bd-up5000
Latest
Samsung fixes Avatar Blu-ray problems with firmware updates
Being stuck with a Blu-ray player that couldn't handle what is (probably) the most popular movie on the format of all-time sounds like a bit of a problem, which Samsung has moved quickly to resolve with firmware updates for its BD-UP5000 (to version 1.5) and BD-P1400 (to version 2.13) Blu-ray players. Forum reports indicate all is well on Pandora once users have upgraded to the new versions with no lingering BD+ DRM issues getting in their way. Of course, the question of why legitimate buyers had to wait several days just to play a movie that was still ripped and redistributed without copy protection as soon as it launched remains unanswered. So is anyone else still having Avatar playback problems, or is all well in your high bitrate neck of the woods?
Avatar smashes Blu-ray sales records, has some owners ready to smash incompatible players
Well, well. Our friend Jimmy C.'s (who cancelled on our planned interview last week, but it's cool) little indie project has taken the all-time Blu-ray sales crown for North America in just four days. That's how long it took for Avatar to move 2.7 million Blu-ray discs, ahead of The Dark Knight's 2.5 million number, showering viewers with that incredibly high bitrate audio and video (other than some pleading for more low end thump, we haven't heard any complaints.) The downside for a few, including one Crunchgear editor, is that the movie shipped with a new version of BD+ encryption and has had trouble playing on certain Blu-ray players, including the BD-UP5000, BD-C5500, as well as several Pioneer units (fixed after a firmware update.) Some owners have found a way around the issues for the BD-C5500, but there's no word when an update to take care of things completely may be incoming. If you're wondering how much time the extra DRM bought Fox & co. before the BDRips started floating around, DVDFab claimed to break it the same day the movie launched, while Slysoft's AnyDVD HD has offered compatibility with some, if not all, region releases the day after. So much for that ten year prediction.
Samsung's firmware v1.3 takes BD-UP5000 to Profile 1.1
Here it is, BD-UP5000 owners -- the file you've been waiting for. If you were somewhat underwhelmed by the fixes in firmware v1.2, you'll probably be a-okay with what v1.3 is packin'. Released today, this update takes the combo player to Profile 1.1, adds in "HD audio bit-stream output" and "improves playback compatibility in some movies." 'Nuff said, right? Hit the read link to get that download rolling, and do let us know how wonderful your life becomes when it finishes installing.[Thanks, Harmin]
Best Buy Trade-in Center HD DVD prices posted
So what's your remnant of a format war gone by worth? Best Buy has updated its Trade-In Center website with prices for HD DVD players and movies, and quite frankly you're probably better off just keeping it. Prices for players are highest for combo players, like the BH-200 ($285*) and BD-UP5000 ($255), then for players equipped with high end scalers for DVD upconverting like the HD-XA2 ($165) then everything else like the Xbox 360 add-on ($21) or HD-A3 ($36). Movies (along with a player, not by themselves) net less than $3 each. Of course, there's always value in a fresh start so go ahead and check it out for yourself. *All prices assume excellent condition with all cables & manuals
Amazon offers two free HD DVDs when you buy... a BD-UP5000?
Make no mistake, we're huge fans of sales. But Amazon's latest "deal" has us scratching our noggins and laughing heartily all at the same time. Touted as a "limited-time offer," the e-tailer is giving away two HD DVDs (read: free, gratis, on the house, etc.) -- all you have to do is buy two Blu-ray titles... and a $450 Samsung BD-UP5000 combo player. Truthfully, we can't figure out what Amazon's trying to pull here, or why it chose to market this special in this manner. Sure, we can see sparking up a sale in order to clear out HD DVD inventory, and we can even understand hacking the price of the soon-to-be-discontinued UP5000, but this? Check out the read link and have a chuckle, won't you?[Thanks, John]
Samsung dishes out v1.2 firmware update for BD-UP5000
Not even two months after Samsung rolled out a firmware update for its ailing BD-UP5000 Blu-ray / HD DVD combo player, the firm is at it again in an attempt to mend the issues that owners have been squabbling about since day one. Sammy doesn't provide any gory details about what exactly firmware v1.2 does -- all we're told is that it "fixes the network connection error [introduced in v1.1]." Still, its good to see some progress being made, but considering that there's no laundry list of solutions here, we've all ideas that there are still some strides left to be taken. Hit up the read link to get your download on, and be sure to chime in below with any changes / bug fixes.[Thanks, Jim]
Samsung BD-UP5000 review
The biggest complaint about Blu-ray is that it's a work in process, and while that is hard to argue, the manufactures aren't making us wait for revisions. With each new generation of player, Blu-ray fans wait with baited breath to see if it'll satisfy all their needs, but until Profile 2.0 players emerge, it's likely they'll be left at least partially unsatisfied. The BD-UP5000 is the latest player to try to be everything to everyone by not only playing both HD media formats, but also by enabling a few firsts for Blu-ray like internal decoding of all the latest codecs. While the BD-UP5000 does have a lot of promise, we feel it's not quite there yet.%Gallery-14603%
The Samsung BD-UP5000 to be discontinued in May
While we've become accustomed to Blu-ray players being released every six months, it's a little ridiculous when we're forced to wait for a new player longer than it's on the market. Eventually we expect the cycle to slow down -- like when BD Live players are out for example -- and many believed that the Samsung BD-UP5000 could be one of those players based on promises when announced. Once you have an Ethernet port for internet content, REON video processing, internal decoding and bitstream support for every codec, discrete analog output, as well as HDMI 1.3, what else could possibly warrant a mid year revamp? We suspect the problem is that the player isn't delivering, and on top of that, we don't think it's Samsung's fault. You see, just like the LG BH200, the BD-UP5000 is based on Broadcom's Reference design BCM97440, and the word on the street is that it isn't ever going to deliver. So it'd make sense that Sammy would change the platform for one that's actually able to get the job done. So yeah, this Broadcom bit is just speculation, but we did contact the outfit to figure out what the deal was, and while it was very responsive at first, as soon as we asked about the troubles with the BCM97400, it must'a lost our email address (or maybe its servers have been down for a week). The good news is that Samsung doesn't see the BD-UP5500 as a replacement, and promises a suitable replacement for the high-end dual-format customer in the second half of '08.**Update** Samsung says that the date it'll be discontinued is subject to change.
Samsung BD-UP5000 finally fixed?
If you hedged your format war bets by picking up a Samsung BD-UP5000, chances are you've been disappointed by two things since unboxing your switch-hitting disc spinner. First, the format war may be over. Second, the BD-UP5000 has been plagued by problems in the field. Samsung has been promising a firmware update to the unit to address the problems, and it looks like it's now here (right on schedule for the promised mid-January delivery, we might add). Since we don't have one of these units at Engadget HD HQ, we can't confirm the firmware actually makes good on all the promises made on the unit's "fact tag," so sound off below and let us know![Thanks, chris m!]Update: Confirmed on our loaner unit -- some issues with BD-J and BD+, but no new multi-channel audio support. C'mon Samsung, deliver the promised goods!
Samsung BD-UP5000 gets unboxed
Samsung's BD-UP5000 showed up at our door today for a proper review and just like we love to do, we're bringing the unboxing experience to you in advanced of the full review. We'll be running this thing through the ringer in the next few weeks, but our early impressions are good -- despite the lack of next-gen audio codec support. If you have any tests you'd like performed, now's your chance to be heard, otherwise hold tight while we play work diligently. %Gallery-13803%
Samsung's BD-UP5000 is failing to deliver
The Samsung BD-UP5000 suffered a few delays and it appears Samsung still managed to rush it to market. Users of Samsung's latest dual format HD movie player are reporting a whole slew of problems including; inability to enjoy any multi-channel next-gen codecs, problems playing the latest titles like Resident Evil: Extinction, 3:10 to Yuma and Sunshine, and miscellaneous problems with 4:3 material and DVDs. If all the BD-UP5000 are having these problems, it's no wonder we haven't received our review unit from Samsung yet. Either way, you'd better believe we'll be watching this closely, because as it stands the BD-UP5000 is the worst device capable of playing Blu-ray discs released in recent history.**Update** Samsung has said that a firmware update to address the compatibility problems with current discs should be out in mid January. Also, Samsung plans to released a firmware update during Q2 2008 that will enable bitstream output of multi-channel Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD (both HR and MA).
Samsung's BD-UP5000 leaking into stores?
While Samsung's BD-UP5000 still shows as unavailable until next month over at Amazon, it appears that the combo player is nevertheless leaking into select big box retail locations. Currently, the unit is out of stock online at both Circuit City and Best Buy, but a quick zip code check revealed that it was actually in stock and begging for an owner in select New York, Texas and New Mexico locations (just to name a few). Of course, it looks as though CC is charging a whopping two bills less than its scorned rival, so we'd probably head that way if at all possible. We're calling on you, dear readers -- let us know where the BD-UP5000 is (and isn't). After you snag your own, of course.[Thanks, Bill M.]Read - BD-UP5000 at Best BuyRead - BD-UP5000 at Circuit City
Amazon pushes BD-UP5000 release date back to February
Yeah, we already saw Samsung's BD-UP5000 in the wild and on sale in one particular location, but it seems there could be a problem in getting these things out to the masses. 'Course, we aren't going to assume the worse just yet, but it's not like we haven't heard the dreaded d-word (that's "delay" if you're wondering) flung around in regard to this unit before. Nevertheless, Amazon has just recently pushed the estimated release out from mid-January to February of next year, meaning that the eBay value of your recently acquired BD-UP5000 just creeped up a little. So, dear readers, are any of you having any luck locating this thing elsewhere? Or should we be that much more envious of those who managed to grab one already?[Thanks, Kevin B.]
Samsung's BD-UP5000 HD DVD / Blu-ray player on sale, in the wild
Rumors were swirling about Samsung's BD-UP5000 close to the beginning of this year, and after things got official, more details were leaked out and we twiddled our thumbs while dealing with a last minute delay, all is finally well -- if you can manage to locate one, that is. Yep, the time has finally come for Samsung's own HD DVD / Blu-ray player to make its mark, and a fortunate fellow over at AVSForum has already managed to snag one and snap a few pics to prove it. Of course, just about everyone and their cousin third-removed has chimed in with a flurry of questions, so be sure and check out the read link to see if your inquiries haven't already been answered.
Samsung's DB-UP5000 HD DVD / Blu-ray player: $799, shipping mid-to-late December
Good news. This time, we won't be burdening you with more talk of delays to Samsung's DB-UP5000 dual format player. On the contrary, a Samsung spokesperson told Dealerscope that the much anticipated HD DVD and Blu-ray player is on target for a "mid-to-late December" launch. Better yet, the price is down from $999 to a more reasonable $799. That is, until you consider the combined cost of a $499 $399 PS3 and sub-$200 HD DVD player.
Samsung's BD-UP5000 is on schedule for December
Samsung's first dual format player was supposed to hit the streets in October, but was delayed. Today, Samsung let us know that it'll be shipping from their factories in October and expects it to hit retailers shelves in December. It's also been confirmed that the BD-UP5000 will be Profile 1.1 "ready", and there are plans to release a firmware update in January of 2008 that will make profile 1.1 a reality. It's not surprising that the BDA has provided this loop-hole when we consider that the first Profile 1.1 title isn't expected till next year.
Samsung axes BD-P2400, delays BD-UP5000 combo player
Just in case you haven't scooted on over to the HD side of things lately, we thought you should know that the $600 you've got stashed away for that forthcoming BD-P2400 Blu-ray player can now be used for something else. According to WesleyTech, the unit has been canned by Samsung, and if that wasn't enough, those excited about the BD-UP5000 HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player will be forced to exude even more patience until the thing actually ships in December. Granted, Sammy may use the extra time to update the specs a bit, but we feel your pain, regardless.
Samsung's BD-UP5000 HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player gets previewed
The folks over at HDGuru managed to spend a few quality minutes with Samsung's forthcoming hybrid player, and initial impressions look to be pretty positive. Granted, their BD-UP5000 was a pre-production sample, but they were mighty impressed with the BD-Java / HDi support, HDMI 1.3 functionality, and the Reon scaler chip within. During limited time with the player, the assortment of HD DVDs and Blu-ray films that they got to view "all looked spectacular, with every image appearing clean, crisp and sharp as a tack," and the "faster chapter changes and quicker entry into other menu functions" compared to previous generation units were highly praised, too. Overall, it seems that we've got a respectable combo player on the horizon for those not willing to choose a side, so be sure and give the read link a visit if you're too impatient to wait for a full-on review.
More details on Samsung's $999 BD-UP5000 combo player
Well, would you look at this. No sooner than LG gets official with its second HD DVD / Blu-ray hybrid player, along comes Samsung with more details on its forthcoming competitor. The device will indeed support HDi and BD-Java, tout HQV video processing, and play back imagery at 1080p24. Additionally, users can look forward to "selectable DVD upconversion (720p / 1080i / 1080p)," coaxial / optical digital audio connections, Dolby Digital / Digital Plus / TrueHD / DTS-HD support, HDMI 1.3, component / composite / S-Video outputs, MPEG2, VC-1, H.264 and HD JPEG decoding, and an Ethernet port for good measure. Unfortunately, the release date is still a bit vague, but we do know it'll run you $999 when it lands sometime during Q4. [Warning: PDF read link]
Samsung announces more details on 3rd-gen and dual-format players
Samsung has released more details about the company's third-generation Blu-ray player lineup, including a home theater-in-a-box system, and the Duo HD dual-format HD DVD / Blu-ray player. We learned about the two Blu-ray players earlier this month, and we can add to that info support on both players for 24 or 60fps playback at 1080p. The BD-P2400 also adds 7.1-channel output, with the BD-P1400 sporting 5.1 outs. The dual-format BD-UP5000 was also announced back in April, and now we know that it will play back both of the high-definition formats at 1080p and includes the HQV upconversion processor chip found in the BD-P2400. It includes the same feature set as the BD-P2400, with Blu-ray playback at 24 or 60fps, 7.1-channel out, and Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD support. It also has HD DVD-specific features like local storage and picture-in-picture support, while staying fully compatible with both the HDi and BD-J interactive specs. The HT-BD2 home theater system includes an 1,100-watt receiver and the same media playback features as the BD-P1400. It also includes five tower speakers, two rear satellites, and a powered sub. The BD-UP5000 will retail for $1,049, and the HT-BD2 will ship for $1,499, both in the fourth quarter of this year.
