Samsung BD-C6500 Blu-Ray Player – Built-in WiFi

Review by Mr. A. Atkin for Samsung BD-C6500 Blu-Ray Player – Built-in WiFi
Rating:
Far better picture quality than the PS3, just turn up the sharpness setting a little and all the little details pop out at you that I never saw on the PS3. It literally felt like I had bought a new TV there was so much more detail, real detail not just over-sharpening. G-Force was so underwhelming on the PS3 after watching it in 3D at the cinema, but it felt almost 3D again on the Samsung.

Plays DivX, XVID and many MKV files (does have problems if they have more than one audio track, just needs remuxing on the PC to remove the extra tracks) from USB, DVD or over the network (seems to have more problems with formats playing over network so not really used it much). Supposedly can play WMV9 but I haven’t found any that work, but I rarely use them anyway and can always use the Xbox for those.

The only reason I do not rate this 5 star is the Samsung Apps are far behind schedule and no word from Samsung as to what is going on. Facebook suddenly auto-downloaded after I installed the latest firmware update to which I thought “cool” but all that happens when I launch it is a message saying “Coming in April”. A similar situation with Lovefilm, it states “Coming in May”, despite the fact its already available on their TVs. Not cool Samsung, not cool at all considering these features were a major selling point of this model over the older ones. Even worse is that everywhere seems to be claiming this player has BBC iPlayer yet Samsung has not even announced a date for it yet. Bearing in mind the apps that have supposed to have launched already still not actually working, I fear we might not actually see iPlayer until the end of the year.

Another silly decision is that the YouTube app seems to only work in SD mode so looks dreadful if you put it into full screen. For a Blu-ray player to not support YouTube HD resolutions seems pretty silly. It also is missing the ability to look at my subscriptions, despite the fact I am actually logged in to my YouTube account on it. So while the playback itself is fine (for SD) the app is about as hard to use as they could have made it, as you have to search for everything typing slowly on a remote control, eek.

So as long as Samsung Apps was not a big selling point for you (or at least you are willing to wait for it to get sorted) then its an excellent near-silent player that uses hardly any power, about 11W playing Blu-rays, and is also really small. It is also near-silent playing Blu-ray movies, the only time it is loud is if you are using badly manufactured DVDs which will rattle in any drive but is more noticeable here due to it normally being silent. I just hope it doesn’t live up to the Samsung reputation of being prone to breaking like their older models, some reviews sadly claim it does.

Review by Glenn McKee for Samsung BD-C6500 Blu-Ray Player – Built-in WiFi
Rating:
I have auditioned a Sony BDP 370 and Pioneer BDP320 on my set up which ultimately passes Picture to my new Sanyo PLV-Z3000 (or Z4000 which is the same). Audio wise I’m using the Onkyo TX-SR608 THX Certified Receiver.

I had problems with the Sony and thought a pricey Pioneer would end that only as also with the Sony I had ghosting issues on darks scenes with ‘ANGELS AND DEMONS’ to name the best example Blu Ray becoming a point of reference (Papal Grotto Scene ?9 a top example).

My back up Region A cheapo TEVION/CURTIS player outperformed the Sony and Pioneer hands down to my horror only I don’t want to use this as a main player nor have it grace the top of my Onkyo (call me fussy or a brand snob)nor do I want to over use a budget player for fear of it going bust. I believe however at its heart is a Samsung Drive which interested me.

The last player I thought I’d go for would be a Samsung as they never get the top reviews, nor have I seen them as a premier brand even though their kit has IMO been of the snazzier designs albeit more budget focused which worried me before as I never like to compromise performance just for style and I had seen this with their Plasma TVs.

I’m pleased to say this player on my set up at least provides an excellent on par picture with minimal ghosting on reference ‘Angels and Demons’ and other Blu Rays. It’s detailed, colourful and simply honest looking and faithful to the source.

Loading times are very fast and the user interface is very easy to use and graced with an easy Wi-Fi set up which had myself watching music videos on Youtube in no time. This is the first time I’ve taken advantage of BD Live simply only because it’s wireless and it’s so convenient when there’s firmware updates that the player sorts them out automatically.

Audio as with most HD Audio capable Blu Ray Player I’ve owned is sharp, precise, vocal and excellent use of surrounds is employed that also seems honest to the source.

Once the player is on top of my Onkyo 608 it looks the part. I love the touch sensitive buttons which light up along with a Blu Ray logo. One split second and the sturdy tray pops out ready for action, there’s a hidden USB port employed on the front of the brushed metal finished fascia should you wish to view photos or whatever. Another plus is the sturdy remote which is easy to use to navigate and set up your initial picture and audio settings.

To bring this review to a conclusion I’d recommend this player, it has some nice technology surprises and of course does what it says on the box with ease and fun! Thank you Samunsung!