also.

I returned mine two weeks ago. What's truly pathetic is the "Official Owners" thread, wherein people are still posting about the player's POTENTIAL and how they TRUST that Samsung will eventually fix all the bugs (i.e., advanced audio codecs, etc.) People, this player has already been discontinued and replaced. Wake up!

Regardless of what eventually happens, this statement is flat-out FALSE. Someone posted a statement from Samsung (which is STILL not official) that the unit would be discontinued in MAY, after which Samsung changed this and said that this date may in fact change. This player has NOT "already been discontinued," nor has it already been "replaced."

The reason that people like me are keeping the unit is that there is an equal amount of evidence suggesting that Samsung will fix these issues. If they don't, I'll have no problem demanding my money back at THAT time based on the fact that the unit will not have delivered as advertised. If they DO, however, fix these issues, then I'll have what will arguably be one of the best players on the market.

The only "issue" is that we'll have to wait a while to see whether or not this happens. I should note that I find Samsungs behavior in this to be VERY irresponsible. The fact that I have to wait this long, as well as the TOTAL lack of any official information from Samsung continues to be extremely frustrating, and I won't forget this fact in the future when deciding on purchases. That said, I'm reluctantly willing to wait based on the fact that there is NO other single player that can do what the 5000 is "supposedly" going to be able to do.

The bottom line is that my behavior in this is not "pathetic" -- it's a calculated decision based on personal parameters.

Larry

I returned mine two weeks ago. What's truly pathetic is the "Official Owners" thread, ;) wherein people are still posting about the player's POTENTIAL and how they TRUST that Samsung will eventually fix all the bugs (i.e., advanced audio codecs, etc.) People, this player has already been discontinued and replaced. Wake up!Ah, to be young & naive, looking at the world through a pair of rose colored glasses. :D

After all the faults, audio drop offs, discs refusing to play after playing previous, it goes back tomorrow. Good luck all with yours

After all the faults, audio drop offs, discs refusing to play after playing previous, it goes back tomorrow. Good luck all with yours

You might want to give it just a few more days. More than one source has indicated that a new firmware update is imminent, and it would be a shame to find out that the issues that most effected you were fixed right after you just returned it.

Larry

You might want to give it just a few more days. More than one source has indicated that a new firmware update is imminent, and it would be a shame to find out that the issues that most effected you were fixed right after you just returned it.

LarryWill the firmware update be available before or sometime after 01/31/2008, which is generally the last day to return items that were purchased from local B&M retail stores during the holiday season?

Will the firmware update be available before or sometime after 01/31/2008, which is generally the last day to return items that were purchased from local B&M retail stores during the holiday season?

Ditto!

At this point, I'm boxing this up tonight after work, and my wife takes it back tomorrow night.:(

Unless they post the new FW prior to about 1700 (PST) tomorrow, and it includes advanced codec multi-channel output via analog.:D

Can't take the gamble.

You might want to give it just a few more days. More than one source has indicated that a new firmware update is imminent, and it would be a shame to find out that the issues that most effected you were fixed right after you just returned it.

Larry


Well you can always go re-buy it somewhere else. Nobody is discounting these yet so it's $799 anywhere you go.

I purchased the BD-UP5000 for 20% off at Best Buy (about 640 versus 799) a few days ago. And I am keeping mine for the following reasons:

1. Fast start up time (faster than my Pioneer Elite 94 and my Toshiba A-30 on my "main" system).
2, Beautiful picture even on my 720p Sony Plasma (yes, of course, my Pioneer PRO-FHD1 is better but that is my main system).
3. It played every HD and Blu-Ray I've tried on it (it failed to play "3:10 to Yuma" but after the firmware upgrade it played fine). It even played Evan Almighty which my Toshiba refuses to play!
4. Adequate sound. My receiver in the bedroom is not HDMI capable so I use a Coax connection. The sound is fine for my purposes since the receiver is only connected to a 3.1 speaker configuration. I am tempted to temporarily connect it to my main system to see if it plays True HD after a later upgrade.
5. Space reasons. I wanted one player that is able to play both formats without having to take up room and connections.

I only have a few complaints about the unit: it can't play DVD+R's and its looks are not as attractive as some other players (including my old Samsung 1000). But, to me, the unit suits me fine. I think that many other consumers would find the unit more than adequate, especially those who want a single HD player without the hassle of 2 machines.

Count me as one of the idiots that is keeping theirs ;)

I'm over my 30 day return window, so it's now official.

I had some random A/V stuttering in the first 4 movies I played which initially turned me off a bit on the unit, but since then I've had no problems with playback whatsoever. (11/07 Build date) Played 5 HD-DVDs, about a dozen Blu-Ray, and 4-5 SD-DVDs so far.

No extra cables, no extra remote, no extra instructions to learn, no extra boxes having to be stored, no worrying about putting the correct disc in the proper unit after a few drinks ;), etc. ...the extra couple hundred dollars over separates is worth it for me (not even considering the Reon) and if the advanced audio codes get straightened out it will make the unit just that much better to me.

I have to admit that was very close to returning it at one point, but the prompt firmware update swayed me to keep it.

I returned mine two weeks ago. What's truly pathetic is the "Official Owners" thread, wherein people are still posting about the player's POTENTIAL and how they TRUST that Samsung will eventually fix all the bugs (i.e., advanced audio codecs, etc.) People, this player has already been discontinued and replaced. Wake up!

Nice lies there. No, this player has not been discontinued and has not been replaced either.

Why don't YOU wake up ?

I only have a few complaints about the unit: it can't play DVD+R's and its looks are not as attractive as some other players (including my old Samsung 1000). But, to me, the unit suits me fine. I think that many other consumers would find the unit more than adequate, especially those who want a single HD player without the hassle of 2 machines.

Are you sure about DVD+R ? Mine plays them just fine...

At least for homegrown double layer DVD+R's it didn't work. My Sony DVD+R DL recorded on a PC was rejected as "wrong region code". And the Samsung manual specifically says that DVD+R/RW and RAM won't play. I will try some regular DVD+R and History Channel DVD+Rs and report back.

At least for homegrown double layer DVD+R's it didn't work. My Sony DVD+R DL recorded on a PC was rejected as "wrong region code". And the Samsung manual specifically says that DVD+R/RW and RAM won't play. I will try some regular DVD+R and History Channel DVD+Rs and report back.

From what I have sen if you set the "book type" to DVD-R then it should work...I have seen multiple people say that they have been able to play DVD+R discs though, it could be just the disc ;) or the movie you were playing (since it said "region code" and didnt just reject the disc. If it wasnt going to play the disc I would expect it to just spit the disc out.

I've kept it.

At least for homegrown double layer DVD+R's it didn't work. My Sony DVD+R DL recorded on a PC was rejected as "wrong region code". And the Samsung manual specifically says that DVD+R/RW and RAM won't play. I will try some regular DVD+R and History Channel DVD+Rs and report back.

I have DVD+R burned with regular DVD files and HD DVD files and both work perfectly.

Still very early in the game, but just curious who will be keeping their 5000, waiting for new firmware updates...who are already moving on...or who is still not certain what to do.

The ultimate question is will we ever be on top of this game?
Where no more new products nothing can ever top it?
I.e computers everyday there is something better, faster and less expensive,
Audio equipment always something new daily, monthly, yearly.
Now we are hearing about Ultra HD, Quad HD.

Tomorrow I will return to BB. After playing approximately six or so of each format, I have yet to have one play all the way thru without freezing up, skipping etc.

Mine went back to Best Buy last Sunday after only a week of use.

Saturday night we tried to watch Mr. Woodcock (BluRay, Netflix), wasted a half hour of our lives on that before I finally searched here and found that it was a lost cause.

Then we popped in our other current Netflix rental, a standard-def documentary called, "Unknown White Male." For a while all it would give me was a black screen. It claimed this was the menu. After lots of ejecting and stopping and messing around, I finally got it to play (I think RESUME PLAY after a stop was what did it).

All in all, way too much hassle for me.

Now I have a PS3 and Toshiba HD-A30.

I don't play video games at all, but I love the PS3! It's the best DVD player I've ever had. If you open the on-screen TIME display, you get a beautifully-rendered progress bar showing where you are in the movie. That alone sold me. It's substantially faster at everything than the 5000 was. For instance, you can turn it on by shoving a disc in it, whereas most HD players make you stand there twiddling your thumbs for a while after you hit the EJECT button.

Make sure you buy Sony's $25 bluetooth remote so you don't have to use the silly gaming joystick to control movies. I bought the PS3 and remote from Circuit City online, and they automatically took $25 off the price of the PS3, rendering the remote effectively free.

This PS3 + HD-A30 pair cost me $250 less than the Samsung 5000 alone, and I'm much happier.

I guess my post was lost due to the server problem. I retested with different types of DVD+R's (including homegrown and purchased) and they all played fine. So I stand corrected. :oAnother reason for me to keep the player. I have had no playback issues other than the false report on DVD+R and the "3:10 to Yuma" problem which was fixed by the firmware upgrade. I noticed that many of the complaints are from rental DVD's which are prone to abuse by the uncaring (not our members, of course!).;)

Mine went back to Best Buy last Sunday after only a week of use.

Saturday night we tried to watch Mr. Woodcock (BluRay, Netflix), wasted a half hour of our lives on that before I finally searched here and found that it was a lost cause.

Then we popped in our other current Netflix rental, a standard-def documentary called, "Unknown White Male." For a while all it would give me was a black screen. It claimed this was the menu. After lots of ejecting and stopping and messing around, I finally got it to play (I think RESUME PLAY after a stop was what did it).

All in all, way too much hassle for me.

Now I have a PS3 and Toshiba HD-A30.

I don't play video games at all, but I love the PS3! It's the best DVD player I've ever had. If you open the on-screen TIME display, you get a beautifully-rendered progress bar showing where you are in the movie. That alone sold me. It's substantially faster at everything than the 5000 was. For instance, you can turn it on by shoving a disc in it, whereas most HD players make you stand there twiddling your thumbs for a while after you hit the EJECT button.

Make sure you buy Sony's $25 bluetooth remote so you don't have to use the silly gaming joystick to control movies. I bought the PS3 and remote from Circuit City online, and they automatically took $25 off the price of the PS3, rendering the remote effectively free.

This PS3 + HD-A30 pair cost me $250 less than the Samsung 5000 alone, and I'm much happier.
The PS3 is faster than every standalone known to man. I'm still not interested in one.

Well after I returned my BD-UP5000, I now ordered a BD-P1400 for Bluray and a Toshiba HD-A35 for HD-DVD. They are due to arrive tomorrow for me to try them out. I really hate to get two extra components and all that extra cable connectivity needed for two separate players. I really wish the BD-UP5000 would have worked out. It would have been the best player and deal out on the market currently. Too bad they are wishy washy on their commitment to fix the bugs on it. If they do, I will buy it again. If they don't I will live with 2 separate players. Oh, I also paid $210 less for two players than I did for the BD-UP5000! I already had all the cables so no extra spent there. wow! I just hope the two new players work out for me. If they prove too buggy, I will return them also and then wait till next year for things to get settled in this new technology.

Well after I returned my BD-UP5000, I now ordered a BD-P1400 for Bluray and a Toshiba HD-A35 for HD-DVD. They are due to arrive tomorrow for me to try them out. I really hate to get two extra components and all that extra cable connectivity needed for two separate players. I really wish the BD-UP5000 would have worked out. It would have been the best player and deal out on the market currently. Too bad they are wishy washy on their commitment to fix the bugs on it. If they do, I will buy it again. If they don't I will live with 2 separate players. Oh, I also paid $210 less for two players than I did for the BD-UP5000! I already had all the cables so no extra spent there. wow! I just hope the two new players work out for me. If they prove too buggy, I will return them also and then wait till next year for things to get settled in this new technology.

You should have gotten the Panasonic BD30K.. BD-P 1400 ouch!

You should have gotten the Panasonic BD30K.. BD-P 1400 ouch!

Well just took delivery of the BD-P1400 and the Tosh HD-A35 from Amazon.com! I will have to check it out. I did not want the limitations of the Panasonic BD-30 even though it seems to have good bug free reports for the most part (aside from the LFE bug). The BD-P1400 seems to offer the best bang for the bucks and has most of the capabilities I want. If it turns out to be quirku playing discs, I will return it. Right now, just got it connected to my Onkyo NR905 and playing movie Hairspray with DTS-HD-MA bitstreaming to my speakers for the first time in this house! :) Have not cracked open the Toshiba A35 box yet... as I have to make room for two players. :( Wish they would fix the bugs in the BD-UP5000 as that is the one I would really like to have here in one component space and less cables.

Too bad they are wishy washy on their commitment to fix the bugs on it. .

I still dont get this. Nowhere has Samsung been wishy washy. Seems that the only wishy washy-ness has been the people that returned it.

strange.

how does the 905 sound with the 1400?

I still dont get this. Nowhere has Samsung been wishy washy. Seems that the only wishy washy-ness has been the people that returned it.

strange.

Choptop, Samsung as well as Broadcom have been silent to the public (customers) on all of this. We only have the second hand reports from online mag reviews and such telling us what to expect. Do you work for Samsung?
You seem to be picking for a fight. I am not participating in it if you are.
I can't help you if you don't understand or "get it" what I am talking about.
I think Samsung owes us at least an official statement to clear it all up. Until then, it is all vaporware. Let's see what this Friday's firmware update will bring to th BD-UP5000 (if they really release it as rumored). If it fixes all the bugs I am concerned about, like I said, I will buy the unit back again. 'nuff said. Do you own the BD-UP5000 BTW and feel the need to defend your purchase? If not, I get the impression you like to find things to argue over.
This is not a fight. This is an endeavor to get the unsatisfied message to Samsung when they read the internet postings about said topic(s). I don't knock the folks who decided to keep it, and I don't knock the ones who returned it. Wishy-washy is like they advertised their players to be able to do certain things with later firmware updates. Then later reports from their reps at CES, said that they won't be able to enable such features due to hardware problems. Then later still, reps start saying that firmware update to enable features will be out in May 2008, then news comes out that they are going to discontinue in May, then news comes out that they changed their minds and that discontinuation date can change... wishy washy, no?

Choptop, Samsung as well as Broadcom have been silent to the public (customers) on all of this. We only have the second hand reports from online mag reviews and such telling us what to expect. Do you work for Samsung?
You seem to be picking for a fight. I am not participating in it if you are.
I can't help you if you don't understand or "get it" what I am talking about.

No I'm not picking for a fight. Nor do I feel the need to defend my purchase.

what I "dont get" is how people continue to diss Samsung based on nothing.

when in fact all they have done is put a product on the market, promised updates for it, and so far have lived up to that promise... by issuing updates.

This gets translated into Samsung "abandoning customers", "being wishy washy", "screwing customers"... <insert any of the myriad of things taht have been posted on this board>

thats what I dont get. There is nothing different about this player than any other (needing updates, missing features, not playing certain discs), but yet statements of that ilk keep coming up. Everyone keeps reading WAY too much into a situation that no one really knows anything about.

Then later reports from their reps at CES,


wait a minute... ya mean someone at a trade show booth said something? it must be gospel then.

Come on.

Wishy-washy is like they advertised their players to be able to do certain things with later firmware updates. Then later reports from their reps at CES, said that they won't be able to enable such features due to hardware problems. Then later still, reps start saying that firmware update to enable features will be out in May 2008, then news comes out that they are going to discontinue in May, then news comes out that they changed their minds and that discontinuation date can change... wishy washy, no?

If you have official sources for any of the above spill it.

When I see statements and retractions from Samsung in press releases then I'll buy it. Until then... its all grand rumor.

What we KNOW is that Samsung brought a product to market, promised updates, has delivered and update with more promised, and has said that they will eventually discontinue the product.

nothing extraordinary there.


they advertised their players to be able to do certain things with later firmware updates. - true


Then later reports from their reps at CES, said that they won't be able to enable such features due to hardware problems. - ?

Then later still, reps start saying that firmware update to enable features will be out in May 2008 - ?

then news comes out that they are going to discontinue in May - true

then news comes out that they changed their minds and that discontinuation date can change - ?



In another thread there is someone spreading the rumor that THE one guy that knows anything about the 7440 chip has left Samsung... With no basis in fact at all. Come on people. Rope it in.

so does Best Buy giv customers a 30-day trial period, no questions asked return policy? there is no re-stocking fee associated with it?

Yes, Best Buy allows you to "borrow" the unit for 30 days, no restocking fee.

Circuit City on the other hand charges a 15% restocking fee on the unit unless there is something "wrong" with the unit. If they have it in stock, they will try to replace it with another unit. My suggestion is that you return it to a store that does not have them in stock, and with manager's approval, they'll return the whole thing.

I definately recommend staying away from CC if you're just renting the unit.

After reading through this thread I'm leaning toward waiting on either further firmware updates or until a better player comes out. I would really love to have a single player, but at the price point for the 5000, it just seems hard make the buy given it's reported short comings. Any thoughts?

I'm keeping my 5k. I'm not sure what's up with all the haters. Mine works fine with no issues re audio or video playback. I like the dual format, even though HD-DVD will likely not make it to 2009, because at least as of now there are HDDVD-only titles that I want to see. The Reon upscaling is a nice feature as I watch a lot of foreign DVDs and they are almost always SD. Plus, the load and response times are significantly quicker than on my Sony 300 BR player.

Seems that many are pissed because they were bitten by the "early release" bug. But that's ALWAYS the risk of early adopters and has been since the electronic age began. If you're gonna buy any electronic device right out of the gate -- especially one as complicated as a dual-format player in an industry well know for over-promising on delivery -- there's a chance you get a dud.