Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player for $129.50

Cheap Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Discount Review Shop

Available at Amazon

Cheap "Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player" Discount Review Shop

Samsung BD-P1500 - Blu-ray disc player - upscaling

Cheap Samsung BD-P1500 - Blu-ray disc player - upscaling Discount Review Shop

Yes, if you research, you'll find conflicting reviews, but this Refurbished Blu-ray player I purchased via TigerDirect from Amazon.com is absolutely amazing; in fact, the "upconverting" of regular wide screen DVDs brings new life to the films; the colors (on my plasma display) are superior to many *theater* experiences I've endured (of course the best quality is Blu-ray].

In this economic environment, I can recommend a refurbished product from Samsung via TigerDirect; you can download the manual and software from Samsung's website. The product was shipped with a manual on CD, but I had already downloaded it before I received it.

One final note: I read elsewhere that a purchaser returned his Blu-ray player because "bands" were still visible on wide screen movies. Yes, this player doesn't have a zoom function. However, the television should have (as my plasma does) functions to adjust "H Size", "H Position", and "V Position", where H and V mean Horizontal and Vertical. With the resolution of Blu-ray, blowing up the image doesn't really "degrade" the picture quality. So, check your television manual.

I note no heat or other issues.

Incidentally, TigerDirect dropped the price after I purchased but it was a few days after their price guarantee. I tried to get a .00 coupon good towards a future purchase; it was like dealing with a government agency, forget it! Amazon.com is more flexible; so if TigerDirect has the lowest price at the time you wish to buy, go for it but I was surprised they wouldn't give me, after a .00 price drop a .00 coupon. Cheap, cheap, cheap! Not a good idea when it's The Return of the Great Depression!!!

2010 Update: Please make sure to go to Samsung site (or Google "BD P1500 firmware") for Firmware upgrade, software you download to a blank flash drive. On my Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P54S1 54-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Black picture quality is fantastic with new films. Better than most theater experiences I've had, although the Panasonic's zoom function is not as flexible as the old Vizio plasma previously used. Also, connect with HDMI cables, such as Mediabridge Ultra Series - 6ft High Speed HDMI Cable - Category 2 Certified - Supports 3D - Audio Return Channel - 4Kx2K - 1440p - 1080p - Blu-Ray - PS3 - XBox 360. Lastly, it is sensitive to fingerprints on discs; make sure your Blu-ray discs are clean, handle by the edges, etc. From the main menu, I selected 24fps (24 frames per second], which Blu-ray is designed for and "keep same resolution", i.e., 1080p, which you select from the menu. I see no flicker, only blurring as in a movie theater from rapid motion. Note that there is an April 2010 firmware upgrade. Both Red Cliff International Version - Part I & Part II [Blu-ray] and Avatar (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray] are breathtaking. Even the wides screen The Taming of the Shrew looks fantastic. So, at of June 2010, it's working great, no issues, picture is beautiful. Yes, with the latest firmware upgrade it plays James Bond Blu-ray Collection Three-Pack, Vol. 3 (Moonraker/ The World is Not Enough / Goldfinger) just fine.

I wouldn't be surprised that Wal-Mart sells new Samsung Blu-ray players for less money but I find the refurbished products have been "pre-disastered", so to speak.

Available at Amazon

Cheap "Samsung BD-P1500 - Blu-ray disc player - upscaling" Discount Review Shop

Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-Ray Player With A 1-Year Extended Warranty Service Plan & High Speed HDMI Cable (2 meters)

Cheap Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-Ray Player With A 1-Year Extended Warranty Service Plan & High Speed HDMI Cable (2 meters) Discount Review Shop

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

Available at Amazon

Cheap "Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-Ray Player With A 1-Year Extended Warranty Service Plan & High Speed HDMI Cable (2 meters)" Discount Review Shop