Samsung intros BD-P1500 Blu-ray player, BD-UP5500 combo player

Hard to believe that CES 2007 was the venue at which Samsung launched its second-generation Blu-ray player, as just 12 months later we're staring the fourth-gen unit right in the face. Coming this May, the BD-P1500 will support 1080p playback (not to mention 720p / 1080i / 1080p DVD upconversion), 7.1 PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD HR and MA, Bitstream audio output via HDMI, HDMI 1.3 with CEC and the obligatory Profile 1.1. Meanwhile, the firm is also announcing its forthcoming combo player, and for those out there who have yet to successfully hunt one down or are just too frightened by the reports of lackluster audio performance, you may want to hit the pause button 'til May. The BD-UP5500 (pictured after the break) handles Blu-ray / HD DVD discs and supports 1080p24, but otherwise remains functionality identical to the P1500. The pain? $399 for the BD-P1500, $599 for the BD-UP5500.

[Rick @ Feb 15th 2008 2:05PM]

Bob,
Any further word as to Samsung supporting the BD-UP5000 after May 08?

[SJA @ Jan 6th 2008 5:09PM]

HQV?

[Shmoe @ Jan 6th 2008 6:02PM]

Yeah, this is affordable. Congrats all you Beta-ray fanboys. You can have your HD content on disc at a higher price and with more DRM than HD-DVD. Go ahead. Enjoy spending more money on something you could have had for less and with more user-friendly options.

[pquistgard @ Jan 6th 2008 6:06PM]

Bitterness.

[Director Bob @ Jan 6th 2008 6:44PM]

From experience, one would expect technology to improve and costs to come down - for those willing to wait... and wait. Experience also shows us that release dates are often delayed. Meanwhile, I'm watching Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs TONIGHT rather than having to wait 6 months or more.

To anyone considering the currently available Samsung BD-UP5000, I can tell you that I am very, very pleased with mine. Plus, the upconversion is simply the very best I've ever seen (I also own what was previously the best upconverting DVD player available - the Oppo 981).

[Podaman @ Jan 6th 2008 9:12PM]

Bob, I have the BD-UP5000 as well.

It doesn't remember you selected 1080p after you turn it off. You have to reselect it everytime.

It doesn't remember you selected 24p after you turn it off. You have to reselect it everytime.

It can internally decode Dolby TrueHD, but only in 2.1, which is some kind of cruel joke.

It can't internally decode DTS HD MA.

It can't bitstream Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD MA.

Without a some sort of firmware patch, it's difficult to recommend the BD-UP5000 with it's huge HD audio shortcomings.

I was hoping a firmware patch would add these features. But it looks like they are forgetting the BD-UP5000 and just releasing an all new model, the BD-UP5500. Sad.

[Director Bob @ Jan 6th 2008 9:57PM]

I believe your last comment, we would both agree, is only speculation at this point. As for your other comments, I've had no problem with my BD-UP-5000 not remembering 1080p - perhaps yours has a problem. The audio is not a concern with my particular set-up - although I know some true audiofiles were expecting something that's not there. We all hope for the end all and be all DVD player - but, of course, we also know that DVD is not the end all and be all of formats; who knows what just a couple of years may bring? There will always be a bigger and better technology down the road. Again, haven't we all learned by now that is the nature of the beast? I've already helped someone else buy the UP-5000 as a companion to his Sony 52" LCD - I'm sure there will also be bigger, better and cheaper flatpanels out in another year, too. Such is life.

I've heard a couple of folks say "this means Samsung isn't going to support the BD-UP-5000" but I've not heard Samsung say that. BTW, I've also heard there will be a better iPhone out in the near future - I pitty the poor fools who will be using their first generation models until then. ;^)

[Director Bob @ Jan 6th 2008 9:47PM]

I believe your last comment, we would both agree, is only speculation at this point. As for your other comments, I've had no problem with my BD-UP-5000 not remembering 1080p - perhaps yours has a problem. The audio is not a concern with my particular set-up - although I know some true audiofiles were expecting something that's not there. We all hope for the end all and be all DVD player - but, of course, we also know that DVD is not the end all and be all of formats; who knows what just a couple of years may bring? There will always be a bigger and better technology down the road. Again, haven't we all learned by now that is the nature of the beast? I've already helped someone else buy the UP-5000 as a companion to his Sony 52" LCD - I'm sure there will also be bigger, better and cheaper flatpanels out in another year, too. Such is life.

I've heard a couple of folks say "this means Samsung isn't going to support the BD-UP-5000" but I've not heard Samsung say that. With all due respect, I've also heard there will be a better iPhone out in the near future - I pitty the poor fools who will be using their first generation models until then. ;^)

[AJ in the East Bay @ Jan 6th 2008 7:50PM]

I just want cheap combo players. $300 is my target price for a combo player, otherwise $150 for blu-ray. In the meantime I won't hold by breath...

[Gary @ Jan 11th 2008 8:45AM]

Another Samsung product waiting for "firmware" fixes (UP5000). Now, a new "fourth" generation player (1500), and the first three generations (1000/1200/1400) can't play the latest Blu-ray releases (Pirtaes 3 & Live Free Die Hard). Been waiting on that new "firmware" release fix since December 12th!

[paul degregory @ Jan 12th 2008 12:25PM]

Have pana bdk 10a and samsung 5000, pana audio works well out 7.1 analogs ,no dts master support but still sounds better ditial plus out analogs. Noticed much better picture on samsung,audio is the big problem, popping and cracking when trying to play dts master (probably damaged my expensive Bose speakers), missing chanels on dolby true hd, all through 7.1 analogs, changed to optical out and audio is basic (crap). Popped Resident Evil Extinction into samsung and gets stuck in artist comentary mode with overlapping audio tracks, no way to watch movie at all, put movie in pana and played fine. Would have been happy with pana but reports are that onboard audio will never be able to support Dts master and since hdmi 1.2 will not be able to pass bitstream audio to a receiver that will decode(this is what I was trying to avoid since my reciever is fine, just dosn,nt have new audio decoders put has 7.1 analog audio imputs and abilty to adjust sound levels and delays) and after viewing HQV Reon chip video of samsung I would never go back. Returned Pana today and will hold samung till 30 day return policy ends then probally return also. Used to feel bad about returning items but know I feel it is an obligation to keep these companys from selling equipment that dos'nt do what it was built and stated to do and charging huge prices to consumers.