21 replies to this topic

[09RKC]

That's what I thought. Ah well   .

First things first though. I've got Vertatim BD-REs on order but wanting to test this new drive, I stopped and picked up a Sony disk at Best Buy tonight. I burned the Sony BD-R and put it in the Samsung BR player I've got. No go, wouldn't read the disk.
Disappointing but not completely unexpected (I'm not that lucky to get away with no problems at all   ). I'll try the Vertatims when they get here, hope they work.

I burned file to disk, not iso to disk. Don't know if that makes any difference or not. I did make the image file though while burning. Dag-gum Samsung... I'm getting more sorry I've got so much of their stuff as months roll on.

Tkx!
Doug

[Jim_Hardin]

What does ”burned file to disk” actually mean??? (FYI – optical media are discs not disks)

Did you try playing the BD-R on your PC with CinePlayer?

[09RKC]

Hey Jim, tkx for your interest.

Yes, the disc plays very well using CinePlayer (& plugin). My first thought is to try the DVD in another BR player. I'll have to hunt down a friend who has one though. I'm glad I ordered RE discs. My equipment (if you're interested):

Cmptr:
XPS710
XP Pro (sp3)
Intel® Core™2 Quad CPU @ 2.66GHz
2.66 GHZ 2.00gb RAM
(2) NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GX2 Video Cards

Burner:
-LG - 8x Internal Blu-ray Disc/Double-Layer DVD?RW/CD-RW Drive
-Multiformat Support: BD-R/RE, BD-ROM, DVD+R/R DL/RW, DVD-R/R DL/RW, DVD-RAM and CD-R/RW media.
-Blu-ray Disc media: Offers both 25GB and 50GB BD-R (write once) and BD-RE (rewritable) discs (not included) that allow you to store up to 4 hours of 1080 high-definition video.

Camcorder:
Sony HDR-XR200 Handycam
AVCHD - Full HD 1080
1920x1080 HD Recording

Player:
Samsung BD-P1000

The owner's manual says nothing of "This disc cannot be played". A commercial disc and the disc I burned play in CinePlayer. The commercial plays in the BD-P1000. The disc I burned... "This disc cannot be played".

Who knows Jim, maybe the Vertatim will work. I had a friend who said as soon as he started using Panasonic discs, all problems solved.

Tkx again!
Doug

Edited by 09RKC, 04 October 2009 - 08:47 PM.

[Jim_Hardin]

Yes thanks for the info – really surprised to see you have it on XP! Of course XP does not support Blu-ray at all, so you must have the plug-in provided with your Burner.

You still did not answer my question as to how you burned it???

Where I am going with that it is this: If you create a Folder set in MyDVD then use one of the Data programs in the Suite – it will never work!!!

Video discs are “Authored” into a specific format. You cannot simply slap files onto a disc.

CinePlayer is pretty smart and very flexible, whereas a DVD Player is not!

At least with the RE you can erase and reuse them

[firenhancer]

Who knows Jim, maybe the Vertatim will work. I had a friend who said as soon as he started using Panasonic discs, all problems solved.

Most of the people I know including myself have had great success with Verbatim. I concur with your feeling

[09RKC]

>>You still did not answer my question as to how you burned it???<<

...because I'm not sure of the right termonology   . I created the .dsmd complete with menus/sub-menus awhile back & saved it to a sub-folder. All .mpg, dat, mp3 and dsmd file are in that folder.

Opening MyDVD I "Open existing project" (that .dsmd), and Change Project Type to Blue Ray. I hope it's in the various options that follow is where 'the problem' is (usually between keyboard and user). I ensure Project Settings are 16:9. Default is NTSC (whatever that is).

Constrain Button Aspect Ratio, Pre-render menus in preview and Acoustic alter after burning are checked (default). I change from 'Fit to Disk' to 'HQ". Video format default is AVC. I don't change that (because I don't know what AVC and MPEG-2 are).

Upper-left says Project Type Blue-ray Authoring

The Verbatim 25g BD-RE discs came in and I'm trying again. I don't know why but this time I chose 'Two Pass Encoding...' (excited about quality I guess), so this will take awhile. All the same, I have to leave for awhile   .

I'm saying a little prayer...
Doug

[Jim_Hardin]

That is the way to do it!

Actually all BD projects are Widescreen but it apples ONLY to the menus. The content will be what it is to begin with.

For the 2 pass encoding to be effective (noticeable) you have to have some really high quality source to start with. Can’t render up!

Something else you may want to try. Burn to an ISO file then use Burn Disc Image or Creator Classic to burn the BD. (try that with your RE’s to see how it works out)

[09RKC]

Tkx Jim

Do the AVC / MPEG-2 options mean anything to me?

The current burn's still churing away so I have no results yet. If this doesn't work I'll try the .iso burn. And if THAT doesn't work I'll give the discs to someone who has another BR player (non-Samsung) and see what happens. If I had easy access to another player I'd have done that already.

I was in COSTCO today and noticed a Samsung BD-P1590 for about 50% of what I paid for their previous model. I knew I should've waited 2yr ago when I bought the P1000.

I'll keep you posted
Doug

[09RKC]

The Verbatim won't play either, same msg... "This disc cannot be played". I'll look for someone with another player. Don't want to assume it's the Samsung and chase out to buy a new player (yet). I just wish there was some sort of clue in the OM. There's no trouble-shoot info whatsoever. Frustrating!

Doug

[Jim_Hardin]

The Verbatim won't play either, same msg... "This disc cannot be played". I'll look for someone with another player. Don't want to assume it's the Samsung and chase out to buy a new player (yet). I just wish there was some sort of clue in the OM. There's no trouble-shoot info whatsoever. Frustrating!

Doug

NUTS!

Take the 2 discs to an electronics store and tell them you are looking for a BD player that can play these discs. They should be anxious to show you one  

You can decide if you want to buy a new one or put it off an go shopping…

[cdanteek]

From the Home screen, up top,  tools, Get Disc Information, what does it say about drive and the disc?

cd

[09RKC]

CD

Do you mean on the Samsung? There's no such animal, no Tools / Get Disc Info anywhere in the menu setup, anywhere.

I think problem solved though (sort of). I took both discs to Best Buy, putting both in a display Sony. Not only did they load and play but (looong low whistle!), what a picture! Between my drive and Roxio... wow!

A salesman told me I needed to update the firmware on the BD-P1000. I had no idea. We looked up a pic of the back of the drive and sure 'nuf, there's an ethernet plug-in. Excited, I came home ready to go. No plug-in on mine. And that would explain why there's no mention of this in the OM.

I was fool enough to listen to my daughter's boyfriend (2yr ago) and spend probably $1k on this thing being one of the first ones out. Today I can get two of that Sony player that worked for 50% of the Samsung new back then.

Though this particular Sony (sorry, no model # for you) does have the ethernet plug for firmware updates, it does not have internet capability. No Netflix or any of that fancy stuff but I don't see as I need it. Opinions? Am I still living in the dark ages?, and this is a feature to have?

Tkx!!
Doug

[cdanteek]

Firmware Update for BD-P1000
Firmware Update Improves BD-P1000's Ability to Play Movies Correctly.

BD-P1000 firmware update Version 1.4, released on January 25, 2008, improves the BD-P1000's ability to play movies correctly. This update is available on line at Samsung's Download Center.

Important: This update contains all previous updates.

To download the firmware update, follow these steps:

1. Click download center under support on the upper left side of this page.

2. After the Download Center page appears, click search by model number on the left side.

3. In the field that appears, enter BD-P1000, and then click the search button.

4. After the download page for the BD-P1000 appears, click the firmware tab near the bottom of the page.

5. After the firmware tab opens, click the small ZIP icon on the right for Version 1.4. The download dialog appears.

6. Click Save to Disk, and then OK.

628. How To Upgrade The Firmware - Lan Method
This How-To Guide shows you how to upgrade the firmware in your BD Player using a modem and the Lan connection on your player. This procedure works for all models but the BD-P1000 which must use the CD Method.
  Blu-ray Disc Players : How Do I Update The Firmware?



There are several ways to update your player depending on your model. Click one of the links below for detailed instructions.

Firmware Update Instructions - CD Method
All models can be updated using the CD method.
Firmware Update Instructions - LAN Method
If your player is equipped with an Ethernet jack, you can connect to a modem with a working internet connection to update the firmware.  

Firmware Update Instructions - Using a USB Flash Drive  
All models except for the BD-P1000, BD-P1200 and BD-P1400 can be updated using a USB Flash drive.  
Automatic Firmware Updates

Blu-ray Disc Players : Firmware Update Instructions CD Method



Important: Please read all information thoroughly before downloading and installing any files.

It's important to keep your player's firmware up to date to help ensure playback compatibility with new releases, to correct any potential issues with the player and to add new features if and when they become available. This guide will walk you through the steps of updating your players firmware using the CD method.

If you prefer to use the USB Flash Drive Method, Click here.
If you prefer to use the Ethernet (LAN) connection method, Click here.
Requirements for upgrading your firmware using the CD Method:

A CD burner and burning software such as Nero or Roxio that allows you to create an Image Disc.
A brand new CD-R disc is highly recommended. Do not use a CD-RW disc.
Your Blu-ray player must be connected to a compatible TV or display device.
If you are unable to create a firmware update disc or cannot upgrade the firmware using another method listed below, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (726-7864) to request a free firmware update disc.
Check Your Current Firmware Version:

Power on the television and make sure it's tuned to the inputs to which your Blu-ray Disc player is connected.
Power on the Blu-ray Disc player and remove any disc inside. On the Blu-ray remote control, press the MENU button.
At the "Menu" screen, use the arrow keys to highlight [Setup] and then press the ENTER button.
Use the arrow keys to highlight [System Information] and then press the ENTER button. The firmware version is displayed as the date the software was created such as 090112_01/XAA. (YYDDMM_01/XAA).

Important: If the software version on the player is an earlier version than what is available online (see next step) follow the instructions to download the firmware and install it on your player.

Shortcut: To display system information, with the disc tray open, press and hold the info button on the remote control.
Download Instructions:

Click here to go to the Samsung Download Center and enter your model number in the search field.
Click the firmware tab and locate the the CD Firmware update in the description column, not to be confused with the USB firmware update that's available for some models.
Click the ZIP file and save it to a convenient location such as your desktop.
Locate the ZIP file on your desktop (or other location) and double click it to open with Win Zip or other unzipping software.
Highlight the file and select Extract.  Extract the file to your desktop or other location. The unzipped file will be an ISO image file.
Using Nero, Roxio or other CD burning software, burn an Image disc from the .ISO file you just extracted.

Important: Creating a data disc or drag and dropping the ISO file to your CD burner to create the update disc will result in a failure to upgrade the player. You must use the "Burn Image" option of your CD burning software in order for the update disc to work. For information on free ISO Recorder software, see FAQs below.
Finalize the CD.

Important: If any errors occur during the CD burning process, discard the disc and create a new one. Discs that are dirty or scratched may fail to update your player.
Firmware Update/Installation Instructions:
The firmware update process can take up to 30 minutes. Updating the firmware will return all settings back to the factory default settings.

WARNING! To prevent damange to your player:

Do not power off the player or disconnect it from the power outlet.
Do not press any buttons except as instructed, until the update is complete.
Power on the television and make sure it is tuned to the input of which the BD player is connected.
Power on the Blu-ray Disc player. Place the update disc in the player, and close the disc tray. The update begins automatically.  
The system verifies the firmware version. This takes approximately 6 minutes.
When the dialogue box  “Do you want to update Firmware?” appears, use the arrow buttons on the remote control to select “Yes” and then press enter.
A series of messages appear. When prompted to remove the disc from the player, please do so. After the final message “Firmware Update Now Processing”, the BD player automatically powers off.
Turn the power on again. The tray will close automatically and a “Menu Language Selection” box will appear.
Use the number keys on the remote control to select a language. You have successfully updated your players firmware.



The following models running firmware version 2.0 or later are capable of automatic firmware updates: BD-P1500, BD-P2500, BD-P2550.  2009 models and later (1590, 1600, 3600, 4600) are capable of automatic updates out of the box.  If your player is connected to a network, each time you power on the player it will look for a firmware update. (See instructions for LAN Method)



How Do I Check The Firmware Version Currently Installed On My Player?

2009 Blu-ray Players F/W Update Important Information



http://www.samsung.com/us/support/search/s...hModelResult.do click support, downloads, enter your model#...

cd

[Jim_Hardin]

Thanks cd – that will probably be the fix that does it!!!

[09RKC]

...and that did it! Tkx, can't say it enough. This saved me $$$. Sheeze, how simple. I learned something new for sure and will be aware of this in players I buy in the future.

My supcious nature wants to say the Sony player (at Best Buy) produced a better picture than the Samsung here but I can's say for sure.

Is Blue Ray, Blur Ray? As in are there higher picture-quality machines than others? Is it feasible that one player might be more crisp than it's competition, or is BR, BR?

Regardless, it's great as it is and I thank all here for the enormous help!
Doug

[Jim_Hardin]

Blu-ray is Blu-ray but there are some variables…

You have to choose the HQ Output – 1920 X 1080P

But your Input Source must be as good as your output – you can’t polish a pig!

In order to get the HQ from the Player to the TV you must use an HDMI cable! The RCA connectors (Red, White & Yellow) are incapable of passing HQ signals.

And of course your TV must be capable of playing 1920 X 1080P.

Good to hear you are running and after all that Samsung bad mouthing    Looks like that Samsung will be serving your for years to come  

[ggrussell]

H264 has a bitrate just like MPEG2.  Lower bitrates will affect the output quality.  However since you were playing the same disc on both players, the HDTV attached to each player may also have something to do with it.  60hz vs 120hz, brightness and contrast settings, etc.  A lot of variables.

[09RKC]

>>You have to choose the HQ Output – 1920 X 1080P<<
I'll look. I'm not sure I saw this as a choice. I assume you're speaking of the Samsung.

>>In order to get the HQ from the Player to the TV you must use an HDMI cable!<<
Yup, using them.

>>And of course your TV must be capable of playing 1920 X 1080P.<<
I'll look. It's a newer TV so I assume all this is possible. Very 'like' TV as I saw at BB.

>>Good to hear you are running and after all that Samsung bad mouthing <<
  brite-red blush  

Tkx Jim, tkx ggrussell, tkx CD for all help!!
Doug

[sknis]

>>You have to choose the HQ Output – 1920 X 1080P<<
I'll look. I'm not sure I saw this as a choice. I assume you're speaking of the Samsung.

>>In order to get the HQ from the Player to the TV you must use an HDMI cable!<<
Yup, using them.

>>And of course your TV must be capable of playing 1920 X 1080P.<<
I'll look. It's a newer TV so I assume all this is possible. Very 'like' TV as I saw at BB.

>>Good to hear you are running and after all that Samsung bad mouthing <<
  brite-red blush  

Tkx Jim, tkx ggrussell, tkx CD for all help!!
Doug

Re: "Choice" is the output from the program that will be burned on the disc.  There are several different quality choices in the program.  It has little to do with the Samsung player.

Re: TV some HD TVs are capable of 720; some are capable of 1080i and some 1080p   I stands for interlaced where every other line is drawn to the bottom and then the "gun" goes to the top and draws the ones missed.  This happens very quickly.  P stands for progressive where the screen is drawn from top to bottom in one pass.   Look at your owner's manual of check on;line.  720 are much less expensive than 1080 capable TV's.

[09RKC]

Ah, I see. Yes, I choose HQ each time. The TV is 1920x1080p capable (OM).

Tkx!
Doug