I've had this play for about 6 months, and like it. The picture is good, DVD up-conversion is solid, and the optical audio output works well. The remote feels flimsy, but the buttons you use most often are easy to find.
So far, I've not had a single disk that this player would not play. I should point out that I've only run about 6-10 blu-ray disks through it. The DVD up-conversion is good enough that I usually don't pay the premium for blu-ray rentals. (I have a 42" plasma.)
My only complaint is the boot-up time is long, and the load times on blu-ray disks is also long. Compared to my older DVD player, I feel I have to wait forever for the disk tray to eject after powering on the player. But for close to a hundred bucks, I'm not complaining too loudly.
Overall, a good budget player.
I'd like to say that this is a fantastic Blu-Ray DVD player, but I can only say that it's good. This is because I faught almost a year with it till the new firmware (Java) update came out. Before the update, you didn't know from one day to the next if a DVD (Blu-Ray or standard) would play or what features (fast forward, skip, Top Menu etc.) would work on any given DVD - what worked one day would not work the next. Some days it would lock up so that only unplugging the unit could reset it. Once the update, which is dead simple to do, was done it worked flawlessly. You must have the latest firmware for this thing to work!!! However, even now it's slow - it has to boot up much like a PC and then movies have to "Load". But once it's going, everything works and the picture and sound out of a Blu-Ray DVD is far superior. It's worth the wait and maybe there will be another update in the future to speed things up.
At the current price (5.00ish) the 1610 is a nice player with good Blu ray playback (same as their 2010) and pretty good SD dvd up conversion. I tested about 200 titles and it played them all! And I had no freezes to. For the money it is a good Blu ray player with a high end image...
Most of the other reviews here are focused on the price a certain business was charging for the player. I thought this review process was to inform others of the qualities or lack thereof of the product. One reviewer, So-Glad had a hard time with the BD390 and suggested that no one else purchase one based on his experience. If you check the Audio-Video forums you will find many people that are extremely happy with their BD390. You will also find information to resolve the types of problems So-Glad was experiencing.
I had a Panasonic BD30 connected to my 58" Samsung plasma for about 2 years and was very happy with it. I also have a PS3 on a 26" LCD that is used almost exclusively for gaming. I always felt I was missing something because I wasn't getting the hi-def audio from my Blu-Ray movies. My Yamaha RX-V1400 receiver is great but it does not have HDMI connections. So I decided to get a Blu-Ray player with 7.1 analog outputs. After a long search, reading many reviews and from suggestions on some forums, I decided on the BD390. Wow, what a difference I thought the Blu-Ray quality was great on my Panasonic but the LG is another whole level. I didn't know my Plasma was capable of such sharp Blu-Ray quality. That is a big bonus I wasn't expecting.
The Blu-Ray audio with the The 7.1 analog is out of this world. I can use my receiver's remote to switch between digital optical and 7.1 analog inputs to compare the difference. It's better than I expected.
Wireless streaming is also a feature I was looking for. I was a little disappointed in the Netfix streaming. I get the Netflix movies OK without any problems but the resolution is maybe a little better than VHS quality and only has stereo sound. But Vudu is a whole different story. The Vudu movies are almost Blu-Ray quality and with surround sound. I can also stream video, pictures and music from my computer but with Windows 7 I had to install the included Nero program. Streaming stuff from my computer is not one of the reason I bought the BD390 and is a feature that I will rarely ever use but it's nice to know I can if I want to.
Overall this is a great Blu-Ray player that does a lot for the 9.00 I paid for it. Rumor has it that this player is no longer being produced because a new model is coming out early next year so the price will probably continue to drop.
I just got my BDP-S5000es yesterday. I had been using Sony's original BDP-S1 in our home theater and have enjoyed its picture and audio quality for the past 2 years. I have auditioned other Blu-ray players including the Pioneer Elite series, but never really saw or heard any clear cut reason to spend $$$$ to upgrade - until now.
The BDP-s5000es is an enormous improvement in both video and audio quality of any of the units that I have tried.
First, the picture. Stunning is the only way I can describe it. I am veiwing Blu ray movies through a 1080p projector on a 120" screen. If there are any problems with the image in terms of color, saturation or clarity, you'll see it with the picture that large. It is flawless. The few scenes I have been able to play so far all have better contrast, greater depth and more intensity than my previous player. In short, it looks as good as film to my eyes.
The sound is equally as impressive. Up until now, I have been using the audio processor in my Krell preamp to decode the 5.1 and 7.1 soundtracks with results that were far superior to the analog output of my older player. The downside was that I couldn't decode the Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD signals that many of the discs now have. The BDP-s5000es has and outstanding built in decoder for these HD formats and an equally impressive analog output stage that allows for the most realistic recorded audio presentation I have ever heard. The difference isn't subtle, but it is difficult to describe. An example of what I am talking about is in the the James Bond movie "Casino Royale". In one scene, James and Vesper walk out onto a terrace after losing a poker game to his rival. In the Dolby Digital soundtrack, the sounds of the city are all there in the background - clear, clean and pristine - a well recorded sountrack. However, when I played same scene using the Dolby TrueHD soundtrack through the analog outputs of the 5000es, it sounded like - correction - it felt like the walls of my room disappeared and I was outdoors. It was startling. It didn't sound like a great recording, it made me feel like I was there. The subtle spatial and sensory information that is lacking from many recordings was all there to be heard and felt.
As for the setup, it was very quick and easy. There was one small quirk that I noticed. Because I am using the players decoder and analog outputs, I needed to go into the audio setup of the Sony to adjust speaker levels and positions. The setup process went quickly enough as I was able to match all of the speaker levels up or down in 1/2dB increments except for the subwoofer. I needed to boost the output to the sub by 1.5dB but the Sony would only allow me to turn it down, not increase the level. I had to start over using the sub's output as the reference level and match the other speakers to it. Not a big problem, but a bit strange.
The network connection went without a hitch. I plugged in the cable and it immediately checked to see if there was an update for the firmware. This is an important reason to consider Sony when making a purchase. As I mentioned, I have the original Sony Blu Ray player and after 2 1/2 years, they are still offering software improvements which allow it to work flawlessly with the latest BD titles. I have updated that machine at least 7 times (from v1.1 to v4.2), all for free, and each time the machine works faster and better. There are not many companies out there that continue to support their products with free upgrades and for such a long period of time. Most just want you to buy the newest model rather than improve your current one.
Also, I saw a previous review about the loading time and thought I'd respond. There is a setting in the setup menu that decreases the time to boot up and load a disc dramatically by leaving the machine in kind of a standby mode. I didn't time it, but I'd say the few discs I've tried to play so far loaded in under 10 seconds with this mode turned on. The downside is that the unit uses more power to do this because it keeps the fan and processor running even when the power switch is off. My guess is that the previous reviewer has not turned that feature on (the default setting for this feature is "off").
I've been using the Denon DVD-1800BD Blu-Ray Player for about eight months now. It is a handsome piece of equipment and it plays beautifully. It is very easy to control with the remote and I couldn't ask for a better player. HOWEVER... If I had it to do over again I would certainly look somewhere else. Updating the firmware in this player is a royal pain in the tush. The update file is available from the Denon website but you must enter your password, model, serial number, where you bought it, etc, etc, etc everytime you download a file. Then you must use Nero or Roxio to burn a CD-R data disk using very precise settings or the player will not accept it. I have never been able to get the player to accept one of my burned update disks yet. This has caused me to have to contact Denon by phone and request them to mail an update disk to me. In order for them to send a disk you must provide them, either by fax or e-mail, a copy of your receipt, the model and serial number. Once the customer service person receives the info he will then send a request to the Denon corporate office for them to send the update disk. Once you finally receive the disk and put it into the player, there is a very specific sequence of keystrokes you must press on the remote in order for the update to begin. The instructions say to do the keystrokes within 1 to 2 secoinds... but you really don't have that long. You must do it very fast, within about one second, in order for it to work. Anyway... See what I mean!? Please do yourself a favor and look somewhere else. There are plenty of wifi units out there that update themselves automatically over the internet... including the Sony PS3 which is probably what I should have gotten. Good Luck!
I got this during Black Friday 2009 for . I hooked it up with an HDMI cable I got from amazon for less than to a Panasonic 42" Diagonal Plasma HDTV 720P model# TH-42PX60U. The picture quality from this blu-ray player is simply awesome, just the same as my Samsung BDP-1500 player which is hooked up to my 1080 HDTV. No difference in quality. The loading time is a bit slower than my Samsung but only by a few seconds longer, so no big deal for me. This magnavox has no extra features like the more expensive ones and no display in the front panel of the unit but if all you want is a great viewing and HD audio experience watching your Blu-ray and/or DVD movies, this unit will definetely not disappoint most. I found the manufacturer's website not too user friendly and online support appears to be lacking or very little which is why I gave this product 4 stars instead of 5. To me the product as well as the manufactures support after the sale are both equally important. No firmware updates found for this unit but so far, this unit has played all of my blu-ray movies including newest releases like G.I. Joe and Transformers. Some of the negative reviews I have read are likely due to the expectations of features or did not know how to set up correctly. Read the manual, it will only take 5-10 minutes but well worth it. Don't fall for the hype of needing to buy + HDMI cables. Like I said, the - ones sold at AMAZON.com will deliver exactly the same (just make sure they are high speed). The Monster HDMI cable which I have on my 1080 HDTV looks no better than the < one I have with this magnavox.
I will be very short with the review. The picture quality of the player well, everybody know about that but when I the sound came out from my Klipsch speakers I said "Now this thing is a double keeper" now I watch all of my blu rays concerts in Direct or Stereo or Pure Direct modes. I was never a fan of watching concerts in 5.1 since concerts are not recorded in 5.1 they are transfer to that when they make the blu ray. With the PS3 it didn't make a difference, everything sounded the same to me. So far this is the best Blu ray player I have heard when it comes to sound. The picture I would say is about 5% better than the PS3. Since I have a 100" screen pair with the JVS RS2 1080p projector that 5% increase in picture quality is like a 10% on a regular plasma. For me 5% better picture on 100" movie screen is worth 9. PS3 is out of the house already. Thank you OPPO
Pros:
Value
Ease of Use
Image from a BD is noticeably better on my 32" 1080i TV than the same movie on DVD upconverted to 1080i.
Cons:
DVD Upconversion is a little blocky at 1080i (relative to Pioneer DV-410V which is very good)
Features - fairly basic
Doesn't remember stopping point on disc if power is turned off (really annoying).
Bottom Line: Perfect value Blu-ray player. It gets the job done.
Comments: The THX test for a DVD shows 7 levels of black and not the full 10. I don't have a THX BD to test. Everything is easy to use and I didn't need to change any settings out of the box except for muting the HDMI audio since I use the digital out into my amplifier.
PROS: Superb CD over analog, excellent bass management, beautiful BD/DVD picture with Realta, decoding of ALL codecs, solid construction
CONS: Sluggish in response, expensive, not BD-Live 2.0 although some would call this a plus!
I've owned this player for nearly a year now and have watched a lot of the bugs get fixed through firmware. UPDATE: Decoding of DTS-HD HR (as of 1.115 firmware 11/24/08) is now included. Owners in forums were slow to pick up on this due to HR being the "forgotten codec." It decodes ALL now!!! The 3800 also does bitstream all codecs if you are so inclined. This player is really targeted to the analog crowd as it's got AL24 processing and great Burr Brown DAC's. If you own an HDMI capable receiver, then the purchase is more questionable as you are paying for an analog section you may never use. The Realta keeps the video reference quality so no need to keep the DVD player.
Summary:
Targeted to owners of non-HDMI receivers who want extensive bass management and listen to CD's and play both DVD's and BD's in one player. I suggest you purchase an extended warranty or get the Marantz BD8002 since it has 3 yr warranty and is a clone.
Similar players:
Sony BDP-S5000ES - a fine player but lacks the bass management that the 3800 has for the analog output (ie. fixed crossover).
Pioneer Elite BD-09FD - another fine player but will not have DTS-HD MA decoding until future firmware. It is also rumored to have variable crossover through future firmware but the manual currently implies fixed crossover. I personally would never buy a product based on "future functionality."
Marantz BD8002 - a clone of the Denon 3800 with a different power supply, faceplate, and Marantz's own upsampling instead of Denon's AL24. Otherwise almost everything is the same as the Denon.
After having a few issues with the first few items- Amazon amazing customer support stepped up and made sure I got great service! The player plays DVDs and Blurays quite well. Some of the Bluray movies do have a slower initial load time- once the movie plays however it is not noticeable. I was going to purchase another P2550 as I had purchased and gifted... but as it was no longer available- this is the model before. Although slightly comparible with a few drawbacks to the 2550 model- it is still a great player for the cost. Still no comparison to my PS3 however.
Total BD Profile Compatibility right out of the box, lets you instantly enjoy the latest interactive features available, including BD Live (Profile 2.0) and Bonus View (Profile 1.1)HQV Video Processor
In a perfect world, every disc’s image that passed through your Blu-ray disc player into your HDTV would offer immaculate 1080p video with flawless color, impeccable detail, and nary a bit of pesky video noise. In the real world, though, pristine source material isn’t available for every Blu-ray disc—due to age or neglect of the original elements—and there are plenty of movies and TV shows on DVD that you’ll still want to watch on your Blu-ray player. HQV video processing is a great way of elevating those less-than-perfect video sources to a new level, and ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your beautiful high-definition video display.
To do this, the HQV video processors built into better Blu-ray players employ sophisticated algorithms to alleviate the problems that often plague less-than-perfect video sources. HQV processors analyze multiple video fields at once to determine where frames match up and where they don’t, and even which objects are in motion within those frames. In analyzing the video signal over time, the processor also determines the proper frame rate or refresh rate of the original video signal—whether it’s a 24 fps film source or a 30 fps video source, for example—and makes sure that it is dealt with properly. HQV video processors are also great at minimizing video noise without scrubbing the image of all its fine detail, as well as restoring some of the detail that’s lost as a result of aggressive video filtering during the Blu-ray or DVD mastering process. And unlike some competing video processors, HQV processors boast enough processing power to keep up with the multiple video streams (picture-in-picture and split screen) found on many new Blu-ray discs.
Stream Netflix Movies Right Over Your Player
 | Netflix, the world’s largest online movie rental service, has a library of more than 12,000 movies and television episodes available for streaming. You must be a Netflix subscriber in order to receive streaming video service. For Netflix customers you simply need to activate your new BluRay player to your existing Netflix account. Non-Netflix customers must first sign up for Netflix in order to utilize this feature-there is a monthly cost. |
 BD-Live is a Blu-ray feature that enables you to access special content via an internet-connected Blu-ray player. Because it's not coded into the disc, BD-Live content is always updated, always fresh. With BD-Live, your Blu-ray disc is different every time you view it.Check out the latest previews, download special scenes, exclusive features and ringtones, and participate in online communities or games. As BD-Live continues to grow and expand, even more features will become available, customizing features and content to your location or preferences. Now, your disc k |
| Blu-ray Disc has 5x more storage capacity than DVD, which allows more content to fit on the disc. The extra storage capacity also means more room for special features like inline navigation, Bonus View, interactive games, deleted scenes, director commentary and more | |
Navigate to special features, other scenes, or settings without leaving the content you are watching. | Bonus View lets you watch special features and commentary inline without leaving the movie. |
High Definition Soundtrack Support and Output
Providing a truly immersive HD home theater experience, Samsung's BD-P2500 is capable of decoding the latest high-resolution digital multichannel audio soundtracks available. Out of the box, the player can output Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and dts as an uncompressed PCM signal, as a bitstream, or via the 7.1 analog outputs for cinematic sound that is comparable with the latest movie theaters. Additionally, dts-HD HR (High Resolution) decoding will become available with a firmware upgrade in the fall. The BD-P2500 will also pass these and dts-HD MA (Master Audio) as a bitstream output to a separate, external surround sound decoder.
 RGB Color Range |  xvYCC Color Range | Thanks to the adoption of a newly approved international color standard called xvYCC (an option in the HDMI v1.3 spec, the color space has been greatly expanded. All Sony XBR HDTVs support the xvYCC color profile (Extended YCC Colorimetry for Video Applications), or "x.v. color" for short. Standard RGB color space allows the display of a portion of the colors that are viewable to the human eye. The next generation "xvYCC" color space actually offers an available range of colors that exceeds what human eyes can recognize.
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 | So, where x.v. color expands the available range of colors your HDTV can display, Deep Color increases the number of colors your HDTV can display within that range, for smoother transitions from color to color.
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A/V Features
A/V Connections
Playable Media
This is the form factor and set of features I have been waiting a long time for. Most everything you need for media is built into this unit in a very sleek, sexy package. We have the player mounted on the wall right under the TV and not only does it look great (you can hide all the wires), it is very accessible.
We are able to download and watch instant movies from Netflix with no problems. Very, very cool.
So far, it plays our existing DVD's and CD's without issues.
We can stream music, video and image content from our home network attached storage drive media server (Netgear Stora) via wi-fi with no problems.
Takes a little setup, but nothing unduly difficult. You just need to know the IP address of your media server along with account and password.
The Auto Network Search feature can find other computers on the network and access their shared folders, but we had to use the manual search to find the media server by IP address.
My box has a port on the back, inside a recessed cove, for the wi-fi dongle along with all the other plugs and it is completely hidden. There is also a back cover plate that hides all the cords and plugs and the dongle even if viewed from behind. However, there is also another USB port on the outside of the unit intended for downloading firmware or adding a memory stick, so maybe those who say the wi-fi dongle sticks out are plugging it into the USB port??
A definite raving thumbs up from me with a couple of wish list items, (and these are all software related) ...
1) Wish the player would remember the last network streaming connection(s). Have to do the manual search to find our media server each time the unit powers on. It remembers the last info you input, you just have to go through the screens each time, so I will probably program a smart remote to do all that.
2) Wish the player would remember the last play list or have multiple persistent play lists. The single playlist disappears when unit is powered off.
3) Would love ways to quickly navigate through large lists of media on screen rather than just scrolling away (search, alpha jump to keys, etc)
Maybe these will be features of a new firmware version...
Because I don't own an LCD or plasma television, and instead own a five-year old HDTV projection set, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the Blu-Ray technology and regular DVDs. I was wrong. The Samsung Blu-Ray delivers extraordinary clarity on any 1080p high-def set. While the picture might not be as sharp as on an LCD, the difference is noticeable.
The Samsung is a great entry in the mid-price category of Blu-Ray players. It has an ethernet connection in the back (you may have to update the firmware) for BD Live, the special feature option that requires an internet connection. Although you don't have to hook this player up to the internet to enjoy the high-def technology of Blu-Ray, those who want to unlock their discs' full capabilities (not on all discs) will want this. In addition to Blu-Ray discs, it can play regular DVDs, DVD-R/RW (as long as they are finalized), and CDs.
The front of this player is solid black, with no display, and a circular control pad for basic operation. As with most electronics these days, you can only access the full range of features from the remote control. The biggest drawback I see with this unit is the audible noise when it seeks the disc. I didn't hear anything during playback, so it didn't interrupt viewing. So far, I haven't noticed any glitches in either audio or video. It read the disc fairly quickly (much more quickly than my Panasonic DVDR does, but that's easy to accomplish), although true videophiles may want a higher end player for even faster reading.
The unit comes standard with a remote control, batteries, and composite cables. This particular vendor includes an essential HDMI cable for plasma and LCD sets, and an extended warranty. If you don't have HDMI on your set, you may need an HDMI to DVI cable -- check your connections. Although the composite cables will work for quick set-up, but they won't fully utilize the player and its high-def capability.
If you are in the market for a Blu-Ray player but don't want to spend a lot of money, this may be the player for you. However, if you're a hardcore videophile with a larger budget, definitely look up to the next price range for a quieter, quicker player.
UPDATE: If you want to stream Netflix to your television, get the next level of Samsung Blu-Ray, the Samsung BD-P2500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player, which is Netflix-ready.
-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann
This product has been great. The picture and sound quality are excellent and I think that the player is very good. The only thing that I think needs improving is the process to do the firmwares. It could be a lot easier instead of doing all of the steps to complete the updates. Once the updates are done, all of the newer dvd's worked just fine and I haven't had any problems since. Overall I recommend this player because it is a good quality product.
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| HQV 1080i-1080p processing represents the most advanced de-interlacing technique available. HQV pixel-based motion-adaptive approach delivers the maximum possible resolution with HD material. | ||
 | With its HQV true 1080i to 1080p HD deinterlacing process, the BD-P1200 delivers the sharpest, most detailed HD images possible. There are no jagged edges with the per-pixel motion adaptive algorithm and a sophisitcated multi-directional diagonal filter. It doesn't get any better than this for viewing enjoyment. HQV's true 1080p HD deinterlacing delivers the sharpest, most detailed HD images possible by employing per-pixel motion adaptive algorithms and a sophisticated multi-directional diagonal filter that ensures video without jagged edges. Setting the Movie Frame (24Fs) feature to ON allows you to adjust the Blu-ray player's HDMI output to 24 frames per second for improved picture quality. The powerful HQV processing engine also provides per-pixel motion adaptive noise-reduction, detail enhancement and advanced scaling delivering premium quality upconverted SD material.
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| The Pop-up menu will provide information which is already stored in the contents. As seen in the graphic, you can get more profound information about dolphins while watching the documentary. |
More About Blu-ray
The format provides five times larger capacity than today's DVDs, with unprecedented storage capacity of 25 GB (single-layer) and 50 GB (dual-layer). Blu-ray Disc players will be fully backward compatible with current DVD formats, delivering entertainment content in full high-definition (HD) quality, under a secure environment made possible through the most advanced copyright protection technology.
Blu-ray Disc provides picture quality beyond anything available, with full capability 1080p/24 resolution in Blu-ray and Up to 40Mbps bit encoding - 5X current DVD. The theater quality "uncompressed" audio supports 8 channels of Liner PCM, Up to 32 streams of audio, interactive capability, seamless menus, integrated games, hi-def bonus and educational features. Java will allow for more dynamic, more sophisticated interactivity.
Expand your workd with Sony products using Blu-ray Disc technology. It;s the heart of an outstanding line of Sony products with Blu-ray Disc technology that extends beyond the boundaries of high-definition and opens the new vistas for creativity, enjoyment, and interaction.
Discover unsurpassed picture quality and uncompressed audio on supporting media that goes beyond any other format you've seen. Immerse yourself in the unrivaled detail that lets you experiencemore in every movie, every game.
Movies
The best names in entertainment suppor Blu-ray Disc technology. Seven of Hollywood's major studios -- with 90% of home entertainment sales -- ensure the most extensive library of high definition titles, with hits from SOny pictures, Walt Disney, MGM, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Lions Gate. You'll find more titles coming every month.
Blu-ray Disc was created to match the accelerating growth in digital consumer electronics and computer technology. The platform supports the convergence of film, music, gaming and other computer entertainment in a single standard. Sony Computer Entertainment's adoption of Blu-ray Disc ROM technology in the next-generation PlayStation 3 system was announced at the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Capacity Without Compromise
Everything that DVD can do, Blu-ray Disc does and more. Blue laser technology enables up to 50 GB of storage -- five times the capacity of DVD. That's room for nine hours of HD. Or 23 hours of SD. Or tens of thousands of songs. Unbelievable data storage.
Versatiltiy Beyond the Ordinary
From movies to music to games to PC software and file backup, Blu-ray Disc is your solution! The system embraces pre-recorded titles (BD-ROM), discs that you can record yourself (BD-R) and discs you can re-record over and over again (BD-RE). So we can anticipate not only BD players for your living room, but also BD recorders, BD-based game consoles, BD drives for your personal computer and even BD camcorders using compact 8 cm (3") discs!
