bd-p1600
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Samsung Blu-ray players won't play Warner, Universal movies after firmware update, require a rollback
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/hardware/Samsung_Blu_ray_players_won_t_play_Warner_Universal_movies'; As annoying as continuous Blu-ray player updates are, usually having the latest one is the best way to play more movies. Unfortunately the opposite was the case for Samsung (again) with the v2.09 update posted recently for its 2009 BD-Px600 line of players. Forum posters on CNET and AVSForum report the upgrade blocked them from playing Universal and Warner Bros. movies, which conveniently lock up after displaying the title image. Samsung's rolled back to an older firmware version (v2.07) on its support site that should fix things for now, but with some users still having problems downgrading, all they can do is wait for the next update, whenever that arrives. Some help line reps have said the new version should arrive "in a couple of weeks," but it's not like you really wanted to watch Clash of the Titans or Book of Eli right now anyway, right? [Thanks, CJ Robinson]
Poll: What is the best Blu-ray player?
With Christmas right around the corner and the CEA predicting that consumers will spend more on electronics this year then last, we have to wonder what our dear readers think is the best Blu-ray player. Of course the PS3 is the most obvious answer since it pulls double duty as a gaming device, but movie lovers might prefer a standalone with other streaming features like VUDU or Netflix. At the same time, home automation nuts might prefer a player with discrete IR codes or maybe an RS-232 port. So keeping everything include the price in mind, which is the best Blu-ray player? %Poll-35872%
Netflix, Best Buy deal brings Watch Instantly streaming to even cheaper Blu-ray players
Though they've been floating around retail channels for a few weeks, Best Buy and Netflix have finally made official a partnership bringing streaming to the latest Insignia Blu-ray players. The NS-BRDVD3 runs $179, while the NS-WBRDVD edition tosses in WiFi for $20 more, while they won't stream out of the box, a firmware update just made available should add all that Watch Instantly goodness. These two keep the (we'll be nice and call it plain) styling of earlier models, and likely live up to the family reputation of "basic Blu-ray playback at a bargain" reported on the second generation of players. Of course, the BD-P1600 offers more features and a nicer reputation at about the same price, but Reward Zone members may want to think twice, with AVS Forum posters mentioning the NS-BRDVD3 can be had for just $99.99 through the 24th. Decisions, decisions. Read - Best Buy and Netflix Announce Partnership to Instantly Stream Movies Over the Internet Via Latest Models of Insignia Blu-ray Disc Players Read - Save $50 On Select INSIGNIA® Connected Blu-ray Disc™ Players with Netflix [Via AVS Forum]
Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-ray player review
Samsung's sixth generation player is close to what some would call a complete player. It features support for all the audio codecs Blu-ray supports as well as internet streaming services such as Netflix and Pandora. The really interesting new feature is the fact that it supports a Wifi dongle, which to most means they can actually take advantage of the included internet features as well as BD Live -- this is because most don't have wired internet connections behind their TV. Of course the main point of the device is to play Blu-ray discs and we're happy to say that despite all the new features, the player doesn't lose focus on its core functionality.
To Samsung, "vidification" means a theater experience everywhere
Samsung seems very optimistic for a CE company in these economic times, but the way we heard VP Scott Birnbaum tell it, it couldn't be in a better place to help customers "vidify" with loads of theater-experience when & where you want it hardware. Emphasizing a focus on LCDs, that means matching expected customer desires with a push to 16:9 on devices from TVs to laptops. We're not ones for slick buzzwords, but the results speak from themselves, from speedy Netflix streaming Blu-ray players, to the latest round of HDTVs with widgets (great), edge lit LED lighting (good) and 240Hz (we're not convinced yet) technology, and the outer edge of products like the Omnia HD HDMI packing celly. If Samsung's not giving the people what they want, it's certainly trying, peep the full PR after the break and see how close to the mark it is.
Samsung's 2009 Blu-ray player lineup officially priced
When Samsung's 2009 Blu-ray player lineup was outed at CES this year, all pricing and release date information was conveniently omitted. At long last, Sammy has pushed out the details we've been waiting for at its Spring Fever event in New York City. Granted, the BD-P3600 and BD-P1600 are already on store shelves for $399.99 and $299.99, respectively, but we figured it prudent to pass along those official numbers straight from the source. Of note, we're also told that the ultrathin BD-P4600 will indeed be coming in April for $499.99, and if Best Buy's website is to be believed, it'll be April 19th if we're talking specifics.
Samsung BD-P1600 hands-on
Oh it seems just like yesterday that we were reviewing the very first Blu-ray player, which happened to also be a Samsung, and now here we are just a few years later with a sixth generation Blu-ray player from Samsung, the BD-P1600. At first glance you have to wonder what's new and is it worth the upgrade from the 1500? So far unless you're crazy about Netflix and Pandora support we'd say no, but we'll reserve the final judgment until after we've had enough time with it to do a proper review.
Samsung BD-P1600 Netflix streaming Blu-ray player pops up at retail
Samsung's new value priced Blu-ray player managed to fly under our radar at CES in favor of its better equipped brethren but that hasn't stopped Dave Zatz and others from stumbling into them at retail lately, like this one sitting on a Best Buy shelf. By making BD-Live required 1GB storage and WiFi dongle aftermarket accessories, you can grab a slim, Netflix streaming, fast Blu-ray loading box for $299. Right now we'll probably wait until the whole product line appears and prices slide down a bit more before considering picking one up, but depending on your needs this could be a good option, more pics of this bird in its unnatural habitat beyond the read link.
