Firmware Questions, 5.1 ---> 7.1?

[JJJ225]

Can someone give a brief description of firmware to someone who is technologically retarded (me)?

Further, if the player I am getting has an ethernet connector, do I just connect it to the internet and it does it automatically?

Also, the player I think I'm getting (Samsung Model BDP 1500) has 5.1 sound. Will the firmware update make it 7.1?

[fsavoie]

The firmware is a main software modification... so even if your processor could be upgrade from 5.1 to 7.1, it cant add 2 new hardware output for your speakers. (7.1 means 7 speakers with one subwoofer... 5.1 means 5 speakers with one subwoofers...)

Hope this help!

[JJJ225]

So I will not be able to ever have a 7.1 set-up with a Samsung BDP 1500?

[fsavoie]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

So I will not be able to ever have a 7.1 set-up with a Samsung BDP 1500?

Sorry I missed your point completly, I tough you were speaking about a home theater...

On a blu-ray player, yes they can add new codec with a firmware update (they did it with the ps3) but even without that here what I've found for your player

Product description
Samsung BDP-1500 BD-Live Ready Blu-ray Disc Player
Features

BD-Live Ready Blu-ray player with upconversion: BD-Live Ready denotes that, through an Ethernet Internet connection, you will be able to download the necessary software to make the BDP-1500 BD-Live. BD-Live is the newest Blu-ray technology that, with a BD-Live encoded disc and an Ethernet connection, allows you to unlock special features such as updatable previews, behind-the-scenes features, online multi-player games, and even ringtones for your cell phone. You'll also be able to enjoy the rich clarity of Blu-ray Disc technology with the BDP-1500. The player also takes your standard DVDs to a higher level, upconverting them to increase their resolution to 1080p, which is near high definition.

Advanced sound: DTS-HD Master Audio is the benchmark in 7.1 sound decoding: with the least amount of data compression, each sound channel is relayed to its own speaker in a 7.1 home theater system. Other 7.1 decodings include Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital TrueHD, and DTS-HD. If you have a 5.1 home theater system, you can use the player’s downmixing feature, which converts 7.1 down to 5.1.

Connectivity: HDMI lets you connect to either a home theater system or HDTV with only one cable. You'll also find an Ethernet connection as well as TOSLink, digital coaxial and multi-channel RCA outputs.

And off topic, you should really get a PS3, its the best futureproof hardware

[JJJ225]

Originally Posted by fsavoie

And off topic, you should really get a PS3, its the best futureproof hardware

Well I'm essentially getting this for free, so I will choose the Samsung Model BDP 1500 over the $400 PS3.

[HOME THEATRE ADDICT!]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Well I'm essentially getting this for free, so I will choose the Samsung Model BDP 1500 over the $400 PS3.

And worth every penny!

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Well I'm essentially getting this for free, so I will choose the Samsung Model BDP 1500 over the $400 PS3.

Originally Posted by HOME THEATRE ADDICT!

And worth every penny!

Actually, worth FAR MORE than every penny.

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Can someone give a brief description of firmware to someone who is technologically retarded (me)?

Answered in this thread.

Further, if the player I am getting has an ethernet connector, do I just connect it to the internet and it does it automatically?

If you have a router, yes. If not, no dice as the player does not login to your internet account for you.

Also, the player I think I'm getting (Samsung Model BDP 1500) has 5.1 sound. Will the firmware update make it 7.1?

The BDP 1500 achieves 5.1 only through optical and HDMI connection. It only has 2-channel analog out. Through optical, you can get DD Ex and DTS ES (if the movie has it) in 6.1. Through HDMI, 6.1 for DD Ex and DTS ES (either decoded or passthrough) and 5.1-7.1 for Dolby TrueHD; for DTS HDMA, you need to pass the bitstream signal to a compatible receiver to decode the 5.1-7.1 audio.

The key is your receiver needs to be one with Dolby TrueHD and DTS HDMA decoding at 7.1 for you to get 7.1 audio.


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