Samsung Fun, or not... - Blu-ray Forum

Glyphen · 05-08-2009, 08:47 PM

So this might be beating a dead horse but I thought some people would find this interesting. In February 2008 I bought a Samsung BD P1400. It never worked correctly. After a few software updates and a few calls to Samsung technical support over next few months the player finally failed totally in August.

Now anyone that owns a Samsung player knows the labor warranty expires after 3 months (parts 1 year). They wouldn't fix it. At the time they informed me I had to personally take it to a local authorized Samsung repair facility. Well, I decided after paying $389.00 on it initially, I wasn't willing to put another $200 into repairs.

Well, In November 2008 the Samsung BD P1500 went on sale at Wal-Mart for $199.00. I decided rather then fork out $200 to fix the 1400, I'd get the slightly better model instead. The 1500 failed on February 23, 2009 (within the Warranty date).

I contacted Samsung they asked me to ship both players to them and said they would work something out with me on the repairs.

What they worked out for me was fixing the 1500 warranty-able one for free and a $85 charge for the 1400. I asked them if they could help me out on the repair bill for the 1400 since, within the year, not only did I buy the two players but a Samsung 52" inch television also. Thats some product loyalty right there :-/

They told me on 3 separate occassions they would call me back on the outcome but each time a couple weeks went by with no call. Finally, I demanded to talk to a supervisor. After a 1 hour hold time, a woman answered my call and agreed to fix the 1400 for $60 flat. I begrudgingly agreed, they took my credit card number....then charged me the full $85 a week later!

At this time, they won't return my calls OR refund me the $25 difference after acknowledging and admitting their misquote documented in their notes (Apparently the repair facility they WERE using had changed as did their repair rate during this time).The players ended up being unrepairable and they sent me (2) 1500's as a replacement. This ordeal took almost 9 months now.

So here I am, with 2 probably refurbished players. One of which I really don't need. $674.00 poorer. And a sour taste in my mouth for Samsung.

With my luck, these new 1500's will fail juuuuuust after the manufacturer's warranty date....*crosses fingers and prays*

langn08 · 05-08-2009, 09:03 PM

Sorry to hear about the poor experience man... Makes me happy to own a PS3

crazyBLUE · 05-08-2009, 09:16 PM

Sorry to hear that after all you went threw you are out that much & don't really know where you stand with the 2 1500's ! Maybe you can sell one to recover some funds & I hope the other works well for you !

tntkain · 05-08-2009, 09:19 PM

thats why I hate Samsung. Poor quality equipment and awful customer service

langn08 · 05-08-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tntkain

thats why I hate Samsung. Poor quality equipment and awful customer service

Thoes be fightin words

Sammy · 05-08-2009, 09:27 PM

I've never had to use their customer service because none of my Samsung products have needed to be repaired... Knock on wood!!!

tntkain · 05-08-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by langn08

Thoes be fightin words

Well I am entitled to my opinion. I went through a similar scenario as the op, with a dvd player. Brand new and dvd's wouldn't work. Went through about 4 different players and Samsung customer service didn't care, they basically told us, oh well, products fail. Will not ever buy another Samsung product.

V180 · 05-08-2009, 09:43 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience, too. I know about having misquotes/refund/customer service issues through other companies I've dealt with because of work, and that sort of stuff takes for ever to sort out! Frustrating!

I've personally had good experience with Samsung, I also have the 1500 - just make sure it's got the most recent firmware update, that seems to have taken care of any issues with mine. I've called their customer service line in Canada and the rep was very knowledgeable and helpful when I was having BD compatibility and menu java script issues. The LCD TV is good, too.

Also, there's a forum online http://forums.cnet.com/5204-13973_10...ml?forumID=146
where actual Samsung techs and service dept. post answers to Samsung questions/complaints. It seems pretty good.

MrMichael · 05-08-2009, 09:46 PM

Yeah that sounds about right for a samsung product.

This is coming from someone who went through 6 light engine replacements on my samsung hlr6168 before the warranty company gave up and bought me out leaving me with a semi watchable tv because samsung kept sending defective light engines and refused to stand behind their product after owning a $3200 tv for only 2 years. Never again will Samsung product enter the house.

crazyBLUE · 05-08-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tntkain

Well I am entitled to my opinion. I went through a similar scenario as the op, with a dvd player. Brand new and dvd's wouldn't work. Went through about 4 different players and Samsung customer service didn't care, they basically told us, oh well, products fail. Will not ever buy another Samsung product.

That's right you are as well as everyone else ! Every co. will have some type of problem with units within the production line ! Every co. will handle those problems in different ways be it good or bad ! That leaves it up to you to decide weather or not you buy there product .
I myself have not had any problems or issues with my samsung products . I have had issues with other co. but I just move on & upgrade !!

SeanMF · 05-08-2009, 11:00 PM

I'm doing quite fine with my samsung tv and blu-ray player.

sokrman14 · 05-08-2009, 11:03 PM

I worked retail for 5 years and saw more Samsung products returned or repaired than any other brand. I think their TV's are nice, but I would never buy an optical disc player from them...Period!!

SeanMF · 05-08-2009, 11:24 PM

I worked best buy warehouse and their wasn't many samsung lcds returned for repair (or sonys for that matter). The toshibas...westinghouse...all the other brands seemed to get frequent share of repairs that they carried. I know the previous samsung blu-ray players have had their share of trouble. I'm hoping with the latest ones like I got they have it figured out. I do have a 4 year warranty on my bd-p4600 though.

P@t_Mtl · 05-08-2009, 11:34 PM

I have a Samsung TV along with the BD-1500. Have them now for a year and no issue with both of them. A friend of mine did have the 1400 and he had tons of problems with it. He just gave up recently and bought the Sony 550 and he love's it. I must admit it's doing a good job, way better then my 1500 but I got no plan to change right now.

Another point to remember, in every production line you might end up with a few lemons. Some people also seem to attract lemons.

Also some people are just plain careless with their electronic. I know someone who as had problems with every type of TV's in the last 6 years. I think he's went from a LG to a Panny to a Sony to a Toshiba. Everyone of them broke down or were not working or had some issue. I bought a total of 3 TV in the last 20 years.

itdude59 · 05-09-2009, 12:41 AM

I have a Samsung bd-p 1400 for past 18 months or so. Just keep up up withthe firmware upgrades.....and thank god you have a unit that can handle fiw upgrades. The new sammy's have a wi-fi dongle that almost automates the upgrades

Constitution 101 · 05-09-2009, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I have a Samsung TV along with the BD-1500. Have them now for a year and no issue with both of them. A friend of mine did have the 1400 and he had tons of problems with it. He just gave up recently and bought the Sony 550 and he love's it. I must admit it's doing a good job, way better then my 1500 but I got no plan to change right now.

Another point to remember, in every production line you might end up with a few lemons. Some people also seem to attract lemons.

Also some people are just plain careless with their electronic. I know someone who as had problems with every type of TV's in the last 6 years. I think he's went from a LG to a Panny to a Sony to a Toshiba. Everyone of them broke down or were not working or had some issue. I bought a total of 3 TV in the last 20 years.

Ditto that. Had my BD-P2550 since Oct '08 and no problems to speak of even w/ firmware updates(knock on wood). I will say the load times could be better though...

Glyphen · 05-09-2009, 07:08 AM

Oh thanks for the support guys. Kinda posted this as FYI for anyone else interested in Samsung products. My 52" Samsung LCD has always worked flawlessly as do my current 1500's..for now. They told me if any of these 2 new players fail then I'll have a stronger leg to stand on. The rep implied I could get a better model apparently.

Also, with the 1400 I had issues with from the start. When I called their tech support they told me to wait for the next better update and DL it. Which I did every time a new one came out. It kinda felt like I was strung along with updates till past my warranty date.

I'm sure their higher end models are just that...higher quality, parts, and craftsmanship. I just kick myself with the money I invested in these 2 players plus their repairs I could have had something a little higher end

ryoohki · 05-09-2009, 02:23 PM

LOL i had the exact same thing happened with my Sony Receiver so i guess so is just as Lame... I'am sorry but their's horror stories in every single company on the planet. Oh and btw my 1800$ Denon Receiver stopped working after 2 hours of use. Of course the store exchanged it because it was 2 hours old and it's been working perfectly fine since 1 years + but never the less..

mnfish · 05-09-2009, 02:42 PM

I have a bd 1200 that I'm selling now cuz I heard they aren't doing anymore upgrades on them and I don't want to get stuck with a dinosaur. Even though it's only 2 years old.

Sammy · 05-09-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnfish

I have a bd 1200 that I'm selling now cuz I heard they aren't doing anymore upgrades on them and I don't want to get stuck with a dinosaur. Even though it's only 2 years old.

18 months is about the limit on electronic life-span these days, but I like to keep my stuff for at least 4, maybe 5, years.

05-08-2009, 08:47 PM	#1
Glyphen Junior Member Member since:Oct 2008	Samsung Fun, or not... So this might be beating a dead horse but I thought some people would find this interesting. In February 2008 I bought a Samsung BD P1400. It never worked correctly. After a few software updates and a few calls to Samsung technical support over next few months the player finally failed totally in August. Now anyone that owns a Samsung player knows the labor warranty expires after 3 months (parts 1 year). They wouldn't fix it. At the time they informed me I had to personally take it to a local authorized Samsung repair facility. Well, I decided after paying $389.00 on it initially, I wasn't willing to put another $200 into repairs. Well, In November 2008 the Samsung BD P1500 went on sale at Wal-Mart for $199.00. I decided rather then fork out $200 to fix the 1400, I'd get the slightly better model instead. The 1500 failed on February 23, 2009 (within the Warranty date). I contacted Samsung they asked me to ship both players to them and said they would work something out with me on the repairs. What they worked out for me was fixing the 1500 warranty-able one for free and a $85 charge for the 1400. I asked them if they could help me out on the repair bill for the 1400 since, within the year, not only did I buy the two players but a Samsung 52" inch television also. Thats some product loyalty right there :-/ They told me on 3 separate occassions they would call me back on the outcome but each time a couple weeks went by with no call. Finally, I demanded to talk to a supervisor. After a 1 hour hold time, a woman answered my call and agreed to fix the 1400 for $60 flat. I begrudgingly agreed, they took my credit card number....then charged me the full $85 a week later! At this time, they won't return my calls OR refund me the $25 difference after acknowledging and admitting their misquote documented in their notes (Apparently the repair facility they WERE using had changed as did their repair rate during this time).The players ended up being unrepairable and they sent me (2) 1500's as a replacement. This ordeal took almost 9 months now. So here I am, with 2 probably refurbished players. One of which I really don't need. $674.00 poorer. And a sour taste in my mouth for Samsung. With my luck, these new 1500's will fail juuuuuust after the manufacturer's warranty date....crosses fingers and prays

05-09-2009, 12:41 AM	#15
itdude59 New Member Member since:May 2009	FW upgrades I have a Samsung bd-p 1400 for past 18 months or so. Just keep up up withthe firmware upgrades.....and thank god you have a unit that can handle fiw upgrades. The new sammy's have a wi-fi dongle that almost automates the upgrades

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
About to have some fun	Home Theater General Discussion	OZZZZZ	25	08-26-2008 12:13 PM
This is fun!	General Chat	Steverhcp02	2	12-24-2007 04:57 AM
Just for fun and laughs!!!	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	theaznidiot	2	10-30-2007 03:17 AM
samsung player fun	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	theknub	3	08-13-2006 04:06 AM

05-08-2009, 09:03 PM	#2
langn08 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Fox Cities WI Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:373 Trading Score:6	Sorry to hear about the poor experience man... Makes me happy to own a PS3

05-08-2009, 09:16 PM	#3
crazyBLUE Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Pacific Northwest Home Theater Gallery:89 Blu-ray collection:479 DVD collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 38 Trading Score:30	Sorry to hear that after all you went threw you are out that much & don't really know where you stand with the 2 1500's ! Maybe you can sell one to recover some funds & I hope the other works well for you !

05-08-2009, 09:19 PM	#4
tntkain Senior Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:103 Blu-ray reviews: 2	thats why I hate Samsung. Poor quality equipment and awful customer service

05-08-2009, 09:27 PM	#6
Sammy Power Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Right next to Wineville, CA Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:199 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:3	I've never had to use their customer service because none of my Samsung products have needed to be repaired... Knock on wood!!!

05-08-2009, 09:43 PM	#8
V180 Member Top contributor Member since:Feb 2009 Location:Vancouver, British Columbia 4K collection:4 Blu-ray collection:1078 DVD collection:43 Blu-ray reviews:6	I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience, too. I know about having misquotes/refund/customer service issues through other companies I've dealt with because of work, and that sort of stuff takes for ever to sort out! Frustrating! I've personally had good experience with Samsung, I also have the 1500 - just make sure it's got the most recent firmware update, that seems to have taken care of any issues with mine. I've called their customer service line in Canada and the rep was very knowledgeable and helpful when I was having BD compatibility and menu java script issues. The LCD TV is good, too. Also, there's a forum online http://forums.cnet.com/5204-13973_10...ml?forumID=146 where actual Samsung techs and service dept. post answers to Samsung questions/complaints. It seems pretty good.

05-08-2009, 09:46 PM	#9
MrMichael Junior Member Member since:May 2009	Yeah that sounds about right for a samsung product. This is coming from someone who went through 6 light engine replacements on my samsung hlr6168 before the warranty company gave up and bought me out leaving me with a semi watchable tv because samsung kept sending defective light engines and refused to stand behind their product after owning a $3200 tv for only 2 years. Never again will Samsung product enter the house.

05-08-2009, 11:00 PM	#11
SeanMF Blu-ray Baron Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Apr 2007 Location:Iowa Home Theater Gallery:70 Blu-ray collection:1428 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:83	I'm doing quite fine with my samsung tv and blu-ray player.

05-08-2009, 11:03 PM	#12
sokrman14 Special Member Member since:Mar 2006 Location:Omaha, NE Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:32 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	I worked retail for 5 years and saw more Samsung products returned or repaired than any other brand. I think their TV's are nice, but I would never buy an optical disc player from them...Period!!

05-08-2009, 11:24 PM	#13
SeanMF Blu-ray Baron Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Apr 2007 Location:Iowa Home Theater Gallery:70 Blu-ray collection:1428 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:83	I worked best buy warehouse and their wasn't many samsung lcds returned for repair (or sonys for that matter). The toshibas...westinghouse...all the other brands seemed to get frequent share of repairs that they carried. I know the previous samsung blu-ray players have had their share of trouble. I'm hoping with the latest ones like I got they have it figured out. I do have a 4 year warranty on my bd-p4600 though.

05-08-2009, 11:34 PM	#14
P@t_Mtl Blu-ray Duke Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Montreal Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:452 DVD collection:513 Trading Score:3	I have a Samsung TV along with the BD-1500. Have them now for a year and no issue with both of them. A friend of mine did have the 1400 and he had tons of problems with it. He just gave up recently and bought the Sony 550 and he love's it. I must admit it's doing a good job, way better then my 1500 but I got no plan to change right now. Another point to remember, in every production line you might end up with a few lemons. Some people also seem to attract lemons. Also some people are just plain careless with their electronic. I know someone who as had problems with every type of TV's in the last 6 years. I think he's went from a LG to a Panny to a Sony to a Toshiba. Everyone of them broke down or were not working or had some issue. I bought a total of 3 TV in the last 20 years.

05-09-2009, 07:08 AM	#17
Glyphen Junior Member Member since:Oct 2008	Oh thanks for the support guys. Kinda posted this as FYI for anyone else interested in Samsung products. My 52" Samsung LCD has always worked flawlessly as do my current 1500's..for now. They told me if any of these 2 new players fail then I'll have a stronger leg to stand on. The rep implied I could get a better model apparently. Also, with the 1400 I had issues with from the start. When I called their tech support they told me to wait for the next better update and DL it. Which I did every time a new one came out. It kinda felt like I was strung along with updates till past my warranty date. I'm sure their higher end models are just that...higher quality, parts, and craftsmanship. I just kick myself with the money I invested in these 2 players plus their repairs I could have had something a little higher end

05-09-2009, 02:23 PM	#18
ryoohki Blu-ray Samurai Member since:May 2007 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:6 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:5	LOL i had the exact same thing happened with my Sony Receiver so i guess so is just as Lame... I'am sorry but their's horror stories in every single company on the planet. Oh and btw my 1800$ Denon Receiver stopped working after 2 hours of use. Of course the store exchanged it because it was 2 hours old and it's been working perfectly fine since 1 years + but never the less..

05-09-2009, 02:42 PM	#19
mnfish Active Member Member since:Dec 2008 Blu-ray collection:242 Trading Score:7	I have a bd 1200 that I'm selling now cuz I heard they aren't doing anymore upgrades on them and I don't want to get stuck with a dinosaur. Even though it's only 2 years old.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals