Samsung BD1500, anyone have review?

E55 KEV · 10-08-2008, 10:57 AM

great deal at CC on Oct 14 2008:

"Buy the Samsung BDP1500 Blu-Ray player this week at Circuit City for $249.99 and get the entire Matrix Trilogy thrown in on Blu-Ray for FREE! // Matrix Trilogy value = $109 // Items must be purchased on the same receipt"

E55 KEV · 10-08-2008, 03:59 PM

Yesterday Samsung referred to the update as Ver 1.4 and today it is update Ver 2.0 and added the information in red below on their website. Today the Samsung site says size ": 38046 KBytes / updated : 2008-10-08":

build date : 2008-10-07 BD-P1500 Firmware Update(by USB)

<BD-P1500 Firmware Ver 2.0>
Date: Oct.03, 2008

This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
1. Supports BD-Live
2. Firmware auto upgrade(automatically notifies the availability of newly released firmwares)

NOTE: A 1GB USB memory drive must be plugged in the player to activate BD-Live features.

< BD-P1500 Firmware Update History>
Ver 1.3 Aug. 08, 2008

This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
1. Improves playback compatibility

Ver 1.1 June 30, 2008

This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
1. Improves playback compatibility

cr8zq · 10-09-2008, 06:31 PM

Here is the transcript for the new firmware update.
-----
Please wait for a Samsung Agent to respond.
You are now chatting with 'Sam J'
Sam J: Hello, I am a Samsung Technical Support representative. How may I assist you today?
cr8zq: i just got the bdp1500 and updated the new firmware.
cr8zq: i have the hdmi and 1gb in the usb and it plays fine.
cr8zq: When I plug the ethernet in it goes wack
cr8zq: screen flickers, does not want to play dvd and lags
cr8zq: also heating up on the bottom
Sam J: Do you get any error message?
cr8zq: how am i suppose to get any updates if the eternet can't be plugged in
cr8zq: no error message.
cr8zq: plays fine without the ethernet
cr8zq: this is the new firmware on the website
cr8zq: what do i need to do to make everything working with the ethernet cable
Sam J: Is the DHCP enabled on the router?
cr8zq: yes
Sam J: Try the following steps.
cr8zq: The bottom is very hot to touch right now
cr8zq: Turned unit off
Sam J: Okay, first let us fix the Ethernet issue.
Sam J: Unplug all the cables connecting the router then turn off the router.
Sam J: Once the router is turned off completely then try re-connect the cables.
cr8zq: all cables
Sam J: Yes, now enable DHCP again and try to upgrade the firmware on your player.
cr8zq: ok. all cables connected with usb stick too
cr8zq: it's lagging through the setup
Sam J: I'm sorry for the delay. I'll be right with you.
Sam J: Are you able to upgrade the firmware now?
cr8zq: its checking for updates
Sam J: Good.
cr8zq: it can't find network
cr8zq: the latest version is installed
Sam J: Yes, the Ethernet cable is working fine now.
cr8zq: yes it is
cr8zq: when i unplug the ethernet the scrolling through setup is quicker
cr8zq: I put a fan to the unit to cool it down before we started and now it's hot again. I think the problem is the ethernet being plugged in
Sam J: Does the unit heats up when the Ethernet cable is disconnected?
cr8zq: I cooled the unit with the fan and unplugged the ethernet cable. Lets give it 5 minutes...
Sam J: Okay.
cr8zq: yes it is hot to the touch
Sam J: Seems to be some problem with the heat controlling unit in the player and it needs to be serviced to fix it.
Sam J: Would you like me to send you the link to fill out an online service ticket to register for service?
cr8zq: it all happened after the firmware update
cr8zq: no i'm going back where I purchased it and exchanging it for another one.
Sam J: Let me know the date of purchase of the player.
cr8zq: September 29
Sam J: You can ask for exchange if you have the return back policy with your retailer. Other wise you can get it serviced for free with the Samsung.
cr8zq: great please email me the info, but I believe I have 30 days to return the unit back.
cr8zq: Thank you very much for your time.
-----
My player is fine but it's too hot which will lead to stress later. Anyone else having this issue with the new firmware 080929_01.052808-F_XAA

cr8zq · 10-09-2008, 08:14 PM

I went out to exchange units and did another update on the new unit. Same stuff happen. Ethernet is causing the player to run hot and slow with the new update. Without the Ethernet, the unit runs good.

sns_guy · 10-09-2008, 11:44 PM

Since this is the Samsung 1500 thread I thought I would ask this here. Does anyone have a copy of Meet the Robinsons that plays back just fine on the 1500. I have exchanged it out twice now. The first copy the last twenty minutes the sound and picture would skip and freeze first every minute or two which tunred into every 20 to 30 seconds. I go the new copy and still it skips not even close to as much but probably about 8 to 10 times in the last 20 to 30 minutes. I have all the firmware updates and it's still a problem. Any ideas.

SNSGUY

Chris Gerhard · 10-10-2008, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cr8zq

I went out to exchange units and did another update on the new unit. Same stuff happen. Ethernet is causing the player to run hot and slow with the new update. Without the Ethernet, the unit runs good.

That sounds like you have found a serious issue that needs to be addressed by Samsung. I don't know if a firmware update can fix cooling flaws. One less than attractive solution might be an external cooler connected by USB which of course needs to have a USB port for the USB memory drive for BD-Live support. Please keep us updated on your communication and possible solution with Samsung tech support.

Chris

Chris Gerhard · 10-10-2008, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns_guy

Since this is the Samsung 1500 thread I thought I would ask this here. Does anyone have a copy of Meet the Robinsons that plays back just fine on the 1500. I have exchanged it out twice now. The first copy the last twenty minutes the sound and picture would skip and freeze first every minute or two which tunred into every 20 to 30 seconds. I go the new copy and still it skips not even close to as much but probably about 8 to 10 times in the last 20 to 30 minutes. I have all the firmware updates and it's still a problem. Any ideas.

SNSGUY

That is probably a player issue. I don't own the BD-P1500 but I do own "Meet the Robinsons" and the Samsung BD-P1200 and the BD-P1400. I played the disc using my Samsung BD-P1000 before that player was returned for warranty refund and it played fine. What I have found is that discs that don't play properly are never the fault of the disc for me. I have seen Samsung owners return and exchange several discs trying to get one that works and in my opinion that is an unfair burden on retailers. You should research whether or not the disc is a known problem for the player, the AVSForum is probably the best place. Just do a search for the title in the player master thread. The better options compared to exchange of course are to just return the disc for refund or wait for a firmware update, but exchanging is almost never the solution (exactly never for me).

I own several players and if a disc won't play properly in any given player, I check it in the PS3. Without fail, I come to the conclusion the player is at fault and so far all issues have ultimately been fixed by firmware with the players I still own. I will try "Meet the Robinsons" in my BD-P1400, but only for a few minutes to see if I can note anything since it is very similar in design and chips used to the BD-P1500. Intermitten audio/video problems, not repeatable in exactly the same place are almost certainly hardware related, player, display, switcher or audio amplifier. If repeatable in the exact same location, then it could easily be either hardware or disc related.

What you described sounds like a player heat issue to me, not firmware related and almost certainly not disc related.

Chris

sns_guy · 10-10-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

That is probably a player issue. I don't own the BD-P1500 but I do own "Meet the Robinsons" and the Samsung BD-P1200 and the BD-P1400. I played the disc using my Samsung BD-P1000 before that player was returned for warranty refund and it played fine. What I have found is that discs that don't play properly are never the fault of the disc for me. I have seen Samsung owners return and exchange several discs trying to get one that works and in my opinion that is an unfair burden on retailers. You should research whether or not the disc is a known problem for the player, the AVSForum is probably the best place. Just do a search for the title in the player master thread. The better options compared to exchange of course are to just return the disc for refund or wait for a firmware update, but exchanging is almost never the solution (exactly never for me).

I own several players and if a disc won't play properly in any given player, I check it in the PS3. Without fail, I come to the conclusion the player is at fault and so far all issues have ultimately been fixed by firmware with the players I still own. I will try "Meet the Robinsons" in my BD-P1400, but only for a few minutes to see if I can note anything since it is very similar in design and chips used to the BD-P1500. Intermitten audio/video problems, not repeatable in exactly the same place are almost certainly hardware related, player, display, switcher or audio amplifier. If repeatable in the exact same location, then it could easily be either hardware or disc related.

What you described sounds like a player heat issue to me, not firmware related and almost certainly not disc related.

Chris

Thanks for responding. That was what I was afraid of. Is this a normal occurance and isn't a little late for a firmware to fix this on a Blu-ray that's almost a year old if not more? I'm just a little worried about having more problems with discs. Should I be considering another player or could exchanging the player out fix it? I actually did post at AVS in the 1500 thread and no responses yet.

SNSGUY

Bravestime · 10-10-2008, 01:54 PM

A review of the 1500:

Quote:

The Samsung BD-P1500 combines a robust feature set with a great-looking design. With a BD-Live firmware update and DTS-HD decoding in this player's future, the player makes a reasonable option for good, but certainly not outstanding BD playback. The Sony BDP-S350, Panasonic DMP-BD55 (and presumably the DMP-BD35) offer similar features with slightly better video playback and faster load times at the same price point giving this Samsung player a run for its money. The P1500's one advantage over the Sony player is the promise of a firmware update to activate DTS-HD decoding, but that may not be enough to make it a clear choice over the competiton.

Complete Article: http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/Sa...y_Player.shtml

Chris Gerhard · 10-10-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns_guy

Thanks for responding. That was what I was afraid of. Is this a normal occurance and isn't a little late for a firmware to fix this on a Blu-ray that's almost a year old if not more? I'm just a little worried about having more problems with discs. Should I be considering another player or could exchanging the player out fix it? I actually did post at AVS in the 1500 thread and no responses yet.

SNSGUY

I don't recall any problem discs for the BD-P1500, but I don't own it so I sure could have missed information on that. Having Samsung Blu-ray players prior to the BD-P1500 not play some discs was common although it has been a long time since I found one my BD-P1200 couldn't play and I have never found one my BD-P1400 can't play. For months, I expected my BD-P1200 to be unable to play any recent release properly, it took a long time for Samsung to provide firmware that works.

My best guess is that your problem is hardware related, not firmware, and that you should either return it or try to get a Samsung warranty repair. My two Samsung players run very cool, but I have seen many reports now that the BD-P1500 has possible problems with over heating. Considering what you paid for it, I would take my chances on a Samsung warranty repair once you have determined for sure that the problem isn't related to firmware or the disc. If it is determined to be firmware, your guess is as good as mine as to when Samsung fixes it.

Chris

Chris Gerhard · 10-11-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns_guy

Thanks for responding. That was what I was afraid of. Is this a normal occurance and isn't a little late for a firmware to fix this on a Blu-ray that's almost a year old if not more? I'm just a little worried about having more problems with discs. Should I be considering another player or could exchanging the player out fix it? I actually did post at AVS in the 1500 thread and no responses yet.

SNSGUY

Someone at AVSForum has confirmed the identical issue with his BD-P1500. I am still not sure of the cause and I need to fire up my theater here in a little while and I will test out the last 20 minutes with my BD-P1400 and see if I can find anything.

Chris

Chris Gerhard · 10-11-2008, 07:10 PM

I played the last 20 minutes or so on my BD-P1400 and had no glitches or dropouts. It might be this disc has some code that causes intermittent issues for the BD-P1500 and a firmware update could fix it. It seems the discs that have a lot of Java code and use the Java navigation system create the most issues for Samsung players. I don't really understand the technical aspects of these things at all.

Chris

sns_guy · 10-12-2008, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

I played the last 20 minutes or so on my BD-P1400 and had no glitches or dropouts. It might be this disc has some code that causes intermittent issues for the BD-P1500 and a firmware update could fix it. It seems the discs that have a lot of Java code and use the Java navigation system create the most issues for Samsung players. I don't really understand the technical aspects of these things at all.

Chris

Thanks for checing it out for me I really aprreciate it. My only concern is will Samsung really fix this in an update otr will it just be like this. I was somewhat concerned about that since the beginning. I really like the player and it fits well with my samsung lcd. But I'm just not sure. Any thoughts or suggestions?

SNSGUY

Chris Gerhard · 10-12-2008, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns_guy

Thanks for checing it out for me I really aprreciate it. My only concern is will Samsung really fix this in an update otr will it just be like this. I was somewhat concerned about that since the beginning. I really like the player and it fits well with my samsung lcd. But I'm just not sure. Any thoughts or suggestions?

SNSGUY

Personally, I wouldn't return the player because of that single issue and would send an email to Samsung describing the problem. Can the problem be fixed by firmware update? I believe the answer is yes. Will it be fixed by firmware update? I couldn't guess. I would be more concerned about the heat issue described above and on other sites.

Chris

**PFC5** · 10-12-2008, 04:08 PM

I would suggest that if someone has this problem and is still within the window to return it for a different player, that they should do this IMO.

Why wait possibly months to get it resolved considering Samsung's past record of taking this long to try to solve issues with some players. The heat issue alone would have me returning the 1500 player myself. I doubt that could be resolved with firmware, but I agree that Samsung should be called, and if they state this is a new problem return it as they will not likely resolve it anytime soon give their past record with fixes.

10-08-2008, 10:57 AM	#76
E55 KEV High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Washington D.C. Posts: 1,032	great deal at CC on Oct 14 2008: "Buy the Samsung BDP1500 Blu-Ray player this week at Circuit City for $249.99 and get the entire Matrix Trilogy thrown in on Blu-Ray for FREE! // Matrix Trilogy value = $109 // Items must be purchased on the same receipt" __________________ My Website www.E55AMG.com

10-08-2008, 03:59 PM	#77
E55 KEV High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Washington D.C. Posts: 1,032	Yesterday Samsung referred to the update as Ver 1.4 and today it is update Ver 2.0 and added the information in red below on their website. Today the Samsung site says size ": 38046 KBytes / updated : 2008-10-08": build date : 2008-10-07 BD-P1500 Firmware Update(by USB) <BD-P1500 Firmware Ver 2.0> Date: Oct.03, 2008 This Firmware update provides the following benefits: 1. Supports BD-Live 2. Firmware auto upgrade(automatically notifies the availability of newly released firmwares) NOTE: A 1GB USB memory drive must be plugged in the player to activate BD-Live features. < BD-P1500 Firmware Update History> Ver 1.3 Aug. 08, 2008 This Firmware update provides the following benefits: 1. Improves playback compatibility Ver 1.1 June 30, 2008 This Firmware update provides the following benefits: 1. Improves playback compatibility __________________ My Website www.E55AMG.com Last edited by E55 KEV; 10-08-2008 at 04:18 PM.

10-09-2008, 06:31 PM	#78
cr8zq What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2	Here is the transcript for the new firmware update. ----- Please wait for a Samsung Agent to respond. You are now chatting with 'Sam J' Sam J: Hello, I am a Samsung Technical Support representative. How may I assist you today? cr8zq: i just got the bdp1500 and updated the new firmware. cr8zq: i have the hdmi and 1gb in the usb and it plays fine. cr8zq: When I plug the ethernet in it goes wack cr8zq: screen flickers, does not want to play dvd and lags cr8zq: also heating up on the bottom Sam J: Do you get any error message? cr8zq: how am i suppose to get any updates if the eternet can't be plugged in cr8zq: no error message. cr8zq: plays fine without the ethernet cr8zq: this is the new firmware on the website cr8zq: what do i need to do to make everything working with the ethernet cable Sam J: Is the DHCP enabled on the router? cr8zq: yes Sam J: Try the following steps. cr8zq: The bottom is very hot to touch right now cr8zq: Turned unit off Sam J: Okay, first let us fix the Ethernet issue. Sam J: Unplug all the cables connecting the router then turn off the router. Sam J: Once the router is turned off completely then try re-connect the cables. cr8zq: all cables Sam J: Yes, now enable DHCP again and try to upgrade the firmware on your player. cr8zq: ok. all cables connected with usb stick too cr8zq: it's lagging through the setup Sam J: I'm sorry for the delay. I'll be right with you. Sam J: Are you able to upgrade the firmware now? cr8zq: its checking for updates Sam J: Good. cr8zq: it can't find network cr8zq: the latest version is installed Sam J: Yes, the Ethernet cable is working fine now. cr8zq: yes it is cr8zq: when i unplug the ethernet the scrolling through setup is quicker cr8zq: I put a fan to the unit to cool it down before we started and now it's hot again. I think the problem is the ethernet being plugged in Sam J: Does the unit heats up when the Ethernet cable is disconnected? cr8zq: I cooled the unit with the fan and unplugged the ethernet cable. Lets give it 5 minutes... Sam J: Okay. cr8zq: yes it is hot to the touch Sam J: Seems to be some problem with the heat controlling unit in the player and it needs to be serviced to fix it. Sam J: Would you like me to send you the link to fill out an online service ticket to register for service? cr8zq: it all happened after the firmware update cr8zq: no i'm going back where I purchased it and exchanging it for another one. Sam J: Let me know the date of purchase of the player. cr8zq: September 29 Sam J: You can ask for exchange if you have the return back policy with your retailer. Other wise you can get it serviced for free with the Samsung. cr8zq: great please email me the info, but I believe I have 30 days to return the unit back. cr8zq: Thank you very much for your time. ----- My player is fine but it's too hot which will lead to stress later. Anyone else having this issue with the new firmware 080929_01.052808-F_XAA Last edited by cr8zq; 10-09-2008 at 06:39 PM.

10-09-2008, 11:44 PM	#80
sns_guy HD Is All I Need Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Where's Waldo? Posts: 266	Meet the Robinsons playback issues on 1500 Since this is the Samsung 1500 thread I thought I would ask this here. Does anyone have a copy of Meet the Robinsons that plays back just fine on the 1500. I have exchanged it out twice now. The first copy the last twenty minutes the sound and picture would skip and freeze first every minute or two which tunred into every 20 to 30 seconds. I go the new copy and still it skips not even close to as much but probably about 8 to 10 times in the last 20 to 30 minutes. I have all the firmware updates and it's still a problem. Any ideas. SNSGUY __________________ BLU-RAY: 33 XBOX 360 PRO ONKYO HT-S790 7.1 Home Theater System PANASONIC BD55K Blu-ray Player SAMSUNG LN52A650 HDTV HTPC Also My Audio Recording Workstation: Antec Nine Hundred Dual Boot: Vista, XP ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe AMD Motherboard AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ 3.2GHz Dual-Core G.SKILL 4GB DDR2 800 HIS Radeon HD 2600XT 512MB

10-12-2008, 04:08 PM	#90
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,331	I would suggest that if someone has this problem and is still within the window to return it for a different player, that they should do this IMO. Why wait possibly months to get it resolved considering Samsung's past record of taking this long to try to solve issues with some players. The heat issue alone would have me returning the 1500 player myself. I doubt that could be resolved with firmware, but I agree that Samsung should be called, and if they state this is a new problem return it as they will not likely resolve it anytime soon give their past record with fixes. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

10-09-2008, 08:14 PM	#79
cr8zq What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2	I went out to exchange units and did another update on the new unit. Same stuff happen. Ethernet is causing the player to run hot and slow with the new update. Without the Ethernet, the unit runs good.

10-11-2008, 07:10 PM	#87
Chris Gerhard High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 8,206	I played the last 20 minutes or so on my BD-P1400 and had no glitches or dropouts. It might be this disc has some code that causes intermittent issues for the BD-P1500 and a firmware update could fix it. It seems the discs that have a lot of Java code and use the Java navigation system create the most issues for Samsung players. I don't really understand the technical aspects of these things at all. Chris

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