HD-A35 or BD-UP5000

[jah02g]

I am only asking about HD-DVD playback capabilities, not Blu Ray or SD. Which of these systems is better at HD-DVD playback? Anyone know?

[BlkM383]

Thats a good question...I thought about purchasing the samsung..or A30

[Rich86]

Originally Posted by jah02g

I am only asking about HD-DVD playback capabilities, not Blu Ray or SD. Which of these systems is better at HD-DVD playback? Anyone know?

I have an A30 and A35 - they are superb for hd-dvd playback. I have had no problems.
I am trying to learn as much as possible about the Samsung BD-UP5000 in order to get into blu-ray without adding another box to the stack. From everything I have learned - the BD-UP5000 has a list of issues and problems and Samsung is very slow to address anything via firmware updates.
if my only interest was in playing HD-DVD discs - I would not give the Samsung dual format player a 2nd thought - the Toshiba 30 and 35 are far superior for HD-DVD playback from what I can tell.

[dmrichar]

Honestly according to the paper specs the Samsung should be the better player as it has the same Reon video processor that the XA2 has, but the Samsung has so many other issues that may not be enough to win someone over. The Toshiba is superior in the way handles the audio portion of the movies. The Blu-Ray player is still trying to catch up.

[Ferrari Fan]

DO NOT get the Samsung. They are horrible issuing any type of firmware updates. I had the BD-P1200, and it was a terrific player for both and regular dvd's. But they were, and still are to my knowledge, very, very, very slow to release any firmware updates, if they release any at all. I sold my 1200 as I was too worried that when new titles came out, and the Samsung had playing issues with those disc, that Samsung would not post firmware updates.

I do have the A35 and it's a great machine. Both for the regular dvd up-conversion and it produces great HD audio and video. BUT, it also passess the higher end audio codecs to the newer recievers ( such as the Onkyo 875 which I have ) and the reciever can decode those higher quality audio codecs.

Here is a link to a forum for the Samsung, read it and see what you think. Best wishes whatever you get.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=955388

[Vic Arpeggio]

I just got the LG BH-200 from Crutchfield and am very happy with it so far.

[chris gerhard]

I would definitely pick the HD-A35 solely based on HD DVD playback. I would much rather have the Samsung BD-UP5000 for the things it does that the HD-A35 doesn't do.

Chris

[vlanza]

I would highly recommend the LG BH200 also. It is a great machine, not perfect, but wayyyyyy better than the Samsung. Just be sure to update with the newest firmware.

[carr76013]

I have the Sammy unit and so far (knocks on wood) havent run into any issues with ANY HD DVDs, Blu rays or SDs.

I know of Samsungs reputation with players but so far i am impressed!

[AOD]

I had the Samsung BD-UP5000 for about two days. Thats all it took for me to return it. I only got it because I felt guilty for buying a BD player and wanted a universal one. It had average HD DVD playback but has WAY to many other issues. So I took it back and got the Panasonic BD30. Get the A-35. If you really want BD playback, get a dedicated player, just not a Samsung.

[DVD2955]

Originally Posted by jah02g

I am only asking about HD-DVD playback capabilities, not Blu Ray or SD. Which of these systems is better at HD-DVD playback? Anyone know?

There is a company selling factory refurbished BD-UP5000 for less than $400 shipped in the USA....
DataVis.com which I found the orignal link on a Google side Advert here at 'HDD'... It states is comes with the full factory 1year warranty so I just purchased one.. But for Less than $400 for a Blu-Ray player that is platform 1.1 was enough for me.. {rumored to be updated to platform 2.0 in the future.. but can not get any confirming info}

--David

[chris gerhard]

Originally Posted by AOD

I had the Samsung BD-UP5000 for about two days. Thats all it took for me to return it. I only got it because I felt guilty for buying a BD player and wanted a universal one. It had average HD DVD playback but has WAY to many other issues. So I took it back and got the Panasonic BD30. Get the A-35. If you really want BD playback, get a dedicated player, just not a Samsung.

A bit harsh for someone that had the player for two days and didn't have access to today's firmware, or soon to be released firmware, that should improve performance. Still, based on the Samsung history with firmware, it isn't hard to understand why the players aren't highly regarded. This one does appear to be a lot better than others from Samsung.

Chris

[chipvideo]

Originally Posted by chris gerhard

A bit harsh for someone that had the player for two days and didn't have access to today's firmware, or soon to be released firmware, that should improve performance. Still, based on the Samsung history with firmware, it isn't hard to understand why the players aren't highly regarded. This one does appear to be a lot better than others from Samsung.

Chris

I don't think he is harsh. I bought a new bdp1400 samsung bd player and after 1 day I bought a used panny 10AK. The samsungs are unreliable and have many glitches. I have the bdp1000 and it I know how long I had to wait for firmware in order to play DAT and ROTSS.

I would honestly say that if I sold electronics I would not sell samsung bd players as I would not want angry customers coming back.

[AOD]

Originally Posted by chris gerhard

A bit harsh for someone that had the player for two days and didn't have access to today's firmware, or soon to be released firmware, that should improve performance. Still, based on the Samsung history with firmware, it isn't hard to understand why the players aren't highly regarded. This one does appear to be a lot better than others from Samsung.

Chris

Harsh? I think not. 2 1/2 days was all it took for me to realize I made the wrong decision. I have tons of HD media and ran quite a few through it. It had more bugs than a beehive. As for the firmware release, it seems like they keep promising it the second Tuesday of next week. Very poor product support. All of this is IMHO of course.

[jah02g]

Thanks for the input. I actually already have an A-35, but I wanted a machine that could play both. I got a refurbished BD-UP5000 with a 1 year warranty for $370. It sounds like this player has a lot of potential but has had problems. Plus it has the Reon chip for upconverting. I'll update the firmware and cross my fingers that I don't have any problems.