Samsung's BD-P1500 gets firmware update, Profile 2.0 not included

Not that we had a whole heap of complaints about Samsung's BD-P1500 when we reviewed it earlier this month, but Samsung has already pushed out a minor firmware update that reportedly addresses "playback compatibility." Chances are you won't find it posted online just yet, but for those who connect directly to the 'net with their Blu-ray player, the v080621.02 update can be sucked down and installed. Sadly, Profile 2.0 is not included, but it's nice to be treated to free updates nonetheless. Chime in below if you notice any drastic changes.

[Thanks, Jacob]

Update: It's now available via Samsung's website.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 30th 2008 10:27AM]

No 2.0 yet? very sad. People have been waiting for quite some time and still no 2.0.

[DrXym Posted Jun 30th 2008 11:43AM]

The player's only been out for 2 months. Besides, there are so few BD-Live titles that it doesn't really matter. More concern for BD-P1500 owners is whether the 2.0 upgrade is just a firmware upgrade or whether they'll have to plug a USB storage device into the back to enable it. It may not have enough local persistent storage for 2.0 compliance. It's not a big deal, but I can imagine some people whining that they have to fork out $10 for a stick.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 30th 2008 10:51AM]

I am sure 2.0 is great and all, but to be quite honest I really don't mind that my player doesnt have it. I mean all i want to do is watch the movie and I could really care less about any D/L content or interactive features.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 30th 2008 11:45AM]

I had severe playback issues with SD dvd's to the point I returned this unit b/c I didn't want to be stuck with a bad player after the 30 day return policy. I had spoke with a Samsung CSR and they said a new firmware would be release to address the issue, but had no delivery date. When I read the new update came out last Friday I re-purchased the player again Sunday and retested with the discs I had issues with. Playback would freeze after 5-10 minutes of playback and sometimes the dvd menu's would lock up. Only problem was on standard def discs: Spiderman Superbit, Episode3, Pearl Harbor, X-Men, Superman Returns)

Blu-ray playback was always excellent and never got hot as some have claimed. And this site's review for the player was spot-on for those that want to read it again.

[Slappy Wag Posted Jun 30th 2008 4:53PM]

You say you "had severe playback" problems and it "would freeze". Does it still have these issues or not? From your post, it's hard to tell.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 30th 2008 9:29PM]

hey, thats my picture. COOOL!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 1st 2008 1:14AM]

you did not say you downloaded the update after the second purchase, or did you just purchase the player thinking the update was already there

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 1st 2008 1:19AM]

did you download the update after the second purchase, or think it was already in the player when you got it

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2008 1:35PM]

So far I have not noticed any problems with my BD-P1500. I've enjoyed it very much, and I don't even notice any video difference between this model and my old one (the BD-P1200) which had the HQV feature.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 14th 2008 3:24PM]

HI
I am a new member. I have a problem on my Samsung bd-p1500. I am trying to download and update the new firmware through ethernet, everything is go well until the left step is step #4. It's show.

Firmware Update.
Now. Processing...
Please, do not turn off the power.
The power will be off automatically after update is finished.
After update is finished.

Almost 2 hours and still show this message. Please let me know if anyone can help me.
Thanks
Bruce

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 24th 2008 10:29AM]

Your BD-P1500 is likely firmware upgraded even the power did not turn off. The same happened to me during the upgrade. Check your setup menu, If upgraded you have following SW: 080708.01_04282008_XEF

regards
Ole Kaare

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 2nd 2008 8:57PM]

I just purchased the Samsung BD-P1500 and have installed the latest firmware (as of 9/1/08). As Justin said above, BluRay playback is fine, but DVD playback sucks. Playback frequently hiccups and sometimes stops altogether (requiring pressing the eject button -- thus losing your place in the movie). This even occurs with discs that have a flawless surface on them (no scratches, dirt, nothing to obstruct laser tracking). I find this inexcusable. I do not want to have to keep a DVD player around, plus have the BluRay player stacked on top of it. I want one player that does both. My Panasonic HD-DVD player has virtually no issues with DVD playback (it is slow at navigating menus, but it doesn't glitch while watching a movie, like this Samsung does). I question whether or not Samsung ever played any DVDs in this player during their development. And if they didn't, then why even claim that it's suitable for DVD playback? I'm contemplating returning this unit.