[Digital Man5]

Was over at Best Buy today and they had, what I believed to be, a display model of the LG Super Blu combo player(BH200) for $199. No remote, no box, no manual. An employee was able to come up with, at least, a power cable for me, but that's it. I can't get anything other than regular DVDs to play, as none of the HD DVD discs I put in there will acknowledge the "Play" button as "OK". Plus, I can't navigate at all.


I guess my question is, is it worth the time/money it's going to take to get a remote for this thing? I have an HD-A2 already, and am extremely pleased with it, but play Blu-Ray discs sounds kind of interesting as well. As I can't try anything out, I don't know how I'd handle the slower HD DVD menus and certain features/discs not working(same on the Blu-Ray side, but not owning a BD player, I can't comment much on its performance).


I hear conflicting reports about the DVD upscaling, so I may play with that tomorrow, see how it goes. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

DM

 

[vinnie97]

Man, I can't wait 'til the backstock is finally sold through...tired of these type threads!


You could always get a universal remote and live with that, but it's an extra cost.

 

[tbase1]



Quote:
Originally Posted by vinnie97 /forum/post/15402023


Man, I can't wait 'til the backstock is finally sold through...tired of these type threads!


You could always get a universal remote and live with that, but it's an extra cost.

I have to agree once again. However, it sounds like the player is defective to me. If the player does not play all the disc formats.....GAME OVER! On the other hand, a BD-300 remote works great or he can google the model number. I think I saw new ones at $34.95 plus shipping.

 

[duffman13]

i just got a harmony 550, they're getting rid of them about $50 a pop online some places.

 

[tbase1]

duffman13,


That's exactly right...the Harmony 550 would be the one to get over a spec. remote at this point.

 

[Tiga]

I just picked one of these up myself with no remote and am able to use the

remote of my Onkyo 606 with no issues so far. I'd recommend you upgrade your firmware as soon as possible. Made a big difference for me in solving some BD playback issues.


I also have an A-2 HD DVD player and I think the toshiba is better at upconverting - however the LG isn't bad by any means . Good luck.


Tiga

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digital Man5 /forum/post/15401874


Was over at Best Buy today and they had, what I believed to be, a display model of the LG Super Blu combo player(BH200) for $199. No remote, no box, no manual. An employee was able to come up with, at least, a power cable for me, but that's it. I can't get anything other than regular DVDs to play, as none of the HD DVD discs I put in there will acknowledge the "Play" button as "OK". Plus, I can't navigate at all.


I guess my question is, is it worth the time/money it's going to take to get a remote for this thing? I have an HD-A2 already, and am extremely pleased with it, but play Blu-Ray discs sounds kind of interesting as well. As I can't try anything out, I don't know how I'd handle the slower HD DVD menus and certain features/discs not working(same on the Blu-Ray side, but not owning a BD player, I can't comment much on its performance).


I hear conflicting reports about the DVD upscaling, so I may play with that tomorrow, see how it goes. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

DM

 

[oldcarrot]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Digital Man5 /forum/post/15401874


Was over at Best Buy today and they had, what I believed to be, a display model of the LG Super Blu combo player(BH200) for $199. No remote, no box, no manual. An employee was able to come up with, at least, a power cable for me, but that's it. I can't get anything other than regular DVDs to play, as none of the HD DVD discs I put in there will acknowledge the "Play" button as "OK". Plus, I can't navigate at all.


I guess my question is, is it worth the time/money it's going to take to get a remote for this thing? I have an HD-A2 already, and am extremely pleased with it, but play Blu-Ray discs sounds kind of interesting as well. As I can't try anything out, I don't know how I'd handle the slower HD DVD menus and certain features/discs not working(same on the Blu-Ray side, but not owning a BD player, I can't comment much on its performance).


I hear conflicting reports about the DVD upscaling, so I may play with that tomorrow, see how it goes. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

DM

I just got my 3rd BH-200 yesterday, display model at Best Buy. This one did not have remote, cables, or manual. I got it for $99 with a promise that I could return if defective (I think @ this point they are just trying to get rid of the last ones they have)...and don't forget the $75 BD-Live rebate from LG. Since I have other BH200s I was able to test it out @ home and it works. If it doesn't at least recognize HDDVD disk, I'd be concerned it may be defective. If you buy, you should either make sure you can return of have a valid manufacturer warranty. LG is only 90 days for labor, but 1 year for parts.


The model number for the remote isAKB35121701. The LG website lists 3 part vendors. I got it from Vance Baldwin for $29.61, plus $8 shipping. You can also call Best Buy and ask for parts. It was slightly more thru them because of Calif sales tax.


I tried visiting all the local Best Buys first to see if they had a spare remote. They have a drawer full @ each store...usually in Magnolia section. If they had one, they would have given it to me.

 

[Digital Man5]



Quote:
Originally Posted by vinnie97 /forum/post/15402023


Man, I can't wait 'til the backstock is finally sold through...tired of these type threads!

I apologize for ruining your day by forcing you to read my post.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tbase1 /forum/post/15403274


However, it sounds like the player is defective to me. If the player does not play all the disc formats.....GAME OVER!

I guess I'm missing something here. This BH200 plays HD DVD, Blu-Ray and DVD...what other formats am I missing?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiga /forum/post/15407285


I just picked one of these up myself with no remote and am able to use the

remote of my Onkyo 606 with no issues so far. I'd recommend you upgrade your firmware as soon as possible. Made a big difference for me in solving some BD playback issues.


I also have an A-2 HD DVD player and I think the toshiba is better at upconverting - however the LG isn't bad by any means . Good luck.


Tiga

I tried out my cheap(but reliable) $20 RCA. Did a code search, it worked. I was impressed. I did not even remotely think that would have worked.


I agree with your evaluation on the upscaling: I think the HD-A2 does a better job.


I updated the firmware and the driver for the player, but haven't messed with any of the hacks(multi-region DVD or Blu-Ray playback, etc) just yet.


It's a hard decision: I am pleased with the HD DVD playback, so far none of the menus or special features have been so slow that I couldn't deal with it. I can live(and well) without "BD Live". The upscaling is kind of depressing, as I can notice a real difference between it and the HD-A2's quality, but again I think I can deal with it.


Owning a nice HD DVD collection, HD DVD playback is my main concern. I don't think I'll buy any Blu-Ray movies, but rather just rent them. This may work out nicely for that. Don't think I'll sell the HD-A2 though.

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldcarrot /forum/post/15407488


I just got my 3rd BH-200 yesterday, display model at Best Buy. This one did not have remote, cables, or manual. I got it for $99 with a promise that I could return if defective (I think @ this point they are just trying to get rid of the last ones they have)...and don't forget the $75 BD-Live rebate from LG. Since I have other BH200s I was able to test it out @ home and it works. If it doesn't at least recognize HDDVD disk, I'd be concerned it may be defective. If you buy, you should either make sure you can return of have a valid manufacturer warranty. LG is only 90 days for labor, but 1 year for parts.

I've tested it out with all formats today; it looks to be in good working order. On the rebate: That's crazy that they'll send you $75 even though one only pays what we did for the player. Will try to call them this week!

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldcarrot /forum/post/15407488


The model number for the remote isAKB35121701. The LG website lists 3 part vendors. I got it from Vance Baldwin for $29.61, plus $8 shipping. You can also call Best Buy and ask for parts. It was slightly more thru them because of Calif sales tax.

I may look in to that, but the reports that the remote sucks has me hesitating. Thing is, a *lot* of people seem to complain here on AVS, so it's hard to sort out the legitimate complaints from the elitist whining. So far, other than the somewhat weak upscaling, I haven't agree with any of the gripes I've heard about this player.

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldcarrot /forum/post/15407488


I tried visiting all the local Best Buys first to see if they had a spare remote. They have a drawer full @ each store...usually in Magnolia section. If they had one, they would have given it to me.

Yeah, the guy was going through that drawer when he was looking for the remote, but with no luck. He did manage to get the power cable though(thank God).


Off to test out the "music" and "pictures" feature of the player. Thanks to all for the help.

DM

 

[rezzy]

No offense, but I have to agree with Vinnie. New owners should IMO, post to the "Best Buy" thread. I posted there even though I snagged the last one from a Circuit City. New posts will be read and it just simply cuts down on a lot of threads to read through, especially when most new owners seem to be asking the same questions over and over. Perhaps one of the mods will merge some threads.

 

[mike-tee]

@ Digital Man5


I wouldn't say that the BH200 remote sucks at all. The only thing I don't care for is that the buttons are a bit smallish, specifically the "Play" button, other than that it's a pretty good remote. And with a code, also allows for TV control as far as power on/off, volume/mute and input.


I see that you got your RCA uni remote to work, keep in mind that other LG remotes will work with the 200 also. The BH100 and BD300 remote will function just about the same as the BH200 model. In addition, most LG DVD remotes will do all the basic functions. Maybe the BB you purchased from will at least have an LG DVD remote for you.


I just bought my fourth 200 last week @ BB for $149 with power cord and remote. So, here's another thought......go back to BB and ask if you can re-buy the player minus the cost of a remote. I believe the going rate for a remote is approx. $35, bringing your cost down to around $165. Or, maybe they'll give you a gift card??? You have nothing to lose by trying.

As for upconversion, while my Toshiba HD-DVD player does a real nice job, the 200 is no slouch with the QDEO processor. Maybe try calibrating that input on your display, or try tweaking some of the user settings on the 200. You may find this more pleasing than the default QDEO settings.


Anyway, good luck with your 200. Overall, aside from some quirks, it really is a nice player with unique features. And with the $75 rebate from LG, you really do get some bang for your buck.


Mike T

 

[ti-triodes]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mike-tee /forum/post/15408277

@ Digital Man5


I wouldn't say that the BH200 remote sucks at all. The only thing I don't care for is that the buttons are a bit smallish, specifically the "Play" button, other than that it's a pretty good remote. And with a code, also allows for TV control as far as power on/off, volume/mute and input.


As for upconversion, while my Toshiba HD-DVD player does a real nice job, the 200 is no slouch with the QDEO processor. Maybe try calibrating that input on your display, or try tweaking some of the user settings on the 200. You may find this more pleasing than the default QDEO settings.

I have to agree with Mike T. The play button is horrible. It is small, and hard to find. There is nothing to differentiate it, not even a raised nub.


I don't know why the QDEO gets a bad rap- perhaps because it's rare compared to the REON? In a direct comparison with my Tosh XA2 I actually preferred the QDEO. The black level is one thing that stands out, at least on my setup.

 

[vinnie97]



Quote:
Originally Posted by rezzy /forum/post/15407705


No offense, but I have to agree with Vinnie. New owners should IMO, post to the "Best Buy" thread. I posted there even though I snagged the last one from a Circuit City. New posts will be read and it just simply cuts down on a lot of threads to read through, especially when most new owners seem to be asking the same questions over and over. Perhaps one of the mods will merge some threads.

Thanks, glad to know I'm not the only irritable bastard posting here.

 

[AlphaFox]

dang, I thought I just got a good deal. got a bd200 for $272 after tax @ BB. it was an open box too, display model. came with the remote though... I feel like taking it back now. it was $299 marked down from $399, and he gave me 10% off the 299 and then an extra $10 off. should I return it??

 

[HD 335]

I also agree with Vinnie and wish a mod could merge this thread with the other BB thread... too much clutter for the same topic

Anyways, congrats on the dual player. You'll find it very useful.

Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaFox /forum/post/15409922


dang, I thought I just got a good deal. got a bd200 for $272 after tax @ BB. it was an open box too, display model. came with the remote though... I feel like taking it back now. it was $299 marked down from $399, and he gave me 10% off the 299 and then an extra $10 off. should I return it??

I wouldn't consider your buy a deal but it isn't a rip off in my book. I'm sure some members will say paying that much for a display unit isn't worth it, but from my experience, I've bought quite a few display items and all of them last years. You still get the full warranty as if you purchased new.


If you were able to get the $75 rebate check for your buy, I still think $200 is worth it even if others are getting it for less. Unless you can find something cheaper, I'd keep it and enjoy it. Where else are you going to find a unit that players virtually 98% of all high definition discs and the ability to play different regions for $200?

 

[AlphaFox]



Quote:
Originally Posted by HD 335 /forum/post/15410160


I wouldn't consider your buy a deal but it isn't a rip off in my book. I'm sure some members will say paying that much for a display unit isn't worth it, but from my experience, I've bought quite a few display items and all of them last years. You still get the full warranty as if you purchased new.


If you were able to get the $75 rebate check for your buy, I still think $200 is worth it even if others are getting it for less. Unless you can find something cheaper, I'd keep it and enjoy it. Where else are you going to find a unit that players virtually 98% of all high definition discs and the ability to play different regions for $200?

ya, I am going to keep it. it sells online for $400 so its a good deal if I get that $75 check! its a matter of luck really, this is the last one the store had. the guy wouldnt come down any more, well he did give me that $10 off more.

 

[hdguynextdoor]

thats how much i paid for mine. best 200 bucks ive spent in a while

 

[AlphaFox]

The only thing that sucks is I thought the player decoded dts-hd ma but it doesn't. At least it does true hd.