Opinions on the Samsung BD-UP5000?

[TheVrolok]

So Amazon is running the BD-UP5000 deal for 449.99 deal, in addition they'll do get 2 HD DVDs with the purchase of 2 BRDs. I don't have a BRD player yet, I was thinking about picking up a PS3 just for BRD capability (I already have a hardcore gaming computer and I don't really need a console system) but now, for another 50 bucks I can get a standalone BRD/HD-DVD combo player and then throw my HD-A3 in the closet in case I ever need it (or give it to my 'rents as an upconverter). Anyone have experience with the BD-UP5000? I can read reviews online until I'm blue in the face but I'd like to hear some personal experience. Thanks guys!

<edit>The reason I haven't actually purchased yet is that I've heard about the 2 channel TrueHD issue and I'm wondering what the status is on that. I'm not buying a player that won't actually output surround sound. But then, how important is this really? I feel like it's the same as SD's DD vs DTS. I'm looking at all my HD-DVDs and I don't believe I have any that have a TrueHD track without having a DD+ track. I'm going to be listening to predominately DD+ anyway? No? Does it reallllly matter that I only have 2 channel TrueHD support? I suppose I'm just still a bit confused about HD audio. I've also heard this player doesn't output HD audio to a receiver? Seems pretty absurd not to properly support HD audio formats.</edit>

 

[Shawn]

Samsung may or may not fix the TrueHD issue in the future, who knows. Most movies come with Dolby Digital in addition to TrueHD so it shouldn't be a huge deal. There have also been some compatibility issues with this player but I think Samsung has fixed most if not all of them by now. That said, I'd probably still get one if I had the money just to get rid of one of my players. I currently have the Samsung BD-P1200 bluray player so this wouldn't be any worse than what I already have.

Also, like the BD-P1200 it has a reon video processor so dvd upconversion should be stellar.

 

[TheVrolok]

Know anything about the comments on HD audio output? Among the various reviews I've read around I hear different things about HD audio output? It seems that the only way to get HD audio is the on machine analog outs, and that DD+ and TrueHD cannot be output via HDMI to a receiver? Has this changed via firmware? Will it?

 

[erwos]

Didn't LG say they were still planning on making more dual-format players?

IMHO, you're still better off buying a cheap HD-DVD player and a BR-D player of your choice.

 

[biggestmuff]

don't waste your money on that. just wait a bit longer. All manufacturers are lagging on releasing Profile 2.0, and to some extent Profile 1.1 players, but a new batch of models from all will be out shortly.