Sony BDP-350 vs Samsung BD-P1500

[wozman]

I currently own the PS3 60GB model, and it is without a doubt a fabulous Blu-Ray player. (don't get me wrong) Probably one of the best ones on the market.

However I recently upgraded my receiver to a TRUE-HD Receiver. (Yamaha HTR-6160) and when I play movies on the PS3, it does the decoding, and it shows as PCM on my display for the Yamaha receiver. I have seen many posts here about the whole PS3 - PCM and how it sounds just as good. BUT I want my "new" receiver to do the decoding, since I paid for it.....(you know what I mean?)

Planning on getting a new Display in the coming month, (Samsung 52" LNA630???) and probably get another BD player to go with it, so I am also looking at a budget Playa, either the Sony BDP-350 or the Samsung BD-P1500? Does anyone know if these players will allow my Yamaha HTR-6160 to do the decoding for the Blu-Ray Movies, and will show "True-HD" on its display panel?

Does anyone have any positive feedback for either of these models? Don't know which one to go with, I believe Best Buy has the Samsung a tad cheaper then the Sony. Thanks

Any Info greatly appreciated.

[clyon]

set your PS3 it bitstream not PCM. PCM is for a receiver that can not decode the HD audios, yours can.

My 1500 is fine, works sooo much better then my 1200, both players do what you want. Sony has much better CS then samsung.

The sony also has 1 year parts & labor
The samsung is 1 year part 90 days labor

[MacDaddy]

Yes, both the S350 and 1500 bitstream audio so your receiver can do the decoding. I had the 1500 but took it back and picked up the 350 instead (like the overall quality better). Check out players at the top of the page both have plenty of reviews and feedback. Good luck!

[Yeha-Noha]

I have a S350 player connected to my Yamaha RX V663 which is basically the same receiver as your Yamaha HTR-6160. BD movies are displayed in excellent PQ and of course you get lossless audio sound for excellent SQ. When I tried BD live after buying a USB flash drive, I found downloading content was rather slow. However, once it's stored in the BD Data folder, the next time you watch the movie all the BD live content is displayed nearly instantly. So, if you are into BD live, you might want to check out owners comments about BD live for the Sammy 1500 in the Owners sticky thread. Another fine BD player to consider is the Panasonic BD 35. Of these three I would choose either the S350 or the Panny 35. You could even let the price decide by just buying the one that costs less. You can't really go wrong either way.

You won't need to spend a fortune on HDMI cables. Just make sure that you buy HDMI 1.3a cables for these receivers having HDMI 1.3a support. HDMI 1.3a cable has the bandwidth that is required for bitstreaming DTS-HD MA and Doby TrueHD to your recevier. I bought two Mediabridge cables from Amazon.com that work superbly well connecting one from the S350 to the V663 and then other from the V663 to my LCD TV. Both cost only $25 w/shipping.

[wozman]

Thanks guys,

rwogtalewicz - thanks for the explanation of your setup. Very Similar to mine, Yamaha receivers are identical I think. I havent really gotten into the Blu-Ray Live stuff yet, But sure is an option. I am not really a fan of Sony, but when it comes to this player (BDP-350) I think I might have to take a deep hard look at it. I would prefer it over the Sammy P1500, but price might be an issue.

As for your HDMI cable talk, I am all over the latest cables, just placed an order for 3 HDMI cables @ Monoprice for a total cost of $25 sweet!!! Screw the box stores and there $100 price for Monster Cables. These ones from Monoprice are all certified 2 cables, and HDMI-1.3a.

Can't wait to get my new 52" LCD Samsung A630, (1080p-120hz) and get everything hooked up and rolling.

Currently I sit with a setup of 52" DLP Toshiba (720p) and would like to upgrade that to the LCD above, since I am playing Blu-Ray's 1080p is a must.

Thanks again

[jjklongisland]

Ok, originally got the Samsung for Christmas and recently returned it to Costco cause it stopped working. They didnt have any more Samsungs in stock so I got the Sony.

First let me start by saying I wasnt a huge Sony fan, I always think they are overpriced and currently own a Samsung TV so the Samsung Blu Ray remote was compatable. I have had numerous problems with past Samsung Upconvert DVD players in the past but decided to put that in the past and give the Blu ray player a shot. After 3 weeks there was an error where the disc tray would say close even when it was closed and I could hear the disc spinning. Regardless of the problem even if it worked flawlessly I am happier with the Sony for the following reasons:

1. The Sony unit itself is smaller and more compact the Samsung (even though it classes with my all silver components lol)

2. The Sony gets less hotter than the Samsung and unlike the Samsung has a cooling fan

3. THe Sony is a little slower load times but PQ and AQ are almost identical (my wife thinks the Sony is sharper???)

4. The Sony's remote on the BX-1 model (Costco version of the 350 series) actually has a light up feature which is great in dark rooms

5. The menu on the Sony offers more Audio options

6. The best feature is on the SOny if you turn the power off on the player in the middle of a movie, once you turn it back on it will resume from that spot. The Samsung resets itself to main menu and doesnt hold position


So from a non-Sony fan, if you are contemplating between the 2 units, get the Sony, alot better features...

[wozman]

Thanks for the review, I ain't a sony fan either. BUT if this playa is anything like the PS3 (which is awesome) plays just about anything you throw at it. I personally like the Sony BD-350 too. However it does cost a bit more then the Samsung 1500. doesn't it. But you get what you pay for.

[GeneD5]

Originally Posted by clyon

set your PS3 it bitstream not PCM. PCM is for a receiver that can not decode the HD audios, yours can.

Unless I'm missing something the ps3 will not bitstream the new audio codecs

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by clyon

set your PS3 it bitstream not PCM. PCM is for a receiver that can not decode the HD audios, yours can.

PS3 cannot bitstream HD audio only lossy, set your PS3 to Linear for HD audio, bitstream if you want lossy.

[jjklongisland]

Originally Posted by wozman

Thanks for the review, I ain't a sony fan either. BUT if this playa is anything like the PS3 (which is awesome) plays just about anything you throw at it. I personally like the Sony BD-350 too. However it does cost a bit more then the Samsung 1500. doesn't it. But you get what you pay for.

Costco gave me a 249.99 credit from returning the Samsung and I paid 279.99 for the Sony. To me it was worth the diffference. They also had that Panasonic one that was $289.99 with $50 off instant coupon but had none in stock.

[Blu Titan]

I would go with a Sony Brand Blu-ray player over a Samsung anytime. Samsung has provided lousy customer support for its Blu-ray player customers. Sony is always on top of any support issues, and quickly provides the necessary firmware support.