Blu-ray Player Showdown : Samsung BD-P1600
3. Samsung BD-P1600
The Remote
The only difference between the remote for the BD-P1600 and remotes on older Samsung players is that the P1600's remote has adopted the look of current Samsung TV remotes. Otherwise, we’re in keeping with the “Samsung philosophy”, namely large buttons that are not very aesthetic are easier to manipulate. The main buttons are phosphorescent, so you’ll be able to find them when the lights are out.
A replacement for the BD-P1500, this new BD-P1600 irons out the main faults and aims at the budget buyer.
The kit, build and design
You can tell straight away that this is a basic machine: its connectivity is minimal, the menus don’t have many options and the remote, although it has the look of the new Samsung TV remotes, looks a bit cheap. At the end of the day however, this is what you expect from an entry-level player aimed at new users: a minimum of connections and features to simplify use.
- BD-P1600 Blu-ray Disc...
Getting beyond its entry-level label, the P1600 can read JPEG, mp3 and even DiVX files via its USB sockets. Note that MKV’s are not supported but that subtitles function without any problem. It isn’t possible to resynchronize them to the image however. The USB sockets do not allow you to read AVCHD files.
The second USB socket is designed for the optional Samsung Wi-Fi dongle so you can do away with the cable network connection. The cable connection is in any case practically useless as it doesn’t allow you to access shared multimedia files.
The good surprise comes on start-up. You need 40 seconds to start the player up, insert the disc and start watching your film. This might seem long but it's as good as it gets for Blu-ray players. This process can often take over a minute with other Blu-ray players.
On the negative side, the small fan at the back of the casing is too audible. When you think how small the player is, it might have been better to design a larger casing without this accessory.
Image quality
The image quality is close to what you get on the BD-P1500: nice, sharp HD with neutral colors, and good SD. Note that the results are a little down on the competition such as the Pioneer BDP-320. Upscaling of an SD source on the Pioneer is better than on the BD-1600. But these aren’t comparable players. The BD-P1600 is aimed at entry-level buyers and offers very good results for what it costs.
Sound formats
Contrary to the BD-P1500, this player can decode all formats including DTS-HD MA. However analog 7.1 outs are still not offered and you have to make do with stereo outs as well as the optical out and the HDMI 1.3 out. This means you have to use the HDMI 1.3 if you want to benefit from HD sound. Otherwise you can listen to HD downscaled to Dolby Digital or DTS via the optical out.
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The BD-P1600 is well placed among entry-level players. You do find better machines of course, but they also cost more.
Why not review the 3600 sammy? The ability to connect to a PC share with NO software or special configuration on the home network is amazingly nice and simple. I can browse my collection of DIVX movies (hundreds) and play them without a hitch. I have no reason for a home theater PC when this player can connect to my 5-year old home seerver pc and play it's content so nicely.
Do these devices spellt he end of the home theater PC? On the 3600 I can download NetFlix, Blockbuster, player Pandora internet radio and watch YouTube videos for hourssss (very addicting). What can a HTPC do that this player can't? Just a question for THG.
I still recommend the PS3, even if the person has no interest in games.
specially the newer, quieter one with bitstream. great at BD, great media streamer, and they are always updating it and adding new stuff.
the only reason I'd get a standalone is if I already had an xbox that does all that stuff except bluray.
The BD60 does NOT play DIVX/XVID files, only the BD80. Secondly, you can burn AVCHD camcorder files (Canon HF100) to a DVD and play on my BD60.
I think its a good player. Some people have been reporting that it has a random skipping problem.
Ok, where is the OPPO BDP-83 review?
Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Pioneer....bleh. I have an OPPO BDP-83. Plays anyting I throw at it and has excellent dvd upconversion.
Why wasn't Oppo reviewed? It is a great player and not that expensive.
Why wasn't Oppo reviewed?
mtn ranger
Could you please advise how to create the AVCHD DVD?
I am using multiAVCHD and Imgburn and I only get a black screen, no image, no sound..