Samsung dishes out v1.2 firmware update for BD-UP5000

Not even two months after Samsung rolled out a firmware update for its ailing BD-UP5000 Blu-ray / HD DVD combo player, the firm is at it again in an attempt to mend the issues that owners have been squabbling about since day one. Sammy doesn't provide any gory details about what exactly firmware v1.2 does -- all we're told is that it "fixes the network connection error [introduced in v1.1]." Still, its good to see some progress being made, but considering that there's no laundry list of solutions here, we've all ideas that there are still some strides left to be taken. Hit up the read link to get your download on, and be sure to chime in below with any changes / bug fixes.

[Thanks, Jim]

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 12th 2008 11:28PM]

To clarify, Samsung released firmware 1.1 a week and a half ago, which addressed a number of playback issues with several films; however, the update also broke the network connection of the player. A week later, they released firmware 1.2 which is identical to 1.1 except with ethernet connectivity returned.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 13th 2008 2:19AM]

Sunshine now plays just fine on this player

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 5th 2008 12:35PM]

Well,
I tried accessing the Net for American Gangstar in its webenable features and could not when the movie first came out.
Then, I downloaded the v1.2 on Sat.
Played the movie, and intermittently was not able to access the next. Connection kept breaking. But, eventually all went smoothly.

Still not able to view Die Hard 4 or Fantanstic 4 - Rise.

Spoke to a rep at Samsung who says they're shipping a disc in the next 7 - 10 business days that not only solves the problem with the movies, but also enables internal decoding of DTS-HD-MA, and True HD.

We'll I'll believe it when the disc gets here.

[jwilliek Posted Mar 17th 2008 4:58PM]

Oh wow, If they finally do enable the internal hi-res audio, then this will definitely be my next player.
I won't have to sell the HD DVD's I already bought, I'll be able to get a few more on the cheap with the HD DVD firesale going on around the net, and I'll be able to start putting some Blu Ray in my Blockbuster queue.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 17th 2008 10:04PM]

Just tho't I'd update you guys...
got the disc today... it wasn't the update we're all hoping for.
It asked me if I wanted to update my v1.2 to version 1.0... ???? go figure.

I had this discussion with the rep on Saturday and told him I'd already downloaded v1.2 with no problems. He said, "don't worry, this will fix each problem you discussed..."

Come to find out, Samsung's CSR department on Saturday's is outsourced. They couldn't even see my account or my serial number without me telling THEM what it was....

Okay, back to the drawing board. I'll try to get someone during the week and see when the real update will be shipped.


by the by, since the BD UP5500 is now cancelled, and the 5000 can be had at $499, I'd say if you definitely want a Duo, best get it now as after May Samsung will stop production of the 5000...and if you're like me with the need for the 7.1 analog out, you'll be out of luck after May!

[jwilliek Posted Mar 20th 2008 9:42AM]

Thanks for the update, Michael. I've been thinking about it more, and I will still probably end up getting the player. I DO need the analog audio outputs, and make a good point about the timing and the pricing. Good luck getting more info on the real update. Keep us posted here!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 20th 2008 3:01PM]

This has been a long, strange trip. I bought this player in December when it first hit. I have applied two firmware upgrades and it still plays movies intermittently depending on how it feels, I guess. I then bought a Denon 4308ci to take advantage of the HD Audio formats. Turns out the 5000 doesn't really support them (unless you consider two channel Dolby HD supporting them). I gave up and bought the Denon high-end 3100 BluRay (I only have 10 HD-DVD discs so not too painful) which has a comparable video processor and does support the HD audio formats. I wish they had been more up front or clearer in the beginning. A lot of time, money and trouble.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 23rd 2008 3:45PM]

Hey, JB,
If you'd like to pass along the 5000, let me know. I intend to pick up one for a non-A/Vphile friend who doesn't care as long as it plays both HD/BD.

The upgrade should fix the problem...so I'm holding out hoping it does indeed - if so, a mighty fine player it'll be, indeed.

But, i gotta say, the 7.1 uncompressed sure gives me excitement from my old Denon5800. too bad BD is putting out more titles DTSHDMA as opposed to Uncompressed PCM.

[jwilliek Posted May 19th 2008 8:02AM]

well, I ordered one this weekend and it should be arriving in a few days. I was able to snag a refurbished model for $379 from Refurbdepot. Did they ever send out that update for the internal decoding of the hi-res audio codecs?