Samsung BDP-2500 Netflix Streaming over Wireless

[sunguy527]

I now have my Samsung BDP-2500 streaming Neflix and it ROCKS! The firmware update on the 2500 was a serious pain.

I started the f/w load FROM a CDROM that SHIPPED with the system and per the instructions it said that it would take up to about 30 minutes and then the system would power itself off. That never happened. After several hours I still had the screen telling me not to power off the system that the update was in progress. I finally had to pull the plug on the system and it came back up on the old f/w. I tried it again..... same thing..... and again..... same thing......

I finally gave up on the CDROM load. My objective was to now get this thing on the internet. I had two options:

1. Try out the Linksys WET54G wireless bridge
2. Run 150ft of CAT6 though my walls

I went with the wireless option first. I bought the Linksys WET54G Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge from Amazon for around $70 USD + free shipping!! It took about an hour to get it setup right but once I did I carried it upstairs to where my TV and BDP-2500 are, powered the bridge on, connected the Ethernet cable to the 2500 and powered the 2500 on.

As soon as it booted up it prompted me that a f/w update was available...I was online!! I started the f/w download and it took about 10-15mins. It then gave me the all to familiar screen that the firmware update was in progress and not to power off.

One complaint is that there is NO PROGRESS BAR! So, you have no idea if it is doing anything or not. After about 2 hours I decided to pull the plug again. It appeared I was hitting the same scenario again. When it powered back on it prompted me to update the f/w again.

I played this game several times before it finally seemed to work. I actually kicked it off and went to bed so I have no idea how long it actually took. When I walked in after a few hours rest the 2500 was powered down. I powered it on and after loading the initial Samsung splash screen it came to another Samsung splash that had a Netflix box at the bottom of the screen with a red A button next to it.

I pressed the red A on the 2500 remote and my Netflix "instant" queue popped right up!!!

It takes less that 3 mins for me to start a movie and the quality is AMAZING!

I was worried about the performance of streaming over the Linksys WET54G Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge but I am sold! It works without any problems. I have not had a single problem (yet).