Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using this for 2 weeks now, and it's my first blu-ray player (no PS3).The good stuff:Excellent look, not too loud, amazing picture and sound.Working ethernet and USB port.(I haven't had to download any firmware or code updates, but I'm sure it'll work fine.)

Operations:No fan noise, no noise while playing, but during menu & loading, you hear some track-seeking which is audible at 10'... nothing offensive, though.I just noticed last night, after my 5th blu-ray a little flicker in in the bottom center of the screen during the credits of Juno... not sure if it's a bad disc or a player having a problem.It was repeatable, and the disc seemed clean.Lastly, the load time, eject time, etc seems just fine.Not instant or as fast a nice DVD player, but not noticably slow.I've heard alot about slow disc-loading, and if it is a problem on other players - it's not a problem on this one.Lastly, sometimes when you click on a menu instead of pausing, the screen with show a "progress-bar" for 2-4 seconds while the next manu loads, which isn't completely kosher, but doesn't bother me.

The so-so stuff:I'm giving this 5-stars because it's near-perfect at what it's designed to do for it's price, but it's not perfect.One reason to get a mid- to lower-cost player is to (duh) save money... if you're someone who has an older receiver that doesn't decode the two new DD and DTS formats, and (probably) doesn't decode multi-channel PCM, this player isn't for you.It only has stereo-out analog RCA plugs, not 5.1 or 7.1 analog outputs.

That means you can't bypass your receivers pre-amp to play the newer audio formats and let the blu-ray player decode them.My old Receiver (which I used the player with for a week) only decoded DD 5.1 (no DTS, and only 2-channel PCM to 48khz).This player lets you send a PCM stream to your receiver from an internally decoded DTS 5.1 signal, but this didn't work for me... as my player can't receive 5.1 PCM streams, it only saw it as 2-channel.At least the player lets you downsample 96khz PCM to 48khz, so that I at least got sound (Golden Compass only has DTS 5.1 or DTS HD Master).

With my new receiver, all formats work perfectly, all bitstreamed.

Some people perhaps are holding off for new receivers because they don't want to connect through the player's analog RCA 5.1/7.1 connectors - but this is probably mis-information.What you want to avoid is taking digital sound, converting it to analog, then back to digital, then back to analog...don't worry - you wouldn't be doing this.Basically you would be doing all your processing in the player digitally, then once it is sent out through the pre-outs to the receiver you'd bypass the receiver's processing and it would go straight to the amplifier (which is of course analog anyway).

So my conclusion for thos people with older (but good) receivers - this blu-ray player won't save you any money.The best savings would be to pay a little more for a player with 5.1 analog outputs and continue to use your existing receiver.

-Kevin Moore
Natick, MA

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Product Description:
Experience the Blu-ray difference with the SAMSUNG BD-P1500. You'll get incredibly detailed images with brilliant color in full high definition 1080p resolution. It's the only media capable of delivering true 1080p performance on an HDTV set. Its Anynet+ technology lets you control all your SAMSUNG AV devices from just one remote. The BD-P1500 lets you have it all. It's backward compatible with earlier formats. watch your current collection of DVDs or listen to audio CDs with the highest-quality sound available. 1080p resolution - Enjoy lifelike, vivid visuals and crystal-clear details with full high definition 1080p resolution when playing Blu-Ray discs HDMI keeps it simple by using a single cable wire to deliver the sharpest, richest images possible. Conveniently and easily transfer high-definition video and audio from your DVD player to your HDTV and other digital devices using a single cable. HDMI version 1.3 transfers deeper color and higher resolution, and handles new, compressed audio formats. Control it all with one remote - Anynet+ delivers streamlined, one-touch control over all your Anynet+ compatible devices such as the TV, AV receiver, and home theater Playback Media - BD-ROM / DVD-ROM / DVD-R / DVD-RW / AVCHD / audio CD Playback Formats - VC-1 / MPEG2 / H.264 DVD Upconversion DTS Decoder BD Profile - profile 1.1 USB 2.0 (for SW upgrade only) HDMI CEC Composite Video Outputs Component Video Outputs HDMI Outputs Optical Digital Audio Outputs Analog Audio Outputs - 2-Channel Built-in Ethernet connection - RJ45 USB Port Picture in Picture Dimensions - 16.9 in. x 3.3 in. x 10.8 in. Weight - 8.6 lbs.

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Samsung BD-C5900 1080p 3D Blu-ray Disc Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this Blu-ray player free as part of the 3D package with my new Samsung UN46C7000 46-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Black). It's the only Blu-ray player I've ever owned and it is a nice compact unit that's easy to use, but it's been a little buggy at times.

Several times now it hasn't sent a signal through the HDMI cable and once the picture was pixelated, but a simple power cycle fixes the problem. It's not enough to make me send it in for repairs, but it is a little annoying.

Upgrading the firmware via USB is very simple and I've already done it once as it was 3 updates behind right out of the box.

Overall I'm happy with it and wouldn't hesitate to buy one for the small price it's going for.

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Product Description:
3D BluRay

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Samsung SHR-1040 Digital Video Security System DVR-4 Channel up to 160GB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm a new do-it-yourselfer (DIY) when it comes to surveillance systems, but have learned a great deal over the two weeks that I owned the Samsung SHR-1040K.I wish to share my experiences and impressions of the system.The SHR-1040 is a compact DVR unit designed for 4-channel surveillance containing a built-in a 160GB hard drive (called an HDD) and remote control.The 1040K adds a complement of four Samsung cameras (2 daylight and 2 day/night) with 60 ft of cable for each.

PROS
Low cost (my complete system cost just over $400) combined with a built-in 160GB drive, and remote, and large number of connectivity options are the chief advantages of this system.The back of the unit is especially nice:containing BNC connections along with Samsung's usual RJ-11 connections for each camera channel, and a VGA port for connecting that old monitor you might have laying around the house (much nicer than a TV set in my view).VGA ports are harder and harder to find, as many manufacturers are going to networkable DVR devices (personally, I have no need for this feature at present).

The DVR uses good file compression technology so you can record hundreds of hours, and it can be done on one channel at higher resolution, or all four channels at once ("quad" recording) at a lower resolution.Has built-in motion detection algorithm that can be set to low, normal, or high sensitivity (but for all connected cameras, not for specific cameras, a disadvantage).

Samsung uses modular RJ-11 cable (somewhere between phone line and RJ-45 for networking) to connect to its cameras.Quite nice, since the DVR unit actually powers the camera and captures its signal.But there are also some cons to this arrangement (see below).

CONS - DVR UNIT
I discovered several disadvantages with this unit.The most important is an occasional tendency for the unit to simply quit running (power on, but not responding/recording camera inputs).Samsung customer service was singularly unhelpful, but at least one other reviewer has reported this problem.Strangely, there are a lot of refurbished units on the market, which suggest to me some kind of product design or manufacturing QA/QC problem.Bottom line:I'm uncertain as to whether this is a reliable unit, when reliability is absolutely paramount in a security situation.

Substantial lag between remote control and response of the DVR unit.

As the HDD becomes full, search times are longer and longer (so much so that it was worthwhile getting a cup of tea and returning to see search results).It can be rewritten, by the way.

Even though it's obvious the user's manual wasn't written by a native English speaker, this would be forgivable were it not that it's the most poorly organized and written (in any language) set of instructions that I've encountered in years.It is not at all oriented to DIY customers.

CONS - CAMERAS
The two standard daylight cameras SOC-C120 that come with the complete kit contain microphones (most useful if only one camera is recording in real-time mode), and a sensor port for additional stuff.They're plastic, and have mediocre resolution of 330 lines with a ¼" super HAD CCD.In actual practice, I found them to be reasonably sharp in daylight and after dark when halogen motion sensitive light illuminated the area. If you need to replace this camera, you'll find it overpriced on the open market, and that the RJ-11 cabling that supports it (it does not have an RCA or BNC connector) is used by very few other (overpriced) cameras.Best, in my view, to stay with cameras with BNC or similar standard connectors.

The two plastic day/night SOC-N120 cameras that come with the complete kit have OK specifications (again a ¼" super HAD CCD offering 330 lines resolution) with 11 IR LEDs and microphone, but in actual practice are pathetic.During daylight hours, they are much less sharp than the standard SOC-C120 cameras, and at night, pictures are poorly lit and grainy.The IR LEDs are much dimmer than those on a Swann Maxi Day/Night camera I purchased, and light less than 20 feet.I would only use them if you have a space of about 10 to 15 feet to monitor--and a little background lighting would help.Again, on the open market, they're expensive, and the RJ-11 cabling narrows your options if you choose to use it.

I replaced one of the Samsung cameras with the higher resolution Swann day/night camera using a BNC connection in place of the RJ-11 channel connection.I found 100 feet of BNC cable with power connection combined for $20 at a local electronics store (50 feet can be had for $15).It gives superior resolution day and night both in "live" viewing and when recording.The Samsung DVR unit was able to detect motion with no trouble.

NOTES
I've discovered that a number of DVR and camera kits aimed at the DIY market pair low resolution (330 lines) cameras with DVR units. My thought is to mix and match, much like an entertainment system.It's desirable to get higher resolution (> 400 lines) cameras and combine them with a reliable DVR system.The Swann Maxi seems a good value for day/night monitoring of 30 to 40 feet (it also has a highly regarded Sony CCD).I'm looking at other cameras, and will be evaluating a Lorex DVR shortly.

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Product Description:
Get up to 14,000 hours of recording time on the Samsung SHR-1040. Use the convenient remote to record or watch playbacks. Secure your property small or large with this easy to use unit. Event Recroding or Motion Detection Function. Rela Time Display and Real Time Recording (120 ips).4 Channel Video/Audio Input. 2 BNC/2 RCA Output/1 VGA Output(Compatible with most TV and PC monitors). High Resolution with MPEG4 Compression.

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Fujifilm HDP-L1 HD Player and Remote Review

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(More customer reviews)being owner of a finepix real 3D w1 camera and v1 picture frame and a samsung le46c750 3D tv i would have liked to watch my photos taken with the 3D camera on the 3D tv. quite obvious, one might think. but it doesn't work. samsung doesn't support fuji's native mpo file format for stereoscopic images, and even the side-by-side format can't be switched to 3d in terms of pictures, whereas with (converted) videos from the same camera this works.
so as the finepix hdp-l1 was announced to be able to play the 3D photos on a 3D capable tv via hdmi, i thought, this might be a handy solution. ok, it works. but one might expect it to work a bit different, maybe:

1. it only supports 720p, which still looks good, but as the photos have much a higher resolution (2x 10 megapixels), i would prefer downscaling to 1080p to get the best out of it. it seems that hdmi 1.3 doesn't support the higher 3D resolution, and so doesn't the item. and i'm not sure, if it even is a native 3D format taht runs across the hdmi, as switching to 3D just presents a side-by-side image, which then on the tv can accordingly be translated to 3D in the 3D settings. actually there is a 3D protocol for real 3D and i'm quite sure the tv should recognize this automatically, if it really were the right format.
2. there are no menues available when 3D mode is switched on.
3. there is no sort of file-browser available.
4. 3D fotos cannot be shown in 2D (and you don't even see that they're there in 2D mode), whereas 3D films can (???)
5. there are NO slideshow options: you can't choose different time-spans for the pictures to be shown, and there's NO transitions offered. i don't need those fluffy transitions with all kinds of sliding and rolling effects. i just want one image to softly fade out and the next one to fade in. or the first fading to black, and the second fading in from black again. pictures only show one after the other.
6. you can't even switch off the annoying beep, except by muting the tv
7. the device refuses to read 16gb sdhc cards

most of those issues could be solved easily by providing some sensible software (firmware) for a piece of hardware, that obviously could do all the tricks.

i really wonder why companies do this. same with the samsung tv, although there's not that much missing.

open your code to at least let enthusiasts do the job you should do! there' a bunch of people out there who would be most eager to develop really cute functions for the devices you build. (as there have been firmware hacks for previous samsung models, it seems. but they just secured their code better to prevent intervention instead of opening it up)

it's so frustrating to have a piece of hardware that you know is capable of doing so many cute things, but it just won't, because some programming departments refuse to do their job properly (or are on too tight a budget).

pleeeaaase!!!

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Product Description:
HDP-L1 HD Player and Remote combines an HD card reader and a remote control, the optional connection kit makes it easy to display photos and movies on your HDTVHDMI output device.

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Samsung MR-00EA1 MediaLive Digital Media Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Pros
-Works as advertised
-Wireless 802.11g AND draft 802.11n (the N works great)
-Can be mounted behind your Samsung TV
-Small and attractive design
-Generates little heat
-Your existing Samsung TV remote can control the unit through the HDMI
-Firmware upgradeable over the internet

Cons
-Slow and sluggish menu navigation (compared to Xbox360)
-Slow and sluggish channel changing (compared to Xbox360)
-No number keys on the supplied remote
-The remote uses watch style batteries
-"Out of memory" error, forcing me to reboot the box. (this has happened once so far, hopefully this doesn't happen again)
-Nearly endless power-on time, I'd estimate over a minute. You're better off leaving the thing on all the time
-Only 1080i capable, not 1080p

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Product Description:

Combine the connection power of your PC with the superior experience of your TV for the ultimate entertainment system. Play music, view pictures, and stream videos from your home PC to compatible 2008 Samsung HDTVs with the MediaLive Digital Media Extender. Fast, easy operation with the MediaLive remote lets you enjoy web content from MSN Internet TV and CinemaNow. Record off-air and cable TV programs for later viewing on your home PC, using optional tuner cards.

* Requires a PC running Windows Media Center in Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate. Live and recorded TV may require additional equipment, including but not limited to a TV tuner. Some features require internet access; service fees may apply. Online media services and applications are subject to change * Net Dimensions 6.1"(W) x 4.9"(H) x 1.2"(D)* Net Weight: 1 lb.

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Samsung YP-T7JZ 1 GB Digital Audio Player with FM Tuner & Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great sound.Sensible menu structure.You can use Windows Media Player or drag and drop files and folders.Has line in.Has built in microphone or you can use line in.FM radio actually works fairly well.You can record from FM too.Compression rate is selectable from unit as opposed to PC.Very small but still able to push buttons with old, beat up fingers.Screen very readable, unlike my Erickson/Sony cell phone.Battery life is reasonable.Customer support has been great.I had one problem that required help from the "next level" and he explained how to fix PC related problem.

Draw backs. Requires USB port to charge (or separate USB charger that you buy).Supplied ear buds are terrible.If you want to listen to music you will have to buy something better.Does not work with Mac OS X.You cannot drag and drop from Mac.Player is not recognized at all by Mac.Technical support says if you put more than 9 folders on player, it may (or may not) erase something already there.They are working on upgrade to firmware to address this issue.

Overall I am very pleased with player and use almost all the features.I highly recommend it.iPod comes up short on features by comparison.

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Product Description:
Listen to the music you want when you want with feather-light, multi-function Samsung YP-T7 flash memory digital audio player. Weighing just 1.3 ounces, the 1 GB YP-T7JZ plays both MP3 and WMA files, displays your favorite JPEG still images, and includes an integrated FM tuner and voice recorder (via built-in microphone). The built-in lithium-polymer battery recharges through the USB connection to your PC and offers up to 10 hours of playback. It's compatible with PCs running Windows XP SP1/SP2 systems with Windows Media Player 10 software, and it connects via USB 2.0 (which is built into the player).
It supports MP3, WMA, Audio ASF and OGG playback. The 1 GB memory will hold approximately 16 hours of CD-quality MP3 tracks (encoded at 128 kps) or 32 hours of WMA tracks (at 64 kbps). The FM radio enables you to record FM programming to the device's memory. Use the clock to program your player to record FM radio at specific times. This unit also features a 7-band user customizable EQ as well as eight EQ presets (including rock, classical, jazz, house, and ballad).
The YP-T7 also has offers USB host support, enabling you to connect external devices such as digital cameras or other MP3 players directly to the unit for easy transfer of music, images and other data files without the need for a PC. Other features include a 1.2-inch color TFT LCD screen, playlist playback, and a line-in jack for direct recording capability (to MP3).
What's in the Box
Samsung YP-T7 digital audio player (1 GB), earbuds, cable/charger, installation CD-ROM, and printed operating instructions
Choose your music. Choose your device. Know it's going to work.
Look for the PlaysForSure logo if you're shopping for a portable music or video device and you want to make sure the digital music and video you purchase will play back on it every time. Match the PlaysForSure logo on a large selection of leading devices and online music stores. If you see the logo, you'll know your digital music will play for sure.
The PlaysForSure logo makes it easy to find digital media stores and devices that work together. Choose from a large number of digital music and video stores, including MTV's Urge, Rhapsody, Yahoo!, MSN Music, MusicMatch, MusicNow, Napster, Wal-Mart Music Downloads, and many more.
Look for the PlaysForSure logo on a wide variety of devices including portable music devices, portable video devices, digital audio receivers, Pocket PC's and Smartphones.

The checkmarks indicate if the device is capable of playing back audio and/or video that's been downloaded from an online store. Additionally some devices will be able to play back media that has been purchase through an online store that offers subscription or rentals.

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Samsung F40 Ultra Zoom Camcorder (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I want to preface this review with a comment.If you are expecting that this camera is going to put out High Definition quality videos and be amazing in low light situations, then you're looking at the wrong camera.In fact, MOST cameras will have difficulties in low light situations.The camera was not designed for HD, obviously, so that expectation should go out the window.

Overall, the camera is great.Purchased for $165 from Amazon's website at the end of March 2010.The camera has excellent zoom and picks up sound very well.The reason that the camera was purchased was to capture golf shots between friends.It's very lightweight and easily fits within the compartments of our golf carts/bags.It's still a bit big to fit into my pants to the point where I feel comfortable taking a golf shot.Don't get me wrong, it is still small and CAN fit into your pant pockets.I just don't like the feel of it when I take golf shots.

I had considered purchasing the Flip HD and Kodak zi8 (which I do have) and must say that though the form factors on the handheld camcorders is better from a size standpoint, you simply can't beat the benefits of this camera.

For those of you who are concerned about the battery life, let me assure you that the 4.5 hrs of battery life is definitely real.I tested it today since I was skeptical about it as well.This 'concern' came about because the battery indicator light is not designed well and appears to drain faster than it really does.At one point, there were zero bars on the indicator but the camera continued taking video for an additional 45 minutes.

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Product Description:

With its incredible 65x intelli-Zoom (52x Optical Zoom), the Samsung SMX-F40 series give you the ability to bring distant images into forefront focus, enabling you to zoom closer to the action from further away.

FEATURES:

Record More - Enhanced energy efficiency and advanced power management coming from Samsung 8th generation DSP Solution combine to create a camcorder that gives you over 4 hours and 10 minutes of battery life, ensuring that you can shoot and share for longer.
Get Closer - With its incredible 65x intelli-Zoom (52x Optical Zoom), the Samsung SMX-F40 series give you the ability to bring distant images into forefront focus, enabling you to zoom closer to the action from further away.
Bigger sensor, better video - The Samsung SMX-F40 series use a 1/6 CCD Sensor to enhance image quality. Its extra-large sensor sets it apart from other camcorders in its class and enables you to enjoy higher-quality images.
Ultimate Companion to your PC - intelli-Studio 2.0 is designed to enhance your sense of freedom. Plug & Play PC Software, intelli-Studio 2.0 is built-into the Samsung SMX-F40 series, you can use any PC to view, edit, and upload your memories to the web without software CD.
USB Battery charging - The convenient USB charging gives you flexibility and freedom. Simply connect the Samsung SMX-F40 series to any PC via USB cable and the camcorder will begin recharging, allowing you to enjoy a more mobile lifestyle.
Record the passing of time - The Time-Lapse recording feature captures frames at preset intervals and then arranges them in sequential order to create a video file that condenses an extended period of time into a fraction of the time.

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Magnavox DVD Recorder/VCR Combo, HDMI 1080p Up-Conversion, No Tuner (Manufacturer Refurbished) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this after returning a similarly-priced tunerless player-only combo product made by Samsung.That one would only output VHS over the composite line.No component.No HDMI.Apparently some upscaling or signal processing is involved in making the VHS play over those outputs, but the Magnavox outputs VHS over all three types of cables.I don't need to use two inputs on my tv, and I don't need to find my tv remote to switch inputs if I want to watch a tape.

Picture quality is excellent for dvd, VHS, and the cable-box signal I'm running through the player. The VHS picture is not as good as dvd, but I didn't expect it to be.It's still a high quality four head VCR/VHS player that looks tons better than my now dead one from 2001.

I tested the recording functions, which I don't generally use, and they work great, even with cheap dvds.Set-up was easy, and I didn't have any trouble figuring out the remote.

The long and short of it is that I was able to replace my dead vcr at a reasonable price with something that suits my current needs and home entertainment configuration.

Please note that I ordered this model refurbished.The manual that came with it indicates that it is a class A.I recommend that you contact the seller to make sure that you're going to get the A model.

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Product Description:
Dust off those video tapes and enjoy VHS movie formats with the Magnavox DVD Recorder & 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR. It features 1080p upconversion and 2-way dubbing, so you can record VHS tapes to DVD, or vice versa. Plus, the Magnavox DVD Recorder & 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR can record for up to six hours ?Çö so sit back and enjoy the show.* Magnavox DVD Recorder & 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR:1080p Up Conversion * Progressive Scan Video Out * 5-Speed for Up to 6-hours Recording * Dolby Digital Stream Out * 2 Way Dubbing (VCR>DVD, DVD>VCR) * Satellite Link Recording * S-Video Input/Output * HDMI Output

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