[Dan Hitchman]

According to our old pals from "Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity" over at AVS the Samsung is one of the top (if not the top because of the Reon processor and its handling of video sources, plus no clipping, no cropping, no CUE, and no signal limiting) performer for picture quality and the fastest tabletop unit for loading speeds (behind the PS3).

Anyone have one of these bad boys? Just think, Samsung's last player was one of the worst. How things can turn around!

I understand that some are probably holding on to their PS3's as Blu-ray players (like I am) until November to see what becomes of the final BD-Java software update and the latest models, but if Sony doesn't implement their HDMI 1.3 features quickly enough I won't be able to enjoy one of the new receivers coming along from Onkyo or Denon, etc.

Thoughts and opinions?

[Larry Sutliff]

I would buy this player, but I'm waiting for a BD deck that does everything that BD is supposed to do. Until a unit like that arrives, I'll stick with the BDP1000(which isn't a bad player at all with the latest firmware).

[Brandon Conway]

The 1200 is easily the best stand-alone player so far, IMO. Fast load times, great A/V, and no problems like the 1000 had pre-firmware upgrade. It gives me high hopes for the Samsung combo player coming out this Fall.

[Dan Hitchman]

The Samsung dual player will have a Faroudja processor rather than the superior Silicon Optix Reon in order to cut costs according to the buzz.

Another reason why I don't think dual players are such a good idea (the format war has done most of its purpose and now needs to come to a conclusion). Some compromises will be made in order to fit both formats into one chasis.

[Tim Glover]

This does look like a great performer Dan. Looks like it's right up there with the XA-2 in regards to standard dvd upconversion. I think other than it's lack of True HD decoding etc...it's a good one. Robert, from Value Elect. seems to like it too.

If it could come down a bit in pricing then I would jump on it. My hope is by the end of the summer there will be a player like this Samsung for less than $500.

[Shane Martin]

2 things kept me from buying one:

1. Advanced audio(beyond PCM). No True HD is a killer with True HD titles finally showing up.

2. BDJ 1.1 profile uncertainty.

[Dave H]

I would have pulled the trigger on the new Samsung if it would have supported advanced audio with its analog outs.

[ScottJH]

Review is now posted.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-b...0%20(Component)

[Neil Joseph]

I have made this thread official and stuck it.

[AL KUENSTER]

I'm really interested in this unit with it's high recommendation from Secrets on SD DVD playback and BD playback. Since I have a large DVD collection this should work out great. The audio doesn't concern me as I'm not ready for the new formats, just want to get into HiDef Video. If anyone has one of these new Samsung players I would like hear reviews on it's performance.
Regards

[Brandon Conway]

We have one at work and it's the best BD player yet aside from the PS3.