Samsung BluRay player - poor product - Blu-ray Forum

crazybrit · 08-22-2009, 04:42 AM

I've owned my Samsung BDP2500 since December. I've no idea if anyone from Samsung reads these forums. I kinda doubt it.

From the getgo it's the noisiest piece of consumer electronics I've ever owned. The fan/hum noise was so distracting (I've found other similar complaints online, no clue if some people are just more sensitive to it or if they have QC issues). Took it back to store within first 2 days, exchanged it, replacement was exactly the same plus it wasn't square, would rock 1/32" corner to corner when placed on glass shelf. Third replacement verified by store staff as having same issue. Got my original player back and had to deal with it's noisiness. I should have returned it and got my money back but I liked the Netflix streaming. My mistake.

I contacted Samsung via the e-mail on their website asking if it was normal for the background hum to be so intrusive and if they had any suggestions. They told me to call them which I did. The person I spoke to had no clue about the BluRay product and said there was no second tier support. All they would say is that I could UPS it back for service but if it was deemed normal I'd be charged for the diagnosis.

It would crash at least once a week (running latest firmware) - usually steaming Netflix - requiring a power cycle.

I finally got so cheesed off with it I decided to get service only to find out that the labor warranty is only 90 days. I contacted them by phone and they said they had no record of our previous correspondence and even if they had, having a documented problem prior to the warranty expiring doesn't make any difference.

I took the time to write them a letter explaining the above and asking for some guidance on the background noise issue. It's been 2 months and I've received absolutely no reply.

This week the player has started being really weird. The display would lock up (showing it was in pause mode, time counter stopped), BluRay remote doesn't work for any BluRay player functions (but still controls TV) but the TV remote control via the Anynet function could still control the BluRay player, skip chapters etc while the display was locked up. If I cycled power to the BluRay player the LN46A630 TV couldn't connect to the BluRay. Refreshing the HDMI sources it would find the player but still could not connect. Sometimes if I removed the HDMI cable and reconnected it would work but now it seems totally dead. With no HDMI or Ethernet cable attached, just power cable, it won't power up.

Is it in some weird standby state that can be recovered or am I looking at paying for it to be repaired. Annoying as - of course - there is a Netflix DVD stuck inside the player ;-)

I ran into the Samsung rep once at one of the local box stores. At the time I was considering what TV/BluRay combo to purchase and he was very knowledgeable and helpful. It's too bad their customer support is so poor. I can't believe they didn't even respond to my written letter.

I like the 46" LCD TV I bought at the same time but given my experiences with their support on the BluRay I'm seriously on-the-fence about whether I'd buy another of their products again.

gates70 · 08-22-2009, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazybrit

I've owned my Samsung BDP2500 since December. I've no idea if anyone from Samsung reads these forums. I kinda doubt it.

From the getgo it's the noisiest piece of consumer electronics I've ever owned. The fan/hum noise was so distracting (I've found other similar complaints online, no clue if some people are just more sensitive to it or if they have QC issues). Took it back to store within first 2 days, exchanged it, replacement was exactly the same plus it wasn't square, would rock 1/32" corner to corner when placed on glass shelf. Third replacement verified by store staff as having same issue. Got my original player back and had to deal with it's noisiness. I should have returned it and got my money back but I liked the Netflix streaming. My mistake.

I contacted Samsung via the e-mail on their website asking if it was normal for the background hum to be so intrusive and if they had any suggestions. They told me to call them which I did. The person I spoke to had no clue about the BluRay product and said there was no second tier support. All they would say is that I could UPS it back for service but if it was deemed normal I'd be charged for the diagnosis.

It would crash at least once a week (running latest firmware) - usually steaming Netflix - requiring a power cycle.

I finally got so cheesed off with it I decided to get service only to find out that the labor warranty is only 90 days. I contacted them by phone and they said they had no record of our previous correspondence and even if they had, having a documented problem prior to the warranty expiring doesn't make any difference.

I took the time to write them a letter explaining the above and asking for some guidance on the background noise issue. It's been 2 months and I've received absolutely no reply.

This week the player has started being really weird. The display would lock up (showing it was in pause mode, time counter stopped), BluRay remote doesn't work for any BluRay player functions (but still controls TV) but the TV remote control via the Anynet function could still control the BluRay player, skip chapters etc while the display was locked up. If I cycled power to the BluRay player the LN46A630 TV couldn't connect to the BluRay. Refreshing the HDMI sources it would find the player but still could not connect. Sometimes if I removed the HDMI cable and reconnected it would work but now it seems totally dead. With no HDMI or Ethernet cable attached, just power cable, it won't power up.

Is it in some weird standby state that can be recovered or am I looking at paying for it to be repaired. Annoying as - of course - there is a Netflix DVD stuck inside the player ;-)

I ran into the Samsung rep once at one of the local box stores. At the time I was considering what TV/BluRay combo to purchase and he was very knowledgeable and helpful. It's too bad their customer support is so poor. I can't believe they didn't even respond to my written letter.

I like the 46" LCD TV I bought at the same time but given my experiences with their support on the BluRay I'm seriously on-the-fence about whether I'd buy another of their products again.

Yep, Samsung = piece of crap for Blu-Rays...I started a thread just the other day on that here (I've had it with Sammy). Bad players, great TV's. I changed mine to a Pioneer 320 and looove it !!!

brett_day · 08-22-2009, 05:21 AM

it does not surprise me one little bit. i will never buy samsung again after they screwed me on my old sammy tv, it was 8 months old and they refused to service it after the panel went out....sorry about your bad luck, everyone should just stay clear of sammy though

Bishop_99 · 08-22-2009, 05:26 AM

Maybe the problem comes in with the earlier model but my Samsung BD-P1600 works perfectly and I've never had a problem with it. Maybe those issues were corrected in the newer models. I'm extremely happy with my Samsung Blu-ray player.

gates70 · 08-22-2009, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bishop_99

I'm extremely happy with my Samsung Blu-ray player.

One of the few as far as I can read on boards everywhere.

HomeTheaterVirgin · 08-22-2009, 05:34 AM

Dont know about there blu ray players
but love the TVs

gates70 · 08-22-2009, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomeTheaterVirgin

Dont know about there blu ray players
but love the TVs

Agree ! I have the 850 and it's outstanding.

HomeTheaterVirgin · 08-22-2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gates70

Agree ! I have the 850 and it's outstanding.

I have the 650 and love it

crazybrit · 08-22-2009, 05:40 AM

All products have issues. My experience has been, upto now, that the company (maybe after a little pushing) usually steps forward and tries to make it "right".

That's whats so amazing in this case. It's hard to find good post sales support but I'm not sure I can recall a company where it's this bad.

Usually when you take the time to put "pen to paper" you get some kind of reply, even if it's not to your satisfaction. No reply at all is a new one.

Assuming it's dead (with no cables other than power attached, it should power on via the front button, right?) and it being out of the 90 day labor warranty I doubt it'll be fixable for less than $150. If that's the case I'll get an upscaling DVD player and a Roku/similar for the Netflix and reluctantly bid farewell to Samsung.

Yeah the TV is great (though had to be fixed after the bezel started developing weird air bubbles in the sealant) .... BluRay player so no great.

gates70 · 08-22-2009, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazybrit

All products have issues. My experience has been, upto now, that the company (maybe after a little pushing) usually steps forward and tries to make it "right".

That's whats so amazing in this case. It's hard to find good post sales support but I'm not sure I can recall a company where it's this bad.

Usually when you take the time to put "pen to paper" you get some kind of reply, even if it's not to your satisfaction. No reply at all is a new one.

Assuming it's dead (with no cables other than power attached, it should power on via the front button, right?) and it being out of the 90 day labor warranty I doubt it'll be fixable for less than $150. If that's the case I'll get an upscaling DVD player and a Roku/similar for the Netflix and reluctantly bid farewell to Samsung.

Yeah the TV is great .... BluRay so no great.

I've never had a single issue past or present with Pioneer and service, or the quality of their stuff for that matter.

bmwone · 08-22-2009, 11:15 AM

Like someone else pointed out here. The newer models are working much better. I own a 3600 and it has been operating perfectly. I tried all my 40 Blu's and none of them froze. (older & 2009 releases)

sapiendut · 08-22-2009, 11:22 AM

Samsung, in general, is crap.

I had 3 cellphones by Samsung all of them died within 3 months.
I had an HDTV by Samsung which they replaced 5 times in 2 years due to various problems which none of them can be fixed.
I had 2 BD players (BDP-1000 and 1200) which laser head needed replacement after about 6 months of usage.

However, I still own a great Samsung microwave oven that's been running just like the first day I purchased it 6 years ago.

Their customer service? don't ask... they're really bad. The lack of their product knowledge is astounding.

djc11369 · 08-22-2009, 12:05 PM

My experience with a Samsung Blu-ray player and their lack of support has crossed them off my list. I'll never buy another Samsung product. I read some where, I think in one of these threads, that someone spoke to a rep who said Samsung didn't care about Blu-ray because they believe the format wouldn't last long due to streaming/downloading taking over. If that's the case and they can't or don't want to support what they sell then don't sell it. Just spent 2K on a new washer/dryer...wasn't Samsung.

Monkey_Boy · 08-22-2009, 01:49 PM

When I first got "The Spirit" my player had trouble loading the disc and wouldn't play the movie. Upset by this, I exchanged the player for another and had the same issue. I also had audio problems and getting the Maximum Movie Mode to work on "Watchmen". However, I ended up keeping the player because of how well it works with my television and receiver (sometimes too well since I have to fight my player in order to play my PS3 as the receiver automatically switches to the player and turns it on when the television is turned on). Not only that, but the player gives me a better picture than my PS3 does.

Oh, and it plays "The Spirit" now. So given time, it will get the updates to play what it needs to, so I don't have any really big issues with it.

shooter3295 · 08-23-2009, 02:57 AM

I've owned a 2500 since January of this year,.... and it has never missed a beat. It plays everything thrown at it,... and does a fine job. Considering how many of these things are made world wide,... and how the specs change overnight in some cases,.... I would be surprised if there weren't a few bricks in the lot.

Blu-Benny · 08-23-2009, 03:04 AM

i dupmed my samsung 1400 blu-ray player about 2 months ago and picked up a ps3.

best thing i ever did!!!

i still like their tv's but when i get my ht done, i'm 100% sure my tv won't be a samsung.

sfmarine · 08-23-2009, 03:18 AM

A lot of hate over Samsung...I've got a TV...so far so good. I was looking into a Samsung blu-ray player but looks like I'll stay clear away from it. Now with the PS3 slim coming out, I'll probably just get that.

rowuncw · 08-25-2009, 07:29 PM

I have the 3600 and besides a false start with my first unit (it bricked when I tried to update the f/w, but was quickly swapped out at BB), it's been a great player.

moviefan · 08-25-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gates70

One of the few as far as I can read on boards everywhere.

Ditto!
Worst customer service I have ever experienced!

You will be much happier with Sony, Panasonic or the new OPPO

HDPlasma · 08-25-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moviefan

Ditto!
Worst customer service I have ever experienced!

You will be much happier with Sony, Panasonic or the new OPPO

I agree.
A lot of people paid good money for their Samsung blu-ray players and when they have issues and call Tech Support, all they can say is send it back and we'll check it out. If NPF, they charge you a service fee + shipping.
And when they do admit there is a disc playback issue, all they can say is they are working on a solution.

I have yet to be able to play X2 on my BD-P1200 with their latest FW and I'm still waiting...
I also had to wait 3 months to be able to play POTC3 after it came out.
Let's not forget the F4 issues that took a couple months to resolve.

08-22-2009, 04:42 AM	#1
crazybrit Junior Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Portland, OR	Samsung BluRay player - poor product, even worse customer support I've owned my Samsung BDP2500 since December. I've no idea if anyone from Samsung reads these forums. I kinda doubt it. From the getgo it's the noisiest piece of consumer electronics I've ever owned. The fan/hum noise was so distracting (I've found other similar complaints online, no clue if some people are just more sensitive to it or if they have QC issues). Took it back to store within first 2 days, exchanged it, replacement was exactly the same plus it wasn't square, would rock 1/32" corner to corner when placed on glass shelf. Third replacement verified by store staff as having same issue. Got my original player back and had to deal with it's noisiness. I should have returned it and got my money back but I liked the Netflix streaming. My mistake. I contacted Samsung via the e-mail on their website asking if it was normal for the background hum to be so intrusive and if they had any suggestions. They told me to call them which I did. The person I spoke to had no clue about the BluRay product and said there was no second tier support. All they would say is that I could UPS it back for service but if it was deemed normal I'd be charged for the diagnosis. It would crash at least once a week (running latest firmware) - usually steaming Netflix - requiring a power cycle. I finally got so cheesed off with it I decided to get service only to find out that the labor warranty is only 90 days. I contacted them by phone and they said they had no record of our previous correspondence and even if they had, having a documented problem prior to the warranty expiring doesn't make any difference. I took the time to write them a letter explaining the above and asking for some guidance on the background noise issue. It's been 2 months and I've received absolutely no reply. This week the player has started being really weird. The display would lock up (showing it was in pause mode, time counter stopped), BluRay remote doesn't work for any BluRay player functions (but still controls TV) but the TV remote control via the Anynet function could still control the BluRay player, skip chapters etc while the display was locked up. If I cycled power to the BluRay player the LN46A630 TV couldn't connect to the BluRay. Refreshing the HDMI sources it would find the player but still could not connect. Sometimes if I removed the HDMI cable and reconnected it would work but now it seems totally dead. With no HDMI or Ethernet cable attached, just power cable, it won't power up. Is it in some weird standby state that can be recovered or am I looking at paying for it to be repaired. Annoying as - of course - there is a Netflix DVD stuck inside the player ;-) I ran into the Samsung rep once at one of the local box stores. At the time I was considering what TV/BluRay combo to purchase and he was very knowledgeable and helpful. It's too bad their customer support is so poor. I can't believe they didn't even respond to my written letter. I like the 46" LCD TV I bought at the same time but given my experiences with their support on the BluRay I'm seriously on-the-fence about whether I'd buy another of their products again. Last edited by crazybrit; 08-22-2009 at 05:03 AM.

08-22-2009, 05:40 AM	#9
crazybrit Junior Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Portland, OR	All products have issues. My experience has been, upto now, that the company (maybe after a little pushing) usually steps forward and tries to make it "right". That's whats so amazing in this case. It's hard to find good post sales support but I'm not sure I can recall a company where it's this bad. Usually when you take the time to put "pen to paper" you get some kind of reply, even if it's not to your satisfaction. No reply at all is a new one. Assuming it's dead (with no cables other than power attached, it should power on via the front button, right?) and it being out of the 90 day labor warranty I doubt it'll be fixable for less than $150. If that's the case I'll get an upscaling DVD player and a Roku/similar for the Netflix and reluctantly bid farewell to Samsung. Yeah the TV is great (though had to be fixed after the bezel started developing weird air bubbles in the sealant) .... BluRay player so no great. Last edited by crazybrit; 08-22-2009 at 05:43 AM.

08-22-2009, 01:49 PM	#14
Monkey_Boy Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Kansas City, Mo. Home Theater Gallery:135 4K collection:275 Blu-ray collection:886 DVD collection:531 Trading Score:1	I Agree, To An Extent... When I first got "The Spirit" my player had trouble loading the disc and wouldn't play the movie. Upset by this, I exchanged the player for another and had the same issue. I also had audio problems and getting the Maximum Movie Mode to work on "Watchmen". However, I ended up keeping the player because of how well it works with my television and receiver (sometimes too well since I have to fight my player in order to play my PS3 as the receiver automatically switches to the player and turns it on when the television is turned on). Not only that, but the player gives me a better picture than my PS3 does. Oh, and it plays "The Spirit" now. So given time, it will get the updates to play what it needs to, so I don't have any really big issues with it.

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08-22-2009, 05:21 AM	#3
brett_day Blu-ray Guru Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Moore, Oklahoma Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray collection:45 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	it does not surprise me one little bit. i will never buy samsung again after they screwed me on my old sammy tv, it was 8 months old and they refused to service it after the panel went out....sorry about your bad luck, everyone should just stay clear of sammy though

08-22-2009, 05:26 AM	#4
Bishop_99 Blu-ray Guru Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Hialeah, Fl 4K collection:248 Blu-ray collection:580 DVD collection:28 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:18	Maybe the problem comes in with the earlier model but my Samsung BD-P1600 works perfectly and I've never had a problem with it. Maybe those issues were corrected in the newer models. I'm extremely happy with my Samsung Blu-ray player.

08-22-2009, 05:34 AM	#6
HomeTheaterVirgin Banned Member since:Jun 2009 Home Theater Gallery:7	Dont know about there blu ray players but love the TVs

08-22-2009, 11:15 AM	#11
bmwone Active Member Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Toronto Canada Home Theater Gallery:35 Blu-ray collection:191 Blu-ray reviews:5 Trading Score:4	Like someone else pointed out here. The newer models are working much better. I own a 3600 and it has been operating perfectly. I tried all my 40 Blu's and none of them froze. (older & 2009 releases)

08-22-2009, 11:22 AM	#12
sapiendut Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2009 Location:Canada 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:3	Samsung, in general, is crap. I had 3 cellphones by Samsung all of them died within 3 months. I had an HDTV by Samsung which they replaced 5 times in 2 years due to various problems which none of them can be fixed. I had 2 BD players (BDP-1000 and 1200) which laser head needed replacement after about 6 months of usage. However, I still own a great Samsung microwave oven that's been running just like the first day I purchased it 6 years ago. Their customer service? don't ask... they're really bad. The lack of their product knowledge is astounding.

08-22-2009, 12:05 PM	#13
djc11369 Active Member Member since:Apr 2009 Location:NY	My experience with a Samsung Blu-ray player and their lack of support has crossed them off my list. I'll never buy another Samsung product. I read some where, I think in one of these threads, that someone spoke to a rep who said Samsung didn't care about Blu-ray because they believe the format wouldn't last long due to streaming/downloading taking over. If that's the case and they can't or don't want to support what they sell then don't sell it. Just spent 2K on a new washer/dryer...wasn't Samsung.

08-23-2009, 02:57 AM	#15
shooter3295 Active Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Northern Wisconsin	I've owned a 2500 since January of this year,.... and it has never missed a beat. It plays everything thrown at it,... and does a fine job. Considering how many of these things are made world wide,... and how the specs change overnight in some cases,.... I would be surprised if there weren't a few bricks in the lot.

08-23-2009, 03:04 AM	#16
Blu-Benny Michael Bay's #1 Fan Top contributor Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Wisconsin Home Theater Gallery:39 Blu-ray collection:552 DVD collection:108 Trading Score:138	i dupmed my samsung 1400 blu-ray player about 2 months ago and picked up a ps3. best thing i ever did!!! i still like their tv's but when i get my ht done, i'm 100% sure my tv won't be a samsung.

08-23-2009, 03:18 AM	#17
sfmarine Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Apr 2008 Location:The Swan Station aDdIcTeD 2 LOST PSN:U5MC51473 Home Theater Gallery:18 4K collection:931 Blu-ray collection:2312 DVD collection:276 MA collection:461 Digital collection:492 iTunes collection:534 Blu-ray reviews: 7 Trading Score:43	A lot of hate over Samsung...I've got a TV...so far so good. I was looking into a Samsung blu-ray player but looks like I'll stay clear away from it. Now with the PS3 slim coming out, I'll probably just get that.

08-25-2009, 07:29 PM	#18
rowuncw Junior Member Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Raleigh, NC Blu-ray collection:13	I have the 3600 and besides a false start with my first unit (it bricked when I tried to update the f/w, but was quickly swapped out at BB), it's been a great player.

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