Looking for customer reviews for Samsung BD-P1600 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player?

Where can I find reviews and opinions online for Samsung BD-P1600 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player

Answer
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Good value player, March 17, 2009
By tmark (Columbus, Ohio USA)
This is a good value for a blu-ray player with the new online features available such as Netflix, Pandora, and BD-Live. It is small and easy to install and setup. I use the HDMI output to my Samsung HDTV and the Optical Digital Audio output to my AV receiver. The Anynet+ feature is convenient which helps the Samsung components work together reducing button pushing. I hooked up an ethernet cable and easily got it online and setup with my pre-existing accounts with Netflix and Pandora. I've read BD-Live requires a USB 1GB flash drive. I have download cable modem speeds in 6MB/s range so the picture quality is very good from Netflix, I'd say equivalent to upconverted DVD quality. Audio quality from Pandora is also excellent and the commercial-free music service is supreme. Blu-ray DVDs look fantastic and upconverted standard DVDs look great too. This does not have the higher-end HQV chip to my knowledge. The face pushbutton interface is cool and has a high-tech feel to it. Load time is very fast - about 8 to 10s. The menus look good and are easy to navigate. No complaints here. I'm very pleased getting all these features for entry level money.



3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Sucks, March 21, 2009
By Nicholas Gemas (Lawrence, KS)
I purchased the Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-ray player the other night at a "big box" retailer. For the first 24 hours, it performed flawlessly. But starting on the second night, it started having weird problems.

First, the remote control stopped working for no apparent reason. The batteries in the remote control were brand-new lithium rechargeables (fully charged), so they weren't the issue. Then the player completely locked up (while playing a standard DVD) and would not respond to manually touching the controls on the front panel of the unit.

The front panel of the player swings open, and underneath it are six touch-sensitive controls (eject, play/pause, power, etc.). These aren't buttons that you press, they're merely something you run your finger over. All six of these front controls became unresponsive. I want to reiterate that the player completely locked up (while still playing the DVD) and would not power on, off, or eject the disk.

This all happened during normal conditions while playing a standard DVD. Since the controls on the front panel aren't actual buttons, I had to physically disconnect the unit from the power outlet in order to restart it.

I thought this was all some kind of one-time anomaly, so I inserted a different standard DVD into the player, and after 30 minutes, it starting doing this all over again. First the remote control became unresponsive, then the front controls on the unit stopped working, then I had to (once again) unplug the unit to get my disk back.

This player is going back to the store ASAP. This is the third time I've owned problematic Samsung equipment.

Considering the frustration of having this brand-new player not work correctly, and the time and effort spent in returning it, I definitely will not be buying another Samsung product again.

(I want to add a footnote about how shoddily-made these new Samsung products have been. My old plasma TV, an upconverting DVD player and this new Blu-ray player were all made by Samsung, and all have had major problems with construction and engineering (especially the TV). They really felt/feel cheap, especially compared to similar products being made by Sony and Panasonic. Just my $.02 worth.)

Can a DVD play 1080p material off a blu ray player?

Daniel

So let's say I burned a 1080p HD mkv video of about 3.4 gigabytes to a DVD-R that can hold 4.7 gigabytes. If I tried to play that DVD on a blu ray player would it retain its quality or would it automatically be lowered to 480p for some reason?

Answer
The Blue Ray player can deal with regular single layer (4.7 gig) or double layer (8.5 gig) blank DVDs that have a video file the Blue Ray player can understand. Like MTS files with AVCHD compressed video in them.

Since the Blue Ray player cannot understand what an MKV file type is, the Blue Ray player will not be able to play that video. The resolution (480 standard definition or 1080 high definition) is irrelevant.

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What is the advantage of getting a Blu-Ray player over a decent DVD player that has 1080p up-scaling?

Shocking.

Answer
Some Blu-ray players also offer internet media streaming services (movie rentals, internet radio, YouTube).

But if your TV is small (36 inches or smaller), then you may not think Blu-ray discs look much sharper than DVDs.

The funny thing is, if you are happy with DVDs on your size screen, then an HDMI upscaling player is not that great of a value either. You can buy a progressive scan output DVD player for less money, and then hook it up to your HDTV with component cables. The TV will get a 480p signal and upconvert it to match your TVs resolution (720p or 1080p). It will probably do this just as well as an upconverting DVD player connected with HDMI cables can do.

DVD in PS3/blu-ray player that can upscale DVDs to 1080p vs blu-ray disc?

cankersore

I hear that PS3 that are updated via the interwebz and certain stand-alone blu-ray players can upscale DVDs to be seen in 1080p. Does that make DVDs just as good as blu-ray discs, or is there more to be considered than just resolution?

Answer
ALL Blu-ray players, which include the PS3, upscale DVDs to 1080p.

However, the quality of the result varies. While NONE will upscale and match the sharpness of a Blu-ray version of the same movie (Although technically the result of upscaling is an HD image you can't obtain extra detail by upscaling DVDs), some players (e.g. Oppo BDP-83 do a significantly better job than others (e.g. PS3). It depends on the video processor in the player ... and like in HDTVs, some are better than others. The difference between Blu-ray and well upscaled DVD are subtle at best on a small, lower resolution HD display (e.g. 720p 30" HDTV), but become more pronounced on larger displays (e.g. 1080p 100" projector screen).

So ... DVDs are not going to look as good as Blu-ray, but for many types of movies/programs there is some question whether paying a premium for Blu-ray is worth it for the relatively small increase in image quality. Many people feel it isn't, and either don't bother with Blu-ray at all, or reserve it for movies they feel deserve the highest possible image quality.

That said, image quality is more than just resolution. In fact, resolution is only the 4th most important determinant after dynamic range/contrast, colour accuracy and colour saturation. none of which are (significantly) improved in Blu-ray vs DVD (Blu-ray does use a different "color space", with a somewhat broader gamut of colour). In addition, catalog Blu-ray movies are often produced from remastered HD versions of the original print, which can mean a better image than that on the DVD from an older print. Finally, sound on Blu-ray can also be superior to that on a DVD (although improvement may only be appreciated on a good surround audio system).

Bottom line: video and audio quality from a DVD -- even at it's best -- will not be as good as Blu-ray. The degree of difference varies with the movie and the equipment used. Whether it's worth paying extra for the improvement is a personal choice.

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Looking for customer reviews for Samsung BD-P1600 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player?

interrogat

Where can I find reviews and opinions online for Samsung BD-P1600 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player

Answer
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Good value player, March 17, 2009
By tmark (Columbus, Ohio USA)
This is a good value for a blu-ray player with the new online features available such as Netflix, Pandora, and BD-Live. It is small and easy to install and setup. I use the HDMI output to my Samsung HDTV and the Optical Digital Audio output to my AV receiver. The Anynet+ feature is convenient which helps the Samsung components work together reducing button pushing. I hooked up an ethernet cable and easily got it online and setup with my pre-existing accounts with Netflix and Pandora. I've read BD-Live requires a USB 1GB flash drive. I have download cable modem speeds in 6MB/s range so the picture quality is very good from Netflix, I'd say equivalent to upconverted DVD quality. Audio quality from Pandora is also excellent and the commercial-free music service is supreme. Blu-ray DVDs look fantastic and upconverted standard DVDs look great too. This does not have the higher-end HQV chip to my knowledge. The face pushbutton interface is cool and has a high-tech feel to it. Load time is very fast - about 8 to 10s. The menus look good and are easy to navigate. No complaints here. I'm very pleased getting all these features for entry level money.



3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Sucks, March 21, 2009
By Nicholas Gemas (Lawrence, KS)
I purchased the Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-ray player the other night at a "big box" retailer. For the first 24 hours, it performed flawlessly. But starting on the second night, it started having weird problems.

First, the remote control stopped working for no apparent reason. The batteries in the remote control were brand-new lithium rechargeables (fully charged), so they weren't the issue. Then the player completely locked up (while playing a standard DVD) and would not respond to manually touching the controls on the front panel of the unit.

The front panel of the player swings open, and underneath it are six touch-sensitive controls (eject, play/pause, power, etc.). These aren't buttons that you press, they're merely something you run your finger over. All six of these front controls became unresponsive. I want to reiterate that the player completely locked up (while still playing the DVD) and would not power on, off, or eject the disk.

This all happened during normal conditions while playing a standard DVD. Since the controls on the front panel aren't actual buttons, I had to physically disconnect the unit from the power outlet in order to restart it.

I thought this was all some kind of one-time anomaly, so I inserted a different standard DVD into the player, and after 30 minutes, it starting doing this all over again. First the remote control became unresponsive, then the front controls on the unit stopped working, then I had to (once again) unplug the unit to get my disk back.

This player is going back to the store ASAP. This is the third time I've owned problematic Samsung equipment.

Considering the frustration of having this brand-new player not work correctly, and the time and effort spent in returning it, I definitely will not be buying another Samsung product again.

(I want to add a footnote about how shoddily-made these new Samsung products have been. My old plasma TV, an upconverting DVD player and this new Blu-ray player were all made by Samsung, and all have had major problems with construction and engineering (especially the TV). They really felt/feel cheap, especially compared to similar products being made by Sony and Panasonic. Just my $.02 worth.)

Can a DVD play 1080p material off a blu ray player?

Daniel

So let's say I burned a 1080p HD mkv video of about 3.4 gigabytes to a DVD-R that can hold 4.7 gigabytes. If I tried to play that DVD on a blu ray player would it retain its quality or would it automatically be lowered to 480p for some reason?

Answer
The Blue Ray player can deal with regular single layer (4.7 gig) or double layer (8.5 gig) blank DVDs that have a video file the Blue Ray player can understand. Like MTS files with AVCHD compressed video in them.

Since the Blue Ray player cannot understand what an MKV file type is, the Blue Ray player will not be able to play that video. The resolution (480 standard definition or 1080 high definition) is irrelevant.

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If I'm on a budget would buying a blu-ray player with a 720p res. instead of a 1080p make a big diff.?

Jacob Sant

I was wondering because I saw a deal with a 720p TV with a blu-ray entertainment system

Answer
Blu-ray players are all 1080p output (native for Blu-ray disks), but can output at lower resolutions too.

Most people sit too far back from their HDTVs, so they get little or no benefit from 1080p (in other words the same size 720p HDTV would look the same, resolutionwise. Soooo .... unless you buy a very large (46"+) HDTV and/or plan to watch the 720p HDTV close up, or there is a faulty scaler in either the TV or the Blu-ray player (To get 720p either the TV or the player has to "scale" the native Blu-ray 1080p to 720p) you are unlikely to notice any significant difference. And even if there was one, you wouldn't have any way to compare.

Furthermore keep in mind there is more to image quality than resolution. In fact resolution is the 4th most important atribute afater contrast, color accuracy and color saturation.

Should I buy a Blu-Ray player?

Nick

I bought a flat screen on Black Friday that I just recently found out has HD. I was thinking it would be pretty sweet to watch "Wanted" or "Step Brothers" in true HD quality, but is Blu-Ray on it's way out?
-Nick

Answer
Blu-Ray is definitely worth it! Go into Best Buy and take a look at one that is playing, but I warn you you will probably end up buying one like I did! I went in for some 9 volt batteries and left with a Sony! Of course keep in mind, BB probably has it running on a 1080p hdtv so depending on the size and resolution of your tv, it may not be as sharp, but its awesome.

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Can a wifi enabled Blu Ray player with applications access them without a smart TV?

blu ray player 1080p image

Daniel Sta

I have recently decided to purchase a home theater system/Blu Ray combo that is wifi enabled and has Netflix/Pandora/Youtube applications on it. I am also going to get a new TV but i don't really want a smart TV seeing as how they're a lot more expensive than regular LCD 1080p TV's.

I'm just wondering whether i need a smart TV in order to access the applications online, or if i can just connect to my wifi and the Blu Ray player will be able to use all of the applications by itself.

Also, i don't need full internet access on my TV, i was just hoping to use the applications that were already on the Blu Ray player like Youtube.

Thanks!

Answer
Just connect the blu-ray player to the TV, The blu-ray will do everything. The TV doesn't have to be Internet capable at all.

Can picture quality differ between different blu ray players?

David

Could one blu ray player look much better than the other or are all blu ray players pretty much the same when it comes to playing blu rays? I know they differ in apps and such, but I just want great picture quality and wanted to know if some players might look bad.

Answer
Yes, every Blu-ray player will give you a different overall image due to their color decoders, video processors, de-interlacing capabilities (when needed), power supplies, etc. Even if you play the same Blu-ray movie in all of them, in theory they all suppose to reproduce a slightly different image (at least). This is considering different brands. But if you're worried about "bad quality" with Blu-ray movies, I doubt you would be disappointed. Let's not forget that Blu-ray movies are mastered in native HD, usually 1080p or sometimes 1080i to 720p. What this means is that your image will be crystal clear 100% of the time with all or most players. And ofcourse, resolution doesn't guarantee anyone the right color reproduction, temperature, shadow detail, etc, etc. It is up to the user to choose the best possible player and adjust all the settings, from the player to the display. Some good players to consider: SONY PS3, Most Panasonic models, and all OPPO players. Good luck.

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What is a good and reliable blu ray player?

blu ray player 1080p image

timster799

I would like to a recommendation on a good blu ray player. Should I get a standalone player and buy a Playstation 3 because of their reliability. Any recommendations is appreciated. It will be connected to a HDTV 1080p hi def TV.
I meant to say -- should I get a standalone player OR instead a Playstation 3. Thanks.

Answer
As of right now the PS3 is the best choice....WHY?

Well right now the PS3 is one of the most reliable, durable and cheapest blu-ray plaer on the market today. THe PS3 is also the very few blu-ray players that can updates its firmware to the latest profile.

With this $399 price you get a blu-ray player and an ultimate game console which plays high def games, free online gameplay and can even install Yellwo Dog Linux operating system on the PS3 to use as a computer operating system...

So unless some company company comes out with a stand alone blu-ray player less than $200 or $300 the PS3 is your best choice.

How does Blu-ray player upconverting work?

Darkman

i saw a few Blu-ray players in the store today that said:

Upconverts DVDs to 1080p

Well, if I buy a blu-ray player and it upconverts my old dvds to 1080p, why would I every buy the higher priced blu-ray discs???

Do blu-ray discs go beyond 1080p???

man, sometimes this stuff is confusing.

Answer
It is confusing, and the ads don't help since they MAY not lie, but can be misleading to consumers.

First point .. Blu-ray is native 1920x1080p ... the same as the maximum resolution consumer HDTVs (so called "True HD" ... a misnomer since 720p is also HD).

Now, why buy higher priced Blu-ray disks and not just watch DVDs?

It might help to consider that a DVD is native 720x480 pixels (NTSC). To upconvert that to fit a "True HD" 1920x1080 pixel display, the number of distinct dots (each defined as a specific colour) has to be increased by 2.25x vertically and 2.67x horizontally. Upconversion, processes the information in adjacent dots in the original image to fill in the dots on the higher resolution display (or in even more sophisticated processors even incorporate information from adjacent frames). The quality of the result is dependent on the sophistication of the video processing ... done well the result is a noticeable improvement on the original, but done poorly and the result can be worse. In all cases the DVD image is technically now a 1920x1080 pixel image, BUT no matter how well processed it can't ever provide as detailed an image as a native Blu-ray image. You can't get something from nothing.

The question for most consumers is whether a Blu-ray disk is worth the premium cost relative to DVD. The answer is unfortunately not easy since all sorts of variables are involved.

For example, are you watching on a 720p or 1080p display? If the former, well upconverted DVDs will look quite close to a Blu-ray movie downsampled to 720p. Or, is the Blu-ray disk a good remaster of the original high quality film, or simply a Blu-ray reissue of the original DVD master (in which case it may be little better than the DVD at best). Or, is the screen large enough and are you watching close enough to be able to appreciate the increased detail in a Blu-ray disk. Finally, is it worth a premium price to watch a drama or comedy where the visual detail isn't that important (vs a visual spectacle type Sci-Fi movie for example)

So, the long answer to your question is Blu-ray is, and will remain, more expensive than DVD. Blu-ray will always provide at least some improvement visually and audio wise over DVD. Whether it's worth the extra cost for Blu-ray then becomes a personal decision on a benefit-cost basis.

In general many consumers have concluded that at current price differentials DVD is good enough, but as the price difference decreases this may change. My recommendation is to evaluate for yourself based on your equipment and viewing conditions by comparing several movies on both Blu-ray and DVD ... then act accordingly.

Hope that helps.

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Is is possible to get a 1080p picture from a 1080p blu-ray player that's connected to a 720p tv?

blu ray player 1080p image

angel_girl

My friend says that when she plays a movie on her blu-ray player, she gets a 1080p picture, even though her tv is only 720p. Is this possible?

Answer
No.

All HDTV's convert the input video signal to the resolution inside the TV.

This means your friends BluRay player is out-putting 1080 but the TV then down-converts the video to 720 for processing and display.

Same way if you feed the HDTV a standard def DVD which is 480. The TV will up-convert the video to 720.

What is the difference between 1080p and 1080i? Is 1080p only found in blu ray players?

andrealg

I have an hdtv and my dvd, when connected to a hdmi cable, can have different resolutions including 1080p and 1080i. But I dont really see any difference between both of them. What is wrong? What is the difference? If I buy a blu ray player will the audio and visuals be better?

Answer
Well, 1080i and 1080p are different resolutions, some HDTV's are able to handle 1080p (high-end) resolutions, others are able to handle up-to a 1080i (mid) resolutions, still others are only able to display 720p (low-end) resolutions. The scale is as follows:

1) Best - 1080p - currently the best technology available (found in high-end HDTV's)
2) Middle - 1080i
3) Bottom - 720p

However, the difference between 1080p and 720p is barely noticable to the most trained eye.

To answer your question, you can only receive the resolution your hdtv is compatible with. Example if you have a 1080i HDTV and you buy a blu-ray player that is capable of displaying in 1080p, you will only get the 1080i resolution that your HDTV is compatible with.

And, I have both a 1080p and a 1080i hdtv and I cannot tell the difference.... Hope this helps.

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