Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Player

This was delivered on Halloween and brilliantly Fed Ex left the package on my doorstep. I was gone the whole weekend and needless to say it had been stolen when I got back.

Amazon was really easy to work with. They understood what happened and were able to get me a replacement.

This player works great. I have a Samsung LN46A650 and it interfaces nicely. I can control the whole thing through my tv remote thanks to Samsung's nifty little tool that links their products (sleep timer shuts down the player and tv!). Load time is very small and it has never skipped or given me any issues thus far.


The only thing I haven't been able to get to work is 1080p @ 120Hz. For some reason it plays all the content at 1080i @ 60Hz but I'm sure its either the content or my lack of knowledge since both the TV and player are capable of these settings.

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 with a remote control, batteries, and composite cables. For the best quality, you'll need to purchase either HDMI cables, such as Monster HDMI 1000HD Ultra-High Speed HDMI Cable (2 meters), or HDMI to DVI, depending on your set. 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.

-- Debbie Lee Wessselmann

I purchased this item in April of this year, and have had zero issues with it. It plays all DVDs and Blu Rays I throw at it without any problems.
I have updated the firmware to enable the BD LIVE and it works GREAT! What a steal for its current price - I paid almost twice as much when I picked up mine!
Two important notes:
1. To enable BD Live and to use it you must plug in a 1 GB or higher USB Flash drive into the unit and LEAVE IT IN to use BD-Live functions.
2. HDMI users: I stream the HD codecs to my Onkyo 805 through HDMI - works without a hitch and sounds incredible BUT know that HDMI has a limitation that it can only stream one HD audio stream at a time. So, with this unit, you must change its audio out away from Bitstream Audiophile, and put it at one of the other settings to hear both audio streams with Bonusview picture in picture commentaries (such as on the current Batman movies and V for Vendetta). When you watch the movie on its own , simply switch back to Audiophile.

This is a great basic player. It'll get the job done without having to spend a fortune for a bluray player

We purchased this on Amazon after shopping around for this same model. We got the best price on Amazon and we love the player. What a great picture! Very pleased with it. AAAA+++++