Blu-ray Player Showdown : Samsung BD-P2500
4. Samsung BD-P2500
The Remote
Just like the remote on the BD-P1500, and even the good old BD-P1400, this remote control is solid and reliable. It would have been even better if the glowing buttons on this model were replaced with full-on backlit buttons.
After the entry-level BD-P1500--which was nevertheless a pretty powerful player that would suit most users--Samsung has returned with this BD-P2500 with even more audio and video functions.
The 2500 looks the same as its older brother, with a sober, refined case that adopts the same style as earlier generations of Samsung equipment.
- BD-P2500 Blu-ray Player
The hardware is up to date though, with support for DiVX files included in the most recent firmware update. The new software also brings improved handling of subtitles, where accented characters in foreign languages present far fewer problems than on some of Panasonic's players.
An extended selection of ports is available on the back, including a set of analog 7.1 audio outputs.
These allow you to use all sorts of audio formats with an amp that doesn't have the latest generation of decoders built-in. The only restriction is that the DTS-HD MA can't be decoded and must be sent as a bit-stream to a compatible decoder over an HDMI cable.
Nevertheless, this is a relatively rare format for Blu-ray discs, and always comes with a more compatible traditional Dolby Digital soundtrack.
We still can't understand why Samsung doesn't have a single optical audio out: a coaxial capable is hardly an expensive luxury and would be compatible with a broad spread of users. If we could forgive this problem on the BD-P1500, it's inexcusable on the BD-P2500.
Test Results
There is a full minute in between sliding the disc in and waiting for the first image to appear on screen, which is about average amongst Blu-ray players, unfortunately.
Blu-ray discs are shown in excellent quality, and the upscaling of DVD sources is equally well done. We weren't surprised by these results because upscaling is handled by the Hollywood Quality Video (HQV) chip.
Having said that, the improvement over other Blu-ray players is only very slight and the majority of big manufacturers have now mastered upscaling.
A word about the menus to end with--they're exactly what we expect from Samsung, and don't allow you to modify the image. The only exception is a 'precision' option, but if you turn it up to its highest settings, the picture looks far too artificial.
Apart from that, the regular settings like brightness and contrast are best handled by your television or video projector.
| Samsung BD-P2500 | |
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An excellent Blu-ray player from Samsung for anybody who's looking for advanced audio, including 7.1 outputs.
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..