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
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
