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LG's latest BH200 firmware update expands HD audio support
Heads-up, BH200 owners -- there's a juicy new firmware update out there just calling your name. Yep, as of right now, owners of the LG hybrid player can snag the BH02080402F update, which adds support for certain HD audio codecs as well as solving the bothersome Green Line issue. Among the official changes listed in the log are a Bonus View (BD Profile 1.1) update, DTS-HD 7.1-channel output via pass-through, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1-channel output via pass-through, Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel decode and PCM output via HDMI, a user selectable Film Mode (1080p24) enabled, and firmware update via Network has too been switched on. Unfortunately, there's no direct link to the download, but be sure and hit up the via for step-by-step instructions on securing the latest update.[Via AVS Forum, thanks Foxbat]
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.
LG's BH200 HD DVD / Blu-ray player gets reviewed
Although we were able to get the BH200 to pose for a few glamour shots back at CEDIA, the recently released player has just now got around to checking in for a review. According to Home Theater Mag, the BH200 exhibited "stunning" image quality from both Blu-ray and HD DVD titles, and moreover, the video processing (DVD upconversion included) was "as good as any it had seen in a disc player." Unfortunately, the (high) praise essentially ended there. First and foremost, it made little sense to the reviewer to pay such a high premium ($999) for a dual-format unit unless you place a great deal of value on size and convenience. Beyond that, the player really dropped the ball on high-resolution audio playback, as HTM couldn't even get it to output Dolby TrueHD in multichannel form from "any output, at any resolution." Overall, the BH200 turned out to be a mixed bag, and while strict videophiles may find nothing to kvetch about, its inability to handle certain audio codecs was viewed as a "serious shortcoming." Nevertheless, there's much, much more where this came from if you're in the market, so head on over to the read link to catch the full spill.[Via AVSForum]
LG's "Super Blu" BH200 HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player now available
After a slight delay and a false alarm, LG has finally announced that its "Super Blu" BH200 HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player is now available at retailers nationwide, for the not so low price of $999. In addition to playing both HD formats, the player also has the somewhat notable distinction of being the first player to support Blu-ray profile 1.1, although you'll still have to wait a while to take advantage of that particular feature. Otherwise, you'll get full 1080p support (including upscaling of DVDs), HDMI 1.3, component and composite video outputs, digital optical and analog audio outputs, and a LAN port, not to mention a USB port on the front for impromptu slide shows or music playback. Now, if only they'd work on getting the cost down to something less than the combined cost of an HD DVD and Blu-ray player, we'd be all set.
Circuit City lists LG's BH200 combo HD DVD / Blu-ray combo at $799
We're not exactly sure what to make of this, but LG's BH200 combo HD DVD / Blu-ray player is currently listed on Circuit City's website for $799, which is about $100 cheaper than anywhere else and $200 cheaper than a certain blue competitor. It might well be a typo, of course (and probably is), but between Big Red's pre-Black Friday price-chopping and our own fervent hopes for format peace, we're going to keep on dreaming until we hear otherwise. Update: Yep, too good to be true -- it's back up to $999 now.[Thanks, Mike L.]
LG's BH200 to be first profile 1.1 Blu-ray player
With October 31st looming, Blu-ray fans are wondering where all the full profile players are. According to LG's product development director Tim Alessi, LG's latest dual format player (BH200) is on schedule to be the first of it's kind. This latest requirement for stand alone Blu-ray players promises to finally bring the Blu-ray camp up to the standards that HD DVD has enjoyed since almost the very beginning, including features like PIP. At this point it seems that most of the other manufacturers are content to wait for CES to announce compliant players, but we'll be on the look out either way. The real question at this point is where's the content? At this point, the only title announced to contain 1.1 features (Resident Evil: Extinction) isn't due out till 2008.
EngadgetHD gets hands-on with LG's BH200
There was no doubt that LG would use CEDIA to showcase its latest and greatest HD DVD / Blu-ray hybrid player, and sure enough, a trio of the players were set up for folks like us to drool over. Interested? Check out the closeups over at EngadgetHD.
Hands-on with LG's BH200 HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player
Ah, LG's newest peace-maker. This beauty, which was unveiled just days ago, was set up nice and proper over at the firm's CEDIA booth in Denver, and we couldn't resist snapping a few pictures to give you all a look at what $999 will buy. In the player itself was the HD DVD of Superman, and it looked as good as expected. You know the drill, dive on in below.%Gallery-7009%
LG's BH200 HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player set for October
Here's some tantalizing news for those still refusing to choose sides in the perpetual format war. Turns out, LG seems to be readying its second HD DVD / Blu-ray standalone player for a fall release, and unsurprisingly, it's likely to be dubbed the BH200. Reportedly, this device will support BD-Live functionality, HDi (er, Advanced Navigation), and "1080p output at 60Hz / 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs." And while it wasn't confirmed, LG's product development manager for consumer electronics brand marketing suggested that it could boast "wider support for audio CDs as well as HD DVD network connectivity." Moreover, you can expect it to play nice with MPEG1/2, VC-1, H.264, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS and DTS-HD, tout HDMI 1.3 and Ethernet ports, and to arrive on store shelves for around $999 "in mid-October."UPDATE: It's official -- as a matter of fact, this sucka will be debuting at CEDIA tomorrow, so we'll be trying our best to snag some hands-on time with it, cool? For now, though, check out a few more press shots posted after the jump.