Samsung BD-P3600

Hi, I'm not sure of a particular setting. On this player should it be PCM or Bitstream (audiophile) To achieve the best Video & Audio.

Thanks in advance

It depends on HOW you connect it to your receiver which likely does not have HDMI inputs. If you are using the analog 5.1/7.1 outputs on the player to connect it to the receiver then you should use PCM so you can get the HD audio formats.

If you are using optical, then it should be set to bitstream. With bitstream you will not get the HD audio though, so I recommend connecting via the 5.1/7.1 analog outputs to the matching inputs on the receiver and set the player output to PCM.

Hi, I am using a HDMI cable from the player to the receiver's input. So you still say set the player to PCM?

I just checked your model and it DOES have the HD audio decoders so you do have a choice which you want to choose. If you ever listen to the commentary tracks on BDs you will need to use the PCM output, but otherwise you should probably use the bitstream in your setup.

Hi, thanks for replying. I rairly play the "cast, director commentaries" So leaving it on bitstream (audiophile) and I'm good to go?

I choose this 5.1 receiver over the next model up which is a 7.1 Mainly because I have no room for the extra speakers but it still had the decoding capabilities.

Samsung is the way to go!!!

Samsung is the way to go!!!

Samsung is NOT the way to go. Compared to other brands of Blu-ray players they are the last to issue firmware updates, seem to have more problems with playing newer movies, have longer load times, etc., etc., etc.

Samsung is NOT the way to go. Compared to other brands of Blu-ray players they are the last to issue firmware updates, seem to have more problems with playing newer movies, have longer load times, etc., etc., etc.

I agree. I would not even think to try a Samsung BD player with their very consistent history of horrible firmware update support and problems playing some new releases for months after the BD movie is released.

I agree. I would not even think to try a Samsung BD player with their very consistent history of horrible firmware update support and problems playing some new releases for months after the BD movie is released.

I'm not all that enthused with LG's offerings either. The Korean manufacturers just don't seem to have all of their ducks in a row, at least when it comes to display panels, Blu-ray players, audio systems and the like...

I have had a Samsung BD-P3600 for a few months. I have about 75 Blu Ray discs and have not had a problem playing any of them. The included Wi-Fi with Netflix and Pandora are awesome additional features of the player. I use the analog audio outs to a Lexicon MC-12B to Krell amps, powering Martin Logan speakers. I have a Sony VPL-VW100 projecting a 116" wide image.

My only complaint is the load times could be a little faster, but they aren't any longer than friends Sony or Panasonic players.

I have had a Samsung BD-P3600 for a few months. I have about 75 Blu Ray discs and have not had a problem playing any of them. The included Wi-Fi with Netflix and Pandora are awesome additional features of the player. I use the analog audio outs to a Lexicon MC-12B to Krell amps, powering Martin Logan speakers. I have a Sony VPL-VW100 projecting a 116" wide image.

My only complaint is the load times could be a little faster, but they aren't any longer than friends Sony or Panasonic players.

My Oppo Blu-ray player loads fast, very fast.

My Oppo Blu-ray player loads fast, very fast.

If it only did the Netflix thing:)

The Oppo was high on my list because of my need for analog audio outs. I got the Samsung as a gift.

A Roku STB only costs $99.00 and allows you to have separate devices so if one goes bad you do not lose two devices because of it. ;)

I don't have a lot to compare my Samsung 3600 to. My only other BD player was a Sharp Ver 1 HP 20. It completely blows away the Sharp in speed and options. My 3600 plays the majority of my 49 BD titles I've tried with no issues. IMO the 3600 does exactly what I bought it for.

I don't have a lot to compare my Samsung 3600 to. My only other BD player was a Sharp Ver 1 HP 20. It completely blows away the Sharp in speed and options. My 3600 plays the majority of my 49 BD titles I've tried with no issues. IMO the 3600 does exactly what I bought it for.

Good to hear...

I don't have a lot to compare my Samsung 3600 to. My only other BD player was a Sharp Ver 1 HP 20. It completely blows away the Sharp in speed and options. My 3600 plays the majority of my 49 BD titles I've tried with no issues. IMO the 3600 does exactly what I bought it for.

The features and performance with Samsung Blu-ray players are as good as the other models. The problems I have had are a result of issues needing firmware or issues created by poorly developed firmware. I have had other Blu-ray players during most of the time I have owned a Samsung Blu-ray player and it is easy to see how Samsung falls short. If history repeats itself, the BD-P3600 will join the neglected Samsung Blu-ray players after it is no longer a current model sold in stores and you will join the rest of the group of Samsung owners, most of which are disappointed most of the time is how I would describe us. I haven't owned the BD-P3600 and hope it is the first of the Samsung players to avoid such issues, but I wouldn't say I believe it will be.

Chris

The features and performance with Samsung Blu-ray players are as good as the other models. The problems I have had are a result of issues needing firmware or issues created by poorly developed firmware. I have had other Blu-ray players during most of the time I have owned a Samsung Blu-ray player and it is easy to see how Samsung falls short. If history repeats itself, the BD-P3600 will join the neglected Samsung Blu-ray players after it is no longer a current model sold in stores and you will join the rest of the group of Samsung owners, most of which are disappointed most of the time is how I would describe us. I haven't owned the BD-P3600 and hope it is the first of the Samsung players to avoid such issues, but I wouldn't say I believe it will be.

Chris

I hope Samsung supports the 3600. I am a HD-DVD convert and would be very disappointed if firmware upgrades are not aggressively provided.

A Roku STB only costs $99.00 and allows you to have separate devices so if one goes bad you do not lose two devices because of it. ;)

Exactly! I don't understand this need to have everything incorporated into one component. I can understand from a 'cable reduction' perspective, but overall it only adds complexity to the one device, the greater risk of incompatibility, the need for more firmware updates, etc.

Wireless capability is OK...but there are more efficient ways to deal with that also including a central access point to connect all your devices. There are 4 port powerline adapters now too, if you don't have or don't want to use wireless.
The Roku is like a mouse on an elephant's back, it's so small. Easy to incorporate and feeds directly to your receiver.
If you lose your do-it-all player for whatever reason you have lost your streaming link too.
Only positive, I've read some very impressive reviews on the 3600, performance-wise. But I think it is not a big jump to an Oppo and erase all doubt ! ;)

I have owned the BD-1250T for some time now, and have yet (knock on wood) to have issues playing any BD I have tried. Load times are very fast. I do not know if the deck or design is like that of their stand-alones, but I have been impressed.

I have owned the BD-1250T for some time now, and have yet (knock on wood) to have issues playing any BD I have tried. Load times are very fast. I do not know if the deck or design is like that of their stand-alones, but I have been impressed.

Simplicity can certainly be a plus.

Bottom line for me is I would NOT buy ANY Samsung BD player at this point based upon their track record and history compared to Sony or Panasonic models. It is not like Samsung sells their models for a significantly lower price, but updates are bad enough to play new releases and the added frustration of waiting possibly months to play them is not worth it "to me".

Panny and Sony are certainly excellent alternatives!

I hope Samsung supports the 3600. I am a HD-DVD convert and would be very disappointed if firmware upgrades are not aggressively provided.

I can understand you will be disappointed if Samsung continues to do a poor job with firmware but if you have been keeping up with Samsung Blu-ray threads, you won't be surprised. I go back further than Blu-ray with Samsung firmware issues, my SIR-T165 needed firmware updates in 2004 and 2005 and Samsung provided a few, each one worse than the last and the company just gave up leaving owners with a product that wasn't suitable for its intended use in my opinion.

Chris

Simplicity can certainly be a plus.http://www.prawntoast.info/img/R/P.jpg

+uno ;)

I can understand you will be disappointed if Samsung continues to do a poor job with firmware but if you have been keeping up with Samsung Blu-ray threads, you won't be surprised. I go back further than Blu-ray with Samsung firmware issues, my SIR-T165 needed firmware updates in 2004 and 2005 and Samsung provided a few, each one worse than the last and the company just gave up leaving owners with a product that wasn't suitable for its intended use in my opinion.

Chris

Hello Chris,
I hope my Samsung player doesn't end up in the "closet of shame" with all the other obsolete gear I have purchased over the years. If Samsung doesn't support it it will join the my Pioneer Video Disc player, my Toshiba SD-3000 DVD player, (purchased when under five DVDs were available) and its replacement a Sony DVP-S7000, a pile of other SD DVD players, along with my Toshiba HD-A35 HD-DVD player.

I don't get were Samsung is coming from not supporting players once they leave the shelves. Samsung must realize they will never sell someone a second player after being burned. I only want to watch the movie with the best video and audio available, and have no interest in the extras and "In-Movie Experiances" that probably require most of the firmware upgrades in the first place.

My only history with Samsung has been with computer monitors and it has all been good. I only ever had one bad monitor out of hundreds purchased, and Samsung provided an advance replacement under the three year warranty.

I got the BD-P3600 as a gift and so far it has played about 75 Blu discs without any problems. It has no problem playing any SD DVDs either. The wireless Netflix has been a great bonus as well.

If I didn't get the player as a gift, I probably would have gone with the Oppo from reviews I have read and info on the board.

I still feel HD-DVD was technically a better format, region free discs were a good hedge to pick up imports, and wish this game played out with different results.

I have 2315 SD DVDs, about 75 HD-DVDs, and so far and just under 100 Blu Ray discs (I swapped out 25 in the Warner Red2Blu promo), I wish Universal come up with a comparable deal!

Cheers,
Marc

Hello Chris,
I hope my Samsung player doesn't end up in the "closet of shame" with all the other obsolete gear I have purchased over the years. If Samsung doesn't support it it will join the my Pioneer Video Disc player, my Toshiba SD-3000 DVD player, (purchased when under five DVDs were available) and its replacement a Sony DVP-S7000, a pile of other SD DVD players, along with my Toshiba HD-A35 HD-DVD player.

I don't get were Samsung is coming from not supporting players once they leave the shelves. Samsung must realize they will never sell someone a second player after being burned. I only want to watch the movie with the best video and audio available, and have no interest in the extras and "In-Movie Experiances" that probably require most of the firmware upgrades in the first place.

My only history with Samsung has been with computer monitors and it has all been good. I only ever had one bad monitor out of hundreds purchased, and Samsung provided an advance replacement under the three year warranty.

I got the BD-P3600 as a gift and so far it has played about 75 Blu discs without any problems. It has no problem playing any SD DVDs either. The wireless Netflix has been a great bonus as well.

If I didn't get the player as a gift, I probably would have gone with the Oppo from reviews I have read and info on the board.

I still feel HD-DVD was technically a better format, region free discs were a good hedge to pick up imports, and wish this game played out with different results.

I have 2315 SD DVDs, about 75 HD-DVDs, and so far and just under 100 Blu Ray discs (I swapped out 25 in the Warner Red2Blu promo), I wish Universal come up with a comparable deal!

Cheers,
Marc

Past history isn't always a good indicator of what will happen in the future and so far the BD-P3600 is working great for you and I have read positive reports at several sites. I do know my BD-P1000 and BD-P1200 have gotten support I consider unacceptable and I have read of quite a number of complaints on the subsequent models prior to the BD-Px600 models.

Chris

I agree BNCR that Samsung is being incredibly shortsighted in the poor support and from what i have read from people that have owned a Samsung BD player for a couple of years is that they would not but another Samsung BD player.

I hope thy DO change their position but so far I have not seen this happening and the 1000/1200 owners had to start a class action suit to get the updates they have gotten in the last year. Chris being one of those owners, can better explain what they are doing wrong as I would not own one myself.

I wish you luck and how they have changed their ways for your sake. :hithere:

I don't have a lot to compare my Samsung 3600 to. My only other BD player was a Sharp Ver 1 HP 20. It completely blows away the Sharp in speed and options. My 3600 plays the majority of my 49 BD titles I've tried with no issues. IMO the 3600 does exactly what I bought it for.

You're lucky. Pick any of the latest Samsung models (1600, 3600, 4600) and go check out the user reviews on Amazon. In every case, there are nearly as many 1-star reviews as 5-star reviews. Now look at Sony, Panasonic, Oppo, or even LG. Not the case. Lots of anecdotes about "bricked" players after a firmware upgrade. Many comments about poor customer service from Samsung. I wouldn't touch a Samsung BD player. Many people are very happy with Samsung HDTVs, but their BD players are a mess.

I am the proud owner of a new Samsung BD-P3600 Blue Ray player. Everything works great. Updated the new firmware right away via WIFI. Machine works great, however, I have a question as to the connection and download to Nexflix. Can anyone tell me a little bit about that?
Tnx...

I am the proud owner of a new Samsung BD-P3600 Blue Ray player. Everything works great. Updated the new firmware right away via WIFI. Machine works great, however, I have a question as to the connection and download to Nexflix. Can anyone tell me a little bit about that?
Tnx...

Do you have a Netflix account? Once you have an account you just need to add a device. On your account page select "Your Netflix ready devices and computers" to enter the code the player will generate after you hit the red "A" button on the bottom of the remote. The player will take you through the steps.

I really like my 3600.

Looks like inscome and myself are the few not the many. My 3600 is also operating trouble free. I have 40 blu's and tried them all. None of them hung or screwed up. I tried the new releases as well as the older ones. I tried quite a few dvd's also and never a glitch. Oh did I mention it is fast as hell!

Looks like inscome and myself are the few not the many. My 3600 is also operating trouble free. I have 40 blu's and tried them all. None of them hung or screwed up. I tried the new releases as well as the older ones. I tried quite a few dvd's also and never a glitch. Oh did I mention it is fast as hell!

Glad you are not having any problems and I hope it remains that way, but history has shown otherwise with basically all Samsung BD players so far.

Maybe they finally "get it" and will provide proper & timely support so as you need new updates they come working properly and timely.

Good luck!

I have had the Samsung BDP-3600 for 4 months and have noticed first that right before watching Netflix movies I would get a screen on my 50 inch Panasonic Plasma that would flash static on and off for a few minutes and then put the movie on. Now when I was watching a DVD it starting to do the same thing with the screen flashing back and forth with static. I can hear audio but the video is all screwed up. I called Samsung first when I started having problems watching Netflix movies. They said it was an issue with my connection which was a lie because my connection (Cable) was strong and I was running an Ethernet wire to player. Now as I said regular DVD's are showing me that same screen blinking static on and off for few minutes, before then the video kicks in. This has been happening to me and on and off, sometimes the player will play correctly and there are times I get the static screen and then player will work right. I am so past frustrated at this point. Has anyone had this problem or can help I will greatly apperciate it.

Onyko Receiver TX-SR 706
Samsung BDP-3600
Panasonic TC-P50G10

I have had the Samsung BDP-3600 for 4 months and have noticed first that right before watching Netflix movies I would get a screen on my 50 inch Panasonic Plasma that would flash static on and off for a few minutes and then put the movie on. Now when I was watching a DVD it starting to do the same thing with the screen flashing back and forth with static. I can hear audio but the video is all screwed up. I called Samsung first when I started having problems watching Netflix movies. They said it was an issue with my connection which was a lie because my connection (Cable) was strong and I was running an Ethernet wire to player. Now as I said regular DVD's are showing me that same screen blinking static on and off for few minutes, before then the video kicks in. This has been happening to me and on and off, sometimes the player will play correctly and there are times I get the static screen and then player will work right. I am so past frustrated at this point. Has anyone had this problem or can help I will greatly apperciate it.

Onyko Receiver TX-SR 706
Samsung BDP-3600
Panasonic TC-P50G10

I had a very similar problem with my 3600 when I first got it. The picture was perfect for about 15 seconds-- then I'd see static, like "snow" at the top and bottom 1/3 of the screen-- in about another 15 seconds the picture would get very bad and flash different colors, then start to lose "vertical hold" and roll for a few moments-- then the screen would go black.

If I changed the output resolution to 1080i; everything would be fine. When I switched back to 1080P the problem would come back every time. [-- to be honest I did not really see a difference in the picture quality between the 1080i setting and the 1080P setting. But this 3600 was my first BP player and I wanted the 1080P signal (my HD-DVD only output 1080i)-- so it was a very frustrating two days.] I thought the player was defective.

I changed to a new HDMI cable and the player has performed flawlessly since then. Wireless network connection works great; I really like the Netflix instant view.

I'm going to get another HDMI cable as you suggested, I really hope that works because I'm at a lose and I feel sending it back to Samsung will get me no where. I have heard so many horror stories about Samsung and there customer service. I'll keep you updated

I just switched out the HDMI for another one and still the whole screen is blinking static back and forth with no video, I can hear the audio but this piece of crap is still not working properly, as I type this post the TV is blinking static. Then it will stop blinking static and show the video but once I switch to another movie and eject the old the one the static comes back. Has anyone else have a solution, (now the screen stopped blinking and now I see the video properly) this thing works when it wants to and that it unacceptable. Any suggestions??????

I have had a Samsung BD-P3600 for a few months. I have about 75 Blu Ray discs and have not had a problem playing any of them. The included Wi-Fi with Netflix and Pandora are awesome additional features of the player. I use the analog audio outs to a Lexicon MC-12B to Krell amps, powering Martin Logan speakers. I have a Sony VPL-VW100 projecting a 116" wide image.

My only complaint is the load times could be a little faster, but they aren't any longer than friends Sony or Panasonic players.

Ohh, nice set up. I went through the Martin Logan factory in Lawrence, KS. Wow, you have some coins wrapped up in that system.

I just purchased the Samsung 3600 on 08/27. I have yet to actually watch a BluRay disc on it, but I have been using the Netflix Streaming quite a bit. Ever since i hooked it up I had the prompt of a new firmware release. I kept putting off the download because I didn't want to take the time. Last night I finally decided to get rid of the prompt and download the firmware (BEv2.02_090827_XAA). The download/install went fine. But, now when I stream Netflix it will go for about 5-10 min and then freeze and ask me to check my connection/router. If I exit and go to the network settings and re-enter my wireless password the connection is restored. I can then start watching Netflix again, but after 5-10 min the same thing happens again. Before the Firmware upgrade I had watched about 20 titles from Netflix and never once had an issue. After the Firmware I can't get through anything without this issue.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

I just purchased the Samsung 3600 on 08/27. I have yet to actually watch a BluRay disc on it, but I have been using the Netflix Streaming quite a bit. Ever since i hooked it up I had the prompt of a new firmware release. I kept putting off the download because I didn't want to take the time. Last night I finally decided to get rid of the prompt and download the firmware (BEv2.02_090827_XAA). The download/install went fine. But, now when I stream Netflix it will go for about 5-10 min and then freeze and ask me to check my connection/router. If I exit and go to the network settings and re-enter my wireless password the connection is restored. I can then start watching Netflix again, but after 5-10 min the same thing happens again. Before the Firmware upgrade I had watched about 20 titles from Netflix and never once had an issue. After the Firmware I can't get through anything without this issue.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Hello,

Here are a few things to try for what it's worth.

Double check all your wireless networking settings are correct and saved properly.

Try fast forwarding or rewinding the show on the player to see if it responds.

Try watching the same program on your computer to isolate if it is your player or Netflix having a bandwidth bottleneck.

Go to your Netflix account page and enter your problem "Samsung BD-P3600 locksup when playing instant play.
The Netflix page will generate an incident number and ask you to call for help. If this is a widespread problem
I'm sure they have heard about it.

I am running the same firmware and it is currently working on the things I have watched since the update without problems.

The one time I had a problem it turned out to be my ISP.

Good Luck!!

I just purchased the Samsung 3600 on 08/27. I have yet to actually watch a BluRay disc on it, but I have been using the Netflix Streaming quite a bit. Ever since i hooked it up I had the prompt of a new firmware release. I kept putting off the download because I didn't want to take the time. Last night I finally decided to get rid of the prompt and download the firmware (BEv2.02_090827_XAA). The download/install went fine. But, now when I stream Netflix it will go for about 5-10 min and then freeze and ask me to check my connection/router. If I exit and go to the network settings and re-enter my wireless password the connection is restored. I can then start watching Netflix again, but after 5-10 min the same thing happens again. Before the Firmware upgrade I had watched about 20 titles from Netflix and never once had an issue. After the Firmware I can't get through anything without this issue.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum! :hithere:

This is one of the reasons will not buy a Samsung BD player. It seems they break something with a lot of the firmware updates they provide that were not broken before the update. It is kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario with Samsung BD players since we need to updates to play the new releases that either have changed BD-Java versions, or because of the DRM being changed.

If it is still within the 30 day return window I would do that and get a Panasonic or Sony BD player or even better get the Oppo if you can afford it. If you still want the Netflix streaming, then simply spend $100.00 for Roku box separate from the BD player.

Good luck!

Welcome to the forum! :hithere:

This is one of the reasons will not buy a Samsung BD player. It seems they break something with a lot of the firmware updates they provide that were not broken before the update. It is kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario with Samsung BD players since we need to updates to play the new releases that either have changed BD-Java versions, or because of the DRM being changed.

If it is still within the 30 day return window I would do that and get a Panasonic or Sony BD player or even better get the Oppo if you can afford it. If you still want the Netflix streaming, then simply spend $100.00 for Roku box separate from the BD player.

Good luck!

Hello PFC5,
No disrespect here, but you have made your opinions well known on your distaste for Samsung Blu Ray players. DMBTrade stated that he bought the player on 8/27 so that takes out the return it and buy something else scenario.

I got my BD-P3600 as a gift and I will openly say it wouldn't have been my first choice to buy. On the other hand it has operated flawlessly since I got it a few months ago.

When the alert to update the firmware appeared ( my second upgrade since getting the player ) it made me cringe that my luck was about to change.

Fortunately everything is working fine and the update added Blockbuster and Youtube features to the streaming side of the player.

Disc play was unaffected as well for me.

The one thing that was inconvenient was that I had to go through resetting the wireless network settings. The player rolled back to the default wired connection, which I find funny considering the player comes with a wireless dongle.

If Netflix or the ISP are the cause of the problem, and the firmware upgrade was coincidental, a Roku box would be having the same problems.

Without knowing all the facts regarding upstream performance, and that the update was done on a holiday weekend I wouldn't condemn Samsung unless you owned one of these players and were experiencing the identical problem.

Once again no offense directed at you or anyone else. DMBTrade can come home tonight and the streaming may work perfectly.

My rant is concluded. My opinion is subject to change if a time comes that my player bricks. Flame away.

Cheers,
Marc

I missed the date he bought it, but some places like Walmart, Costco, Sams Club (I think) have a 90 day return period, so it may not be too late if he so chooses to return it for a different brand.

No flaming required. I am happy you have had great luck with your Samsung BD player. Many others have said this also until they get that unlucky firmware update that does cause problems though.

Everywhere i read it is about Samsung BD player issues more than any other brand, and I am basing my conclusions on that history on MANY forums. The only consistency I see with the Samsung BD players is that they still have firmware issues and that is why I avoid them. I do not have anything against Samsung, but simply want people to know what is happening out there with their BD players so they can then make an informed decision.

Yes if the problem is with the ISP then getting a ROKU box for Netflix streaming will not resolve the problem. I was just letting him know that this is another option to have that feature without being "stuck" with a Samsung BD player since the best BD player mfg do not offer the Netflix streaming unfortunately. ;)

Here is to your continued good luck with your current player and I sure hope Samsung finally got it right with these newer models. :hithere:

I was just letting him know that this is another option to have that feature without being "stuck" with a Samsung BD player since the best BD player mfg do not offer the Netflix streaming unfortunately. ;)



I read a lot of posts all over with folks disappointed that Panasonic, Oppo and others do not offer 'streaming'. I still can't get my head around why that is so essential when a Roku box (as well as more expensive streaming options) are readily available.
I know Samsung, and I think others are planning to have displays with built-in streaming.

You have to hand it to the marketing people, they apparently DO know what a lot of people want (or think they want).

I realize this is not back in the days of 'low-fi' electronics you found in home theater consoles, with record players, tape players, amplifiers, tuners and TV built-in....playing through enclosed cheap speakers..otherwise known as 'boom-box' in fine furniture.
But I can't help but wonder what the attraction is.

I think that for those who are already Netflix members the "FREE" part of streaming is the big attraction. I have not seen the PQ but hear it is not that good.

Samsung has marketed that Netflix feature well and that is why i am letting others know about the ROKU box for $100.00. Why by a brand that has a history of problems to get this feature when you can just get this separate box for $100.00 and get a more reliable player.

I contacted Netflix and was informed that the play and freeze problem is an encoding error on some content on their end. It is being dealt with.

As far as PQ goes I am pretty picky about the quality of what I watch. I had no expectations going in, and didn't even know the player streamed Netflix until I set it up. I did the free trial to check it out and was pleasantly surprised at the quality.

Netflix is still is streaming and has the same limitations all streaming content has with rare glitches and dropouts.

I still haven't rented a disc from Netflix but have caught up on some TV series that I missed, as well as some odd Films. For under $10 a month with tax it is a bargain for the streaming alone IMHO.

Other than a few Blu Ray exclusive Films and the 25 HD-DVDs I swapped through the RED2BLU Warners deal, I probably could have stayed happy enough with my Toshiba HD A-35 HD DVD player and bought a Roku box or an Xbox for the streaming and stayed happy until a Blu player that knocked my socks off feature and price wise hit the streets. I was leaning towards the OPPO but I wasn't ready to pull the trigger yet when I got the Samsung as a gift.

I will say that the Netflix feature to me is a freebie extra in a Blu player. I am always against the combo boxes, I run a separate pre/pro and power amps versus a receiver in my system. The built in streaming is really just a software feature so I can't knock it.

To daleb: I just went to a friend's parents house to hook up the new flatscreen they bought at Walmart.
When I got there they already had it unpacked and sitting on top of the long dead Magnavox "Home Entertainment Center" from the sixties that faithfully served them since the early eighties as a stand for the last two CRT sets that died a natural death in the same spot. I hooked up the old Sd cable box via a red and white audio cable, and S-video cable. The previous TV was hooked up via coax.

They wanted to know why they didn't need to keep the TV on channel four any more, so I told them they need a new HD cable box from Cox and the installer would teach them everything.

My buddy's Dad liked how the stretch button made everybody short and fat like him.

I think that for those who are already Netflix members the "FREE" part of streaming is the big attraction. I have not seen the PQ but hear it is not that good.

Samsung has marketed that Netflix feature well and that is why i am letting others know about the ROKU box for $100.00. Why by a brand that has a history of problems to get this feature when you can just get this separate box for $100.00 and get a more reliable player.

I use the Roku box, and the NF selection and quality has been steadily improving. I think it's even better at Amazon using the same box. But you have to pay for those.
I've been streaming a good number of SD and HD movies that I consider good casual watching, or movies with a good storyline, as well as old TV series.
When it comes to the real blockbusters (no pun intended) I stick with rentals.

I have had the Samsung BDP-3600 for 4 months and have noticed first that right before watching Netflix movies I would get a screen on my 50 inch Panasonic Plasma that would flash static on and off for a few minutes and then put the movie on. Now when I was watching a DVD it starting to do the same thing with the screen flashing back and forth with static. I can hear audio but the video is all screwed up. I called Samsung first when I started having problems watching Netflix movies. They said it was an issue with my connection which was a lie because my connection (Cable) was strong and I was running an Ethernet wire to player. Now as I said regular DVD's are showing me that same screen blinking static on and off for few minutes, before then the video kicks in. This has been happening to me and on and off, sometimes the player will play correctly and there are times I get the static screen and then player will work right. I am so past frustrated at this point. Has anyone had this problem or can help I will greatly apperciate it.

Onyko Receiver TX-SR 706
Samsung BDP-3600
Panasonic TC-P50G10

Hey Maximus,

I'm pretty sure I know what your problem is. I was having exactly the same problem and ended up returning the player. It was only when I brought home a different player (Pioneer BDP-320) that I figured out what the problem was.

When I hooked up the pioneer out of the box it looked fine in 1080p mode. However, when I went through the setup process, I chose to activate the high-speed hdmi transfer option. As soon as I did that I started getting the same static / snow I was getting with the samsung 3600. When I turned it off again in the settings the picture went back to normal.

So it seems that the static problem with the Samsung 3600 is caused by the high speed hdmi transfer setting. The only problem is that I'm not sure the 3600 has an option to turn off that setting. If it does you should be golden. If not you might be in trouble.

I think the reason I have a problem with that setting is because I'm running through a standalone hdmi switch. It seems to be a pretty good switch and I didn't have any trouble running my Samsung 1500 through it (though I returned that player cause it randomly started vibrating on me ... even after I pulled the plug out of the wall!). I returned the 3600 because of the static you're describing and also because it would freeze for several seconds when doing a layer change on standard DVD and it would sometimes jump back several chapters for no reason when you pressed the rewind button.

So I guess the moral of the story is to stay away from Samsung players if you can (I also had Samsung DVD Recorder that died on me, got replaced through the warranty, and then the replacement died on me with the same problem a few months later after the warranty had expired ... $300+ down the drain).

On the other hand, I'm thrilled with the Pioneer BDP-320, which I actually got by mistake cause I was gonna get a Panasonic and the sales rep picked up the wrong box and I didn't notice till I got home. The HD up-conversion on it is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I popped in LOTR extended edition and Raiders of the Lost Ark DVD and both look AT LEAST as good as HDTV broadcasts, probably even better. I was stunned. I highly suggest you check it out in action if you get a chance. Even re-encoded burned DVD backups looked like they were HD. It was crazy. I've had 4-6 other DVD and BD players that did HD up-conversion of none of them really seemed to make any difference at all ... at least nothing really significant. This, however, is awesome.

Take care,
HeKS

Hi, could someone please point me in the right direction here. I currently have firmware ver 1.03. The US site has ver 2.03 available. However the Canadian site has 2.02 available. I'm afraid of bricking my player. Which one do I install? Or do nothing.
thanks

Hi, could someone please point me in the right direction here. I currently have firmware ver 1.03. The US site has ver 2.03 available. However the Canadian site has 2.02 available. I'm afraid of bricking my player. Which one do I install? Or do nothing.
thanks

Stick with 2.02. The firmware for the US has streaming options that are not available in Canada. Do you have the player on your network via Wi-Fi?

Hi BNCR, No I don't have my 3600 on a network via wifi. Canadian 3600's don't netflix or pandora. They do have the availability for the firware updates via wifi. I D/L ver 2.02 and everything is ok. It added You Tube.