Should I buy this: Samsung BD-P1200 open box for $250?

[ErinH]

My local BB has 2 of these guys from floor demo. They both appear physically to be in good shape. My friend works there and let me watch video on them and the picture looks as good as it does with the other guys; meaning that the open boxes don't appear to have adverse effects due to use. The units do not come with a remote, but I figured I can just setup my Logitech 550 to take care of that.

I found these while looking at PS3's. Basically all I'm wanting is something to watch my BD's with in my living room where I only have 2.1 sound. For what I'm going to be doing, I'm thinking this may be a good deal and could save me a couple hundred dollars.



So, for $250 would you guys pick one of these up or let it pass and just get the ps3? Remember that I'm not as needy of the audio options that the newer ones have.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd check ebay for current pricing. That sounds high for a player that is open box and has been discontinued for some time, though at least with an open box you get a full manufacturer's warranty. For ~$50 more you can get a brand new BD-P1400.

 

[ErinH]

Found it on e-bay for $200 shipped.


hmmm.

If I could find a used PS3 I'd go that route, but the local gamestop wants $350 for the 40gb.. not enough savings for me to buy used.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd do some searching here for threads on this player, as I do know that it had some compatibility issues with certain discs. I don't know if firmware updates had fully corrected those issues or not. For a 2.1 setup, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

 

[ErinH]

I posted on AVS forum. Mixed reviews. Most are saying the new firmware upgrade has solved all issues.

I like doing a lot of research. With BD it's tough though, because it's easy to get caught up in all the issues that people are having... or complaints people have with the capabilities. Most of the issues people have with those abilities are issues I could care less about, though.

My receiver doesn't do TrueHD, or anything of the sort. It's a simple no frills 5channel receiver I bought for $200 simply to have as an all in one audio output, drive my speakers, and take digital inputs. That's it. My living room setup is very 'small'.

 

[j_garcia]

I have had 2 discs so far that have given my PS3 issues - Pirates of the Caribbean and Ratatoullie - both Disney, both on start up (launching the animated menus). I can usually eject and reinsert the disc and then they will both play though.

 

[ErinH]

I'll keep that in mind.

If I was building a theater right now the ps3 would be a no brainer. But given that I don't need a lot of the things that the extra $$$ gets you, ... well, we'll see.

I'm going out tonight and I'll hit up the usual stores to see what I can find. I know that the s350 is coming out tomorrow at CC for $400.

 

[croseiv]

I'd stay away from the 1200 only because so many newer models are out, or coming out, now.

 

[jostenmeat]

Id also stay away from the 1200, because I know of someone who has had really serious headaches with FW. She'd fix one thing just to have something else get ruined with update.

The one really nice bonus is the Realta HQV. I'd have zero use for it, but I'm sure Im the rarity here.

Im a bit paranoid of all the companies in general as far as FW support for older models, whether that is some part of planned obsolescence or not. For example, I was happy to solve -5db LFE cut in my Pana BD-30 player, but AFAIK they never offered to fix a similar issue in the BD-10 player. While I do find Panasonic folks to be very good with FW support, I do think this BD-10 example is less than ideal for us wee consumers.

That being said.... FWIW... my BD player works as smoothly as smooth can be. One problem disc ever, Sunshine, with about 300 hours of only movies. Never tried it again yet. Its the only bad experience with over 50 Bluray discs played in the Pana. (However, don't ask me about my luck with HD-DVDs on my HD-A35... Bourne Supremacy, Assassination of Jesse James are two bad ones, or if I just leave the player on pause for a while...). But, OTOH, the Pana blows chunks with SD-DVD playback, while the 1200 has got Realta. Then again, at least my HD-DVD does something decently... SD-DVD playback.

We can't argue with money. $50 is still $50. $100 is still $100. But peace of mind is priceless, IMO.

-jostenmeat

 

[ErinH]

I think that I'm just going to sit this out for a bit longer. The new Sony s350 will allow upgrades to 2.0 for a reasonable price. The ps3 is still a solid choice, though.

 

[Seth=L]

I know it sounds crazy, but try looking for the PS3 at a Pawn Shop. Maybe you will find a 20/60/or 80 GB PS3 for a reasonable price. However, you simply won't find a used PS3 that isn't cosmetically blemished. The finish is incredibly difficult to maintain, dusting it even risks tarnishing the sensitive surface.

 

[ErinH]

Yea, I actually did that today, too. In addition, I called up EVERY Gamestop within 30miles from me. Only one had a 40gb model and they wanted the regular BNIB price. Crazy.

A few had 60gb, 80gb models, but were all $450+. That's just not worth it to me, quite frankly.


After doing some more research the Sammy 1500 seems like it might not be a bad choice. HHGregg has a special for $370, and CC will beat it by 10% difference. So, that makes it $369.


We'll see. My wife is the one pushing me to go standalone. I said I'd just buy a $50 graphics card and call it a day and she said I need to drop the HTPC. ha!

I'm just having a hard time justifying that kind of money on a unit that might not be worth it down the road. the Sony s350, and Samsung 1500 both seem like they may be somewhat 'future proof' and if the further research shows this, then it makes my decision a bit easier as far as spending the $$$ now.

 

[croseiv]

Plus the Sony BDP-550 should be out in the Fall. It will have 7.1 analogue outs. I'm really eyeballing the Sammy 1500 or the Sony 350. Don't think I can wait until Fall. I plan to up grade my receiver later in the year or early next, so having the analogue outs is less important.

 

[ErinH]

Just wanted to throw out that my wife encouraged me to buy the bdp1500 at walmart this afternoon. Got home and the online price is $348. We just ordered that one and will take the one we bought in the store for $388 back once it arrives. I'm actually thinking this one may be it for me. It'll be upgradeable to 2.0 and I doubt seriously that I'll have a 7.1 setup anytime in the next couple years so this should suit me quite well for a very long time.