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- Inexpensive
- Great Blu-ray picture quality
- BD Live-ready
- HD audio bitstreaming
- So-so image quality for standard DVDs
- No onboard DTS-HD MA decoder
- Some disc-compatibility issues
While the Samsung BD-P1500 didn't debut to glowing accolades, firmware upgrades and price decreases have transformed it into one of the better Blu-ray player bargains available. Like most players in its price class, it is only Bonus View-compliant as shipped, but it can be upgraded to BD Live status by downloading a firmware upgrade and plugging in a USB flash drive; BD Live lets you access Internet content and bonus disc features. While it struggles in some formal bench tests, video quality when watching Blu-ray Discs is excellent. DVD video quality is a step behind, however.
Disc-compatibility issues -- a major problem when this player first debuted -- have lessened, but reports say occasional firmware upgrades to deal with that are still required. There's onboard audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD but not DTS-HD MA, but both HD audio formats can be bitstreamed to a home theater receiver that has its own decoders. If you are on a tighter budget, the Insignia NS-BRDVD (*Est. $170) and the essentially identical Sylvania NB500SL9 (*Est. $185) and Magnavox NB500MG9 (*Est. $200) might be worth considering. These players can't be upgraded to BD Live, lack any onboard HD audio decoding and don't do the best job with standard DVDs, but Blu-ray picture quality is very good. If you have more to spend, the step-up Samsung BD-P2500 (*Est. $310) offers superior image quality with both Blu-ray and DVD, and adds an interesting extra -- the ability to stream Netflix content direct to your TV.
While the Samsung BD-P1500 has been extensively reviewed, CNET stands out as the best source for guidance, as the site has updated its coverage to include recent improvements and price drops. Those interested in even more technical details will find the review at Audio Video Revolution worthwhile. Reports at PCMag.com, UltimateAVmag.com and About.com are older (predating upgrades that made the player BD Live-ready), but still provide useful insights. Amazon.com has hundreds of user-written reviews.
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Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET revisits the Samsung BD-P1500 to report on recent changes and finds that the player has improved functionality, features and value. Although discussion is shorter than at some videophile-oriented sites, what's here is more than sufficient for most potential buyers. Matthew Moskovciak calls the BD-P1500 "one of the best Blu-ray values available."
Review: Samsung BD-P1500, Matthew Moskovciak, Feb. 20, 2009
This review is noteworthy for its detail. Audio Video Revolution does not provide ratings or explicitly recommend one Blu-ray player over another, but does provide balanced information on the pros and cons of the Samsung BD-P1500. Adrienne Maxwell calls it "a solid Blu-ray player offered at a great price." Coverage includes the player's update to BD Live-ready status.
Review: Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Player, Adrienne Maxwell, Nov. 1, 2008
3. Ultimate AV MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Videophiles will appreciate the high level of technical information presented here, though some readers may suffer from a case of information overload. Be that as it may, Kim Wilson does an expert job of dissecting the pros and cons of the Samsung BD-P1500, making this a worthwhile read even if it does not take into account the latest upgrades to the player.
Review: Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Player, Kim Wilson, July 2008
Robert Heron says that the Samsung BD-P1500 "strikes a good balance between usability, performance and price." While this review is not as detailed as some others, the essentials are covered well. Comments predate -- but anticipate -- several important firmware updates.
Review: Samsung BD-P1500, Robert Heron, Oct. 22, 2008
5. About.com
Robert Silva, the home theater guide at About.com, reports on the Samsung BD-P1500 in one of the better efforts here. Discussion isn't extensive, but testing methodology is painstakingly detailed and explained. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review and Rating, Robert Silva, Not Dated
6. Amazon.com
More than 350 owner reviews here give the Samsung BD-P1500 a solid four out of five stars. Initial quality problems and issues with firmware updates seem to lead the complaints. However, the majority seems to be mostly to completely pleased.
Review: Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Aug. 2009
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Sony NSZ-GT1 Wi-Fi-Enabled 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Featuring Google TV
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![As Tears Go By [Blu-ray]](http://di105.shopping.com/images/di/6f/36/4e/5a4962467a586776376868665330416b4b5067-100x100-0-0.jpg?p=p8.950b648187f15daae7dd&a=1&c=1&l=8052684&t=120209201113&r=4 "As Tears Go By [Blu-ray]"){kind=small}
