HD Netflix streaming coming to Samsung's BD-P2500 / BD-P2550 Blu-ray players

Around this time last month, we learned that Netflix streaming would be making its way onto Samsung's BD-P2500 / BD-P2550 Blu-ray players. Today, Sammy has dropped another related bombshell: HD Netflix streaming is just around the bend. Beginning the first week of December (which isn't vague at all), owners of the aforementioned decks will be able to suck down a simple firmware update to enable high-def Netflix streaming. Enjoy the exclusivity, Xbox 360 -- it all comes to an end soon.

[MadMike @ Nov 26th 2008 3:14PM]

Too bad Netflix doesn't have good enough data pipe or servers to handle all that HD. On both FiOS and Comcrap I get, "Your internet connection has slowed" messages and then it reverts to shit on a stick quality.

[THizzle7XU @ Nov 26th 2008 3:16PM]

Well, on a good connection it works just fine. Don't blame Netflix. I haven't had the slightest problem on TWC.

[MadMike @ Nov 26th 2008 3:23PM]

On Comcast (16MB down), FioS (15MB down) & work (GbE Lan connected to an OC connection to a regional HUB) - I get a lot of those messages. Ranging from Philly Suburbs, Philly center city & Central NJ Shore.

I have no other problems on any other streaming service (Hulu SD & HD, etc)...

[hfm @ Nov 26th 2008 3:30PM]

I have had no issues using RCN's 10mbit service in NYC.

[Andrew @ Nov 26th 2008 3:33PM]

I watched the entire first season of 30 Rock in HD with no problems.

[Mattazuma @ Nov 26th 2008 4:16PM]

I have watched multiple shows in HD over my AT&T 6MB DSL with no problems. No slowdowns/quality reductions at all. Netflix seems to have huge pipes.

[Platinum_Skeet @ Nov 26th 2008 5:01PM]

Madmike I would check your router settings honestly most likely it's problems on your end...

[Ellianth @ Nov 26th 2008 5:03PM]

Totally responding to your post so i can get mine higher, forgive me. Anyone know the model of that tv?

[MadMike @ Nov 26th 2008 5:11PM]

Any special ports I should open up? Should I enable QOS, because I normally turn it off.

[YouFaceTheTick @ Nov 27th 2008 12:22AM]

We're returning our Roku as the quality on Cox.com is so bad and we never have issues with other online programs. Bummer.

At least the Samsung allows you to see the device in person and order from a local reseller or from a real online vendor like Apple. We got shafted for a $15 shipping fee, plus sales tax on our POS Roku.

[Spiny Norman @ Nov 26th 2008 3:17PM]

Wake me up when the downloads support 1080p, 7.1 channel uncompressed audio, and all the bonus features that are included on the Blu-ray disc.

Otherwise, it's no substitute for the disc.

[nsfw @ Nov 26th 2008 5:04PM]

Keep sleeping buddy while I enjoy soon to be unlimited amounts of compressed HD content on my xbox. I could care less about the TV shows or independent movies with quality dialog being in 1080p and 7.1 uncompressed audio. Give me more content at 720i(I know it doesn't exist) than sitting around waiting for a few years for more 1080p.

[paul @ Nov 26th 2008 3:17PM]

Yet the PS3 still can't get Netflix HD? Ugh.

[Mr Mac Guy @ Nov 26th 2008 3:22PM]

I know, this little box gets Netflix streaming, but my $400 PS3 doesn't.

"Oh, we can't do it on the PS3, its just not nearly as reliable and powerful as the Xbox!"

[MadMike @ Nov 26th 2008 3:24PM]

That's because Sony wants you to get your movies from the PlayStation store so THEY make the money.

[ThePhoenixLament @ Nov 26th 2008 3:25PM]

The ps3 doesn't deserve this feature...

Samsung players are starting to get REALLY GOOD! I can't wait till I get mine.

[Gr1zz @ Nov 26th 2008 3:29PM]

Did they honestly state that somewhere? *pulls out the tophat* Absurd!

PS3 would have been the natural choice, MS must have paid a lot of dough for that trick.

[Vidikron @ Nov 26th 2008 3:35PM]

@ThePhoenixLament

Ugh... you're actually spreading your crap beyond Joystiq?

[Cellien @ Nov 26th 2008 3:41PM]

CEO of Netflix is a board member for Microsoft. They have a good relationship, get used to it. It's like Konami and SCE, Apple and Google and so on.

Besides, the PS3 plays Blu-Rays, which I love and watch weekly (from Netflix) but if I recall, lots of Sony fanbois said they weren't interested in streaming (HD) movies anyways.

[ThePhoenixLament @ Nov 26th 2008 3:41PM]

Umm are you still stalking me?

And it's my opinion so fuck off sony fanboy.

[Vidikron @ Nov 26th 2008 3:47PM]

It's your opinion the PS3 doesn't "deserve" Netflix streaming? That just sounds completely stupid, but I'll bite... How does it not "deserve" Netflix?

[ThePhoenixLament @ Nov 26th 2008 3:49PM]

Because it's a shitty system to begin with and this feature is really important and significant.

Also all you sony fanboys/bluray fanboys have been bitching that streaming isn't important or useful at all so you don't deserve the feature. Also sony forced Bluray into the market thru the ps3 and since it thinks its such a great format they shouldn't be trying to ride any other horse on their players.

[Vidikron @ Nov 26th 2008 3:54PM]

"Also all you sony fanboys/bluray fanboys have been bitching that streaming isn't important or useful at all so you don't deserve the feature. Also sony forced Bluray into the market thru the ps3 and since it thinks its such a great format they shouldn't be trying to ride any other horse on their players."

Not attempting to ride any other horse? They already provide their own movies via digital distribution through the PSN store and through Netflix. And no one held any guns to anyone's head and forced them to buy PS3s. As usual, your arguments make no sense. And, BTW, I don't know why you keep calling me a Sony fanboy. I have, and quite like, a 360. Just because I comment on your stupid remarks about the PS3 doesn't make me a "Sony fanboy".

[twisted4 @ Nov 26th 2008 3:24PM]

when can we get HD through regular IE 'watch now'? shouldn't that have been the first thing available???

[Cellien @ Nov 26th 2008 3:44PM]

I'm just happy I already had a 360 (heck I've had for 3 years!), already had Live, and already had a Netflix account. I didn't have to pay one [extra] dime for this insanely awesome feature! I'm glad others will get to enjoy it now too!

[Fred @ Nov 26th 2008 3:57PM]

The more machines that can do this the better. Just mean that they'll bring more content.

[Jim @ Nov 26th 2008 4:03PM]

I hope they get HD streaming to the Roku player soon. I set mine up last night and it's a great little box. Picture quality was quite good, but HD would be even nicer.

[Darren @ Nov 26th 2008 4:27PM]

Coming before 2009 :-)

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/03/rokus-netflix-player-handling-hd-content-by-the-end-of-the-yea/

[YouFaceTheTick @ Nov 27th 2008 12:26AM]

We set up our Roku up last night too. Ugh what a POS. Terrible mistake.

Bad picture, no content, expensive shipping and no local retailers or real online vendors mean I ended up with an expensive paper-weight that will cost me $10 to send back. I just got bent over by Netflix and I'm super pissed about it. After 8 years with Netflix the incredibly low quality of the Roku is pushing me to reconsider ever supporting them again with anything...including my DVD rental subscription. I'm that pissed off about the shady way the Roku is marketed, sold and supported.

The reviewers saying the Roku image is good or even decent obviously have lousy SD cable.

[crescentdavid @ Nov 26th 2008 4:05PM]

Gotta go with Fred. It's all about improving the user experience. It's a shame some folks don't access the necessary bandwidth ... it can be frustrating. Haven't run into that problem out here in the NW, but ... stay tuned.

I think when you take a look at the price points ... the choice of delivery methods ... and the ramp-up not only with inventory but with quality ... Netflix is definitely a deal.

[bandigolo @ Nov 26th 2008 4:26PM]

oh man.... The BDP-2500 is down to $300 (or slightly less). I've been holding off on a Blu-Ray purchase until prices bottom out, but this Netflix feature may push me over the edge.

i know that the PS3 has been the "standard" for Blu-Ray playback for a while - anybody care to comment on whether these Sammy's have caught up?

[TopaZ @ Nov 26th 2008 4:37PM]

The biggest question for me is, will these players also play MKVs off of memory sticks/usb hdds? If I can get that functionality + netflix + bluray disc, I'll cough up $300 and thank you for it.

[harish Venkataramani @ Nov 26th 2008 4:48PM]

When will my LG BD300 get HD Streaming??? Seems thats the only one left out!

[shawnmos @ Nov 26th 2008 5:23PM]

Probably soon.

[Chuckie @ Nov 27th 2008 11:35AM]

I picked up a Samsung blu ray disc player and connected to Netflix using my AT&T DSL. I am getting almost 4 Mps downloads (per the application on my iPhone).

quality on the movies is horrid. One dot on the quality bar.

What the heck is the problem!?

[sumsika @ Jan 6th 2009 10:09AM]

Coming before 2009 : Lucky!!!!
http://www.buycheaptelevisions.com