Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

Welcome to the forum Jose.

If it were me, I’d concentrate on getting the best Blu-Ray player you can afford and that meets your needs. Keep the HD-DVD player. Since you already have the HD-DVD hardware spending money on a dual-format player will not be cost effective.

Not really a big deal to connect up two different players to the same system.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

I am toying with similar thoughts. I have an older, but very good Toshiba XA1.
The biggest problem with the Samsung is that it will likely be the last dual player they will make.
LG makes one that right now costs more and actually has fewer features.
Samsung says they will continue to support the 5000 and have an audio codec fix planned for release in May.
I don't like stacking more components into my system (it is just not convenient) but getting a BD player with the lastest profile 2.0 could be an advantage. The 5000 will likely never be above 1.1
I was hoping to keep the XA1 as a back up player, in case a dualie crapped out.
While Blue Ray is becoming the only game in town, I am not overly optimistic on it's future either. Maybe in the long run it will not matter as much as to what you do today.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

I personally bought the LG BH200, but only because I got a deal for trading my 360 drive and price matching to bring it down to CDN $300 + taxes. That made it cheaper than a standalone Blu-Ray player. I still have my A35 as my receiver is older and doesn't support HDMI so I need the analog outs.

With recent firmware updates, the player has been brought up to profile 1.1, decodes Dolby TrueHD to 5.1 and bitstreams the new audio codecs. Someone also posted a region hack to allow it to play SD DVDs from other places over the weekend.

With LG publicly committed to keeping this player updated, there is no reason this player could not be updated to 2.0. It has the ethernet connection due to the HD DVD half of the player, and it also has a USB jack the the Blu-Ray portion can use for storage if you plug in a USB drive to bring it up to 1GB of storage. Although the HD DVD menus are a bit slower and choppier, overall I'm very happy with my purchase.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

The main thing that keeps me from the LG is lack of analog output. In all other aspects, it has the edge (in firmware especially) over the Sammy.
But the 'promised' update in May is supposed to take to 1.1 also.
I guess both players suffered a bit in terms of handling codecs. Glad this is getting resolved.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I have the 360 add-on and about 40 movies and I find the unit noisy and, with my Xbox having been in the shop twice, would rather not rely on a game console for my hi-def viewing needs. I've heard that the Samsung has firmware issues up the wazoo and that the LG is a lot more solid, but again, I'm on the fence. I also only have x-number of inputs on my Onkyo 703 and don't want to add two more machines to it.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

That's part of the problem with dual players. We are talking about a fairly high degree of complexity and more chance of problems.
The convenience is hard to beat though.
I know the Samsung has had it's share of problems, but from what I read now across a few forums, most owners are quite pleased, but will be more satisfied once the promised update in May is a reality. It supposedly has virtually perfect video, but audio processing has been all over the place.
I definitely need a player with analog 5.1 at a minimum leaving the LG out, too bad, because it does have stronger mfr. backing.
I just ordered the 5000 from Vann's, and could return it in 30 days if not happy.
Figure I'll run it through it's paces, and if too buggy, just trade it back in maybe for a PS3 which is actually the closest anyone has come in producing a reasonably priced profile 2.0 BD player. Not crazy about the form factor, guess if I was a real gamer I would not care..I will still have my Toshiba XA1 for HD DVD in any case.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

I own an XBOX 360 HD-DVD player and a PlayStation 3.

Currently, the Samsung BD-UP5000 is 449.99 at Amazon.com. I received mine a couple days ago and the picture quality is better on the Samsung compared to what I have previously. The first thing I did when removing it from the box was upgrading the firmware. This procedure went without a hitch. The reason I bought this player is to avoid buying an HDMI receiver and use the available EXT. IN input.

There are however 3 problems with the player that I'm aware of:

1) The sound from any movie that has a Dolby TrueHD track, will be output through the FL and FR speakers ONLY. This problem will appear whether you use optical or the analog 7.1 output. This sucks for movies that ONLY have an English Dolby TrueHD track like: 30 Days of Night, Resident Evil, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2.

2) Should you shoose the analog 7.1 option, the subwoofer crossover is fixed at 100Hz with no way to adjust it.

3) The surround back channels on 6.1 or 7.1 discs are absent during playback while using the analog 7.1 outputs.

BD Live like HDi hasn't impressed me yet. There has never been online content that I would tell friends as a must-see exclusive feature. It also adds loading times to the discs. Just waiting for that supposed May firmware update for this player.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

I fully agree. After May/summer, there´ll be no new HD DVD-releases (perhaps some odd imports), so it´s better to spend your money to the quality Blu-ray-player (that supports 1.1/2.0).

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

The BH200 IS a quality BD player, and it does well with SD, which most BD players do not.
It Bitstreams ALL of the advanced codecs, and decodes all but DTS-HD/MA.
Fabulous machine IMO, it runs better than my A1 and my A2.
EZ to update via USB stick, takes 5 minutes or so(after dl of course), it also has ethernet for those that would rather do that.
It is NOT 2.0, but there is some talk that it may be capable- NO guarantees there of course ( I have ZERO interest in 2.0 myself).
24P to displays that can accept it
Bitstreams all
Plays HD DVDS without problem( a few issues with SOME UK discs and some Adult titles), folks that use HDi say it works fine.

It only has 2 analogs, so for folks that need that it's out ( the reason I bought a Denon 988- sick of being held hostage), but for HDMI 1.3a folks it does fantastic, and 1.1/2 will only miss DTSHD/MA.

I really like this player alot, it's operation is smooth, and reasonably quick.
I believe it to be under rated, especially by BD only folks.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

BH200 LG combo player is fine. I got one from ebay two weeks ago. I haven't used it on newer BD discs however so I don't know if its going to be firmware update time like other BD players.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

The latest FW is dated 6-20-08 , but it just came out like 2 weeks ago.

I don't have any of the brand new titles, so I am not certain if there will be an issue.
I went through the release list, and it looks like the newest title I have is Rambo lll (May27), I have played all but the new verison of the Rambo/First blood series without issue.
No sure about the BD-Live titles, I don't have any of them.
Thread regarding problem discs for this player(and the Samsung 5000) at another location, but there aren't alot of problems.
Most of the problem discs are UK versions of HD DVDS, and some adult films.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

Each person's priorities govern their decision(s) so I can only provide my thoughts based on my present setup & situation.

No comments w/LG's combo players.

For me, beside's watching video in 1080p, I wanted to hear Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD, etc.

So on July 15th, I went purple by purchasing the Samsung BD-UP5000.

Three major reasons for purchase:
1) Price $400 w/Free 2-day Prime SH & 30-day return (still within 30-day return window)

2) 7.1 Analog OUTputs (presently only using 5.1)

3) Ethernet port
.... a) I updated the Firmware via internet - took about 20 mins & all went fine.
.... b) Latest Firmware update provides the following benefits:
........ 1. Upgrades current BD-UP5000 to profile 1.1
........ 2. Upgrades BD-UP5000 with HD audio bit-stream output function.
........ 3. Updates User interface based on BD profile 1.1
........ 4. Improves playback compatibility in some movies
.... d) No idea if the BD-UP5000 can be updated = Profile 2.0

On-going evaluations:

Blu-ray discs with absolutely no problems:
1) The Fifth Element (Dolby TrueHD)
2) I, Robot (DTS HD Master Audio / DTS 5.1 core)
3) Flyboys (DTS HD Master Audio / DTS 5.1 core)
4) The Bridge of Terabithia (PCM 5.1)
5) The Legend of Zorro (DTS HD Master Audio / DTS 5.1 core)
6) Digital Video Essentials Basic (Dolby TrueHD)
7) Stargate: Continuum (DTS HD Master Audio / DTS 5.1 core)

Blu-ray discs w/1 minor problem:
8) ID-4 (DTS HD Master Audio / DTS 5.1 core) - LOCKS when selecting any scene image from the Scene's menu & only the Power On/Off button on the remote works.
.... a) Playing the movie, selecting Settings & Special Features all work fine!

Blu-ray discs with major problems:**
9) The Hunt for Red October (Dolby TrueHD) - LOCKS when selecting Audio, Scene's & Special Features - only the Power On/Off or Open/Close buttons on the remote works.
.... a) Playing the movie from the Menu works fine.
10) The Sum of All Fears (Dolby TrueHD) - LOCKS when selecting Audio, Scene's & Special Features - only the Power On/Off or Open/Close buttons on the remote works.
.... a) Playing the movie from the Menu works fine.

HD DVD discs with absolutely no problems:
1) Serenity
2) Happy Feet (TrueHD 5.1)
3) Bourne Ultimatum (TrueHD 5.1)
4) Transformers
.... a) Including Downloading a couple of Web Enhanced Featurettes & Sector 7 clips!!!
5) Italian Import - The Bridge to Terabithia (DTS HD Master Audio / DTS 5.1 core)
6) Dutch Import - Flyboys (DTS HD Master Audio / DTS 5.1 core)
7) Star Trek The Original Season 1 - Disc 7 (TrueHD 5.1)
8) Sahara
9) Evening (TrueHD 5.1)
10) P.S. I Love You (TrueHD 5.1)
11) Chicago / Earth Wind & Fire Live @ the Greek Theater

HD DVD discs with problems:
- So Far = NONE

SD DVDs with absolutely no problems:
NOTE: I don't watch any 1.33:1 (4x3) SD DVDs since the BD-UP5000 stretches the image = 16x9
1) Stargate Atlantis Season 4 Disc 3, 4 & 5
2) Numb3rs Season 3 Disc 5 & 6
3) Stargate The Ark of Truth
4) Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (Sci-Fi TV Miniseries)

NOTES:
1) I use a RCA Y Adapter Cable to connect the Toshiba HD-A35 & Samsung BD-UP5000 Analog 5.1 OUTputs to my Yamaha RX-V1300.
.... a) Adding the RCA Y Adapter Cables lowered the sensitivity resistance by 3.5 dBc
.... b) All that means is turning up the Volume Control Knob - see #2 & #3
2) I re-calibrated the BD-UP5000 Audio 1st
.... a) Required RX-V1300 SPKR SPL Level adjustment
.... b) The BD-UP5000 Side Surround Test Tones were 3 dBc HOT vs. Digital Video Essentials Basic Blu-ray disc
3) Then I used the HD-A35 Internal SPL SPKR Level Controls to Calibrate the Audio.

Present Summary:
As other's noted, the BD-UP5000 HD DVD HDi menu operation is not as smooth as my HD-A35 / HD-A1, some HD DVDs menu operation worst than others.

Coming Blu-ray disc for more evaluation:
1) Wild Hogs
2) Night at the Museum
3) Spider-Man 3
4) The Game Plan
5) Men in Black

Netflix:
7) The Bucket List

**I'm not sure if the problems w/The Hunt for Red October & Sum of All Fears is the discs or BD-UP5000. I emailed Samsung Customer (7-31-08) Service, ... NO Reply Yet!!! Anyway, depending on what they say, I'll either send back these two Blu-ray discs or my BD-UP5000 (still within my 30-day return period)!?!?

Well, that's my thought's & present evaulation perspective!

Phil

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

The Samsung stretches all 4x3 content? I'd return it for that alone!

There's a thread on AVS Forum about how the LG can be made region-free for both Blu-Ray and regular DVD, if those ever go below $400 I may have to bite on that one. Still wish they'd make one that also did DVD-Audio and SACD, but with HD-DVD out of the picture I guess that's wishful thinking- I've heard LG's next player will not play HD-DVDs at all.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

The LG BH200 also stretches 4x3 content if you ask it to upconvert.
If you run it at 480, it leaves the aspect alone.

Some folks are making a big deal about this, I do not, because my display is going to convert it to it's native resolution anyway.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

Can be had right now at BestBuy for 339 (shows in cart- tell them in the store), it is in their weekly ad.
With available online coupons you can get it to around 300.

Bargain

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

I bought a 5000 months ago, and after a couple FW updates and until the 4 new Jack Ryan BDs arrived, it works perfectly.

I had almost a hundred HD DVDs that I'll NOT replace with BDs, I needed analog outs, and I couldn't accommodate 2 HDD players in my system. I'm quite pleased with it.

All the Jack Ryan discs play perfectly if one doesn't go to any menus--then it locks. I curently have about a hundred HD DVDs and 75 BDs, and the JR discs are the only ones that won't play...other than the Pathe 'Enemy at the Gates/Stalingrad' that wouldn't play in any of 4 players I tried and is notorious for doing that.

Re: Need Tips about Dual-Format players?

While I have not run through the sheer number of disks you have, my experience with the 5000 parallels yours.
I see now Oppo is jumping into the fray, and with the potential for a BD player that also does justice to std. DVD, as well as playing DVD-A and SACD, my 5000 could end up as back-up player in time. My need for analog outputs was essential too. The new Samsung 2550 also holds out some promise of full on-board decoding while still sporting analog 7.1. (Of course, not enhanced audio CD playback.)