Samsung: BD-P2500 firmware update
BD-P2500 firmware update
by sproy218 - 4/3/09 9:20 AMNow that the Best Buy BD-P2550 is no longer available, why is Samsung so reluctant to upgrade the BD-P2500 firmware to enable Pandora radio streaming? All of the newest blu ray players have this feature, so why is Samsung signaling the 2500's obsolescence?
BD-P2500 firmware update
by Samsung_HD_Tech
- 4/3/09 1:37 PM
In reply to: BD-P2500 firmware update by sproy218
sproy218,
The BD-P2500 wasn't slated to have Pandora. It wasn't advertised to include that feature for that model.
--HDTech
imagine the possibilities
- Click here to visit the Samsung forum
- Click here to visit the Samsung store on CNET
BD-P2500 wasn't "slated"?
by sproy218 - 4/3/09 4:38 PM In reply to: BD-P2500 firmware update by Samsung_HD_Tech
So you want to send the message that the BD-P2500 will not enjoy any new features as they become popular. Just stamp obsolete on your remaining inventory.
Vudu didn't have to engineer a new box in order to offer Pandora.
I understand why Best Buy wants to have an exclusive model so it doesn't have to meet the incessant discounting, but that model is no longer available.
The 1600 is a good choice for $100 less and it has Netflix and Pandora streaming, but the hinged front panel and no memory make it less than ideal.
The 3600 is good as well, but costs $100 more and the controls are on top so you can't stack it or put it on a lower shelf.
Why can't we split the difference and offer a $50 upgrade to get Pandora on the 2500?
By not upgrading 2500's firmware, Samsung is sending a message that they will make new models and abandon their recent products and customers rather than continue to update firmware and enable current customers to enjoy the full potential of their technology. That is not the message I invested in. The message I invested in said that Samsung was developing powerful electronics and want their customers to enjoy the full potential of these devices. The blu ray resource center puts it this way:
"Think of your Blu-ray player as an incredibly sophisticated computer—a purpose-built, super-user-friendly computer, mind you, but a computer nonetheless. If your Blu-ray player had a clear cover, you could peek inside and see all manner of processors and capacitors and diodes and memory—intricate bits you wouldn’t want to have to keep track of. Luckily, your firmware keeps track of them for you.
With a format as complex and new as Blu-ray, though, things change. The format evolves. And sometimes the cart gets ahead of the horse when content providers cook up nifty new features that hardware manufacturers have to release new firmware to accommodate. Keeping your firmware up to date will ensure that your player is compatible with as many of the latest cutting-edge releases."
What's it going to take to get Pandora for the 2500?
Your signature says "Imagine the possibilities"
by sproy218 - 4/4/09 12:33 PM In reply to: BD-P2500 firmware update by Samsung_HD_Tech
but your fantasy won't help you if the maufacturer abandons you.
I believe that Samsung agrees that a blu ray player is a central device in a home theatre set up; so why would anyone not want access to a service like Pandora?
The only reason I can come up with is that they don't know it exists.
Your signature says "Imagine the possibilities"
by Samsung_HD_Tech - 4/4/09 9:56 PM
In reply to: Your signature says "Imagine the possibilities" by sproy218
sproy218,
I'm not sure I understand where you were "abandoned".
The BD-P2500 never advertised Pandora. It's not a feature offered on that model. Firmware updates pertain to new technology used on the discs, such as Java encoding and scripts that allow you to do different things with Blu-Ray discs. And we keep up to date with those - as well as new movies, and we provide firmware updates on a regular, ongoing basis.
If one unit is standard, and the other has an upgraded feature, then that's the lineup.
Why would there be an implied expectation that both units with different model numbers and different advertised features would eventually have the same exact features?
--HDTech
imagine the possibilities
- Click here to visit the Samsung forum
- Click here to visit the Samsung store on CNET
They don't have the same exact features...
by sproy218 - 4/5/09 6:48 AM In reply to: Your signature says "Imagine the possibilities" by Samsung_HD_Tech
but they have the same capabilities. Imagine the possibilities.
The only thing standing between the customer and a very attractive use this "cutting edge technology" is the manufacturer's desire to keep a defunct marketing agreement with a big box retailer. (Defunct because the model is no longer available and was scarcely available in the first place.)
This is copied from Samsung's BD-P2500 Features tab:
"Your new Samsung Blu-ray Disc™ player won’t be obsolete the moment you bring it home from the store. It’s equipped with an Ethernet connection so you can download the latest firmware upgrade and add new features. If your player needs more local storage to take advantage of these features, simply plug in a memory stick with at least 1GB of memory into the USB port."
Imagine the possibilities: I especially like the "add new features" part. Got any new features you could offer us BD-P2500 owners?
So what about this promise?
Samsung's Blu Ray Resource center says:
"content providers cook up nifty new features that hardware manufacturers have to release new firmware to accommodate. Keeping your firmware up to date will ensure that your player is compatible with as many of the latest cutting-edge releases."
What about this promise?
Is it still that hard to see why a customer, who bought into your imagine the possibilities marketing, would think that a new feature would be part of some future firmware update?
We're not talking about last year's model; Samsung didn't get the bugs out of the firmware until Jan 6, 2009. This is your cutting edge model 2000 series; the 1600 series has internet radio streaming.
And that customer, who's invested thousands in a home theatre system, feels that the manufacturer sold his/her right to enjoy the full capabilities of the technology acquired and has abandoned the model to some preset, inviolable, cut in stone, "can't change this" feature slate.
Believe me, Pandora, or some internet radio streaming alternative, is a "must have" for a HT system: You're telling me I have to go out an buy a new box to get it, even though the necessary hardware is alive and well in my living room.
Thanks for your reply.
They don't have the same exact features...
by Samsung_HD_Tech - 4/5/09 11:22 PM
In reply to: They don't have the same exact features... by sproy218
sproy218,
That is correct. They don't have the same exact features. The BD-P2550 was an exclusive unit, with exclusive features for an exclusive retailer. The features are different, and that's why the model number is different.
<i>We're not talking about last year's model; Samsung didn't get the bugs out of the firmware until Jan 6, 2009. This is your cutting edge model 2000 series; the 1600 series has internet radio streaming.</i>
We ARE talking about last year's model. The BD-P1600 is a 2009 product, an upgrade from the 2008 BD-P1500, which did not have Pandora.
BD-P1000 - 2007 - Did not have Pandora
BD-P1200 - 2007 - Did not have Pandora.
BD-P1400 - 2008 - Did not have Pandora.
BD-P1500 - 2008 - Did not have Pandora.
BD-P1600 - <b>2009</b> - Does have Pandora
BD-P2400 - 2007 - Did not have Pandora
BD-P2500 - 2008 - Did not have Pandora
BD-P2550 - 2008 - Only Blu-Ray product that introduced Pandora in 2008
BD-P3600 - <b>2009</b> - Has Pandora
BD-P4600 - <b>2009</b> - Has Pandora
<i>And that customer, who's invested thousands in a home theatre system, feels that the manufacturer sold his/her right to enjoy the full capabilities of the technology acquired and has abandoned the model to some preset, inviolable, cut in stone, "can't change this" feature slate.</i>
If you wanted Pandora as a feature, it was available at the time you purchased the BD-P2500. In fact, the BD-P2550, to the best of my memory, arrived two weeks prior to the arrival of the BD-P2500.
<i>Believe me, Pandora, or some internet radio streaming alternative, is a "must have" for a HT system: You're telling me I have to go out an buy a new box to get it, even though the necessary hardware is alive and well in my living room.</i>
With all due respect, I'm not "telling you" that you have to do anything. What I'm explaining is that Pandora was exclusive to the BD-P2550. It was the only player in 2008 that included Pandora, planned and executed. It's irrelevant that the BD-P2550 isn't available any longer, that model had an exclusive feature, and was readily available for, I believe, no less than 8 months at the largest electronics retailer in North America.
If it's a "must-have feature", then that's the model that would have best fit your needs.
Invoking our tagline doesn't change the fact that the retailer had an exclusive agreement, offering one specific feature for 2008. I could also "imagine the possibilities" of customers who paid a premium price for the BD-P2550 suddenly learning that owners of the BD-P2500 got the feature for free. Those customers will demand to know why Samsung "ripped them off" by giving away the feature they paid extra for, or had to shop at a certain retailer for, or any number of complaints.
I can't change it, and I can certainly appreciate that this is an important feature to you. But I'm also saying it with a straight answer, with what I hope is conveyed with dignity and respect, as is intended.
--HDTech
imagine the possibilities
- Click here to visit the Samsung forum
- Click here to visit the Samsung store on CNET
We're saying the same thing
by sproy218 - 4/6/09 9:38 AM In reply to: They don't have the same exact features... by Samsung_HD_Tech
Except you don't believe that new features should be enabled on a capable device. The 2550 was released in October ahead of the 2500 and is now unavailable. All new model numbers end in "00" except the 2550. It is less than six months later, the 2550 is discontinued so this model had the shortest shelf life of any of the devices Samsung has produced. You're just proving that Samsung would rather produce a new device than improve the capabilities on existing devices owned by existing customers.
Respectfully, this is about customer service and delivering on the promise to offer new features via firmware updates. I'm spoiled by Apple who makes sure their customers get the most out of the Apple products they own. Apple sells their stuff at a premium because of this.
The availability of the 2550 was one of the reasons I did not purchase it. Best Buy in both Phoenix and Scottsdale were out of stock on no less than 3 occasions. Have you ever been in a Best Buy between Xmas and New Years? It's a zoo, with 20 to 45 minute lines waiting to check out.
The 2550's were not offered for a premium but for the same $349 list price. But then again they were not in stock.
This is the first upgrade to my HT system since before my kids were born (and my youngest is 24), other than a new DVD player ; my first LCD, first AV Receiver, and first blu ray player. Believe me, wading through all the reviews, marketing sheets and specs to try and stretch my buck as far as I could was bewildering and often confusing. You tech guys speak a whole other language. So I got that the 2550 was a Best Buy exclusive but was never able to actually see one, and thought the model # difference was just a cover so they didn't have to match the end of the year holiday discounting competition.
Yes I am stupid, stupid, stupid. (But I'm not a total imbecile; I got a Samsung.)
However, I've been getting nothing but a run around by customer service. First they told me that there is a hardware issue, then they stopped saying that in favor of saying "it's not gonna happen".
So my question is, if the device is capable of delivering a new feature, and you are capable of delivering the software that unlocks the box (Pandora's box), why won't you?
I believe this is tantamount to selling a computer that restricts the user to one website; who wants that?
The 2500 is the best under $500 blu ray player Samsung makes, why not make it better?
Imagine the possibilities of other future media websites over current Samsung players: think of the consumer loyalty.
We're saying the same thing
by Samsung_HD_Tech - 4/6/09 4:31 PM
In reply to: We're saying the same thing by sproy218
sproy218,
Well, I'm not saying I believe anything, and I'm not certain what you've suggested is proven. I do think that if I continue this, the only outcome is that you're going to be angry with me for specifications that were set, and probably won't change.
So what I might suggest is calling 800-SAMSUNG and asking to speak with our Executive Customer Relations department about this. Maybe they'll be willing to work with you on an exchange or an upgrade - maybe not, but it's a step towards doing something about it, rather than just discussing it.
That's the only way that I can think resolution is going to come to this issue.
There was a specification difference. We don't make seperated models that are identical - close, maybe. Not identical. I can see where the confusion comes in.
So consider calling in to see if Samsung will consider a solution for you. I don't get to make that decision, but I am doing me best to point you in the direction of a solution for you.
--HDTech
imagine the possibilities
- Click here to visit the Samsung forum
- Click here to visit the Samsung store on CNET
That's the first positive suggestion I've heard
by sproy218 - 4/6/09 8:05 PM In reply to: We're saying the same thing by Samsung_HD_Tech
Thank you, it's good to be heard.
As you can see from Post #10, there's more than one disgruntled Samsung customer that thinks that Samsung would rather fill landfills with their equipment than support and update what is currently in use by their customers. It's not a very environmentally safe strategy.
Lets make firmware upgrades Samsung's Green Initiative: Imagine the possibilities.
And I wouldn't get angry with you; you're doing your job holding the company line. I can tell you are passionate about your job. It's good to see you are compassionate enough to find out that your customers will only be as loyal to Samsung as Samsung is to its products.
Thanks again, HDTech Guy or Gal
Steve
That's the first positive suggestion I've heard
by Samsung_HD_Tech - 4/6/09 9:04 PM
In reply to: That's the first positive suggestion I've heard by sproy218
sproy218,
No problem. I'd be interested in hearing if a resolution is possible.
I didn't mean to "wait so long" for this suggestion, it's just that I had to best determine what path would best serve your concerns.
I'll note this exchange and will send a report up to marketing. Before I did that, I just wanted to clarify the status quo. I certainly wasn't trying to engage in an argument, but clarifiy with facts.
Clarification, I hope I've provided. That's what I'm here for.
A solution is up to ECR. That's what they're here for.
Thanks for the kind words. I hope you get the resolve you're looking for.
Keep me posted.
--HDTech
imagine the possibilities
- Click here to visit the Samsung forum
- Click here to visit the Samsung store on CNET
Spoke with your Executive Customer Relations department
by sproy218 - 4/14/09 3:02 PM In reply to: We're saying the same thing by Samsung_HD_Tech
Spent 20 minutes convincing tier 1 support to let me through to ECR then another 45 minutes trying to convince Sean that adding Pandora to the 2500's feature set would (a) enhance Samsung's customer appeal (b) greatly improve the feature set and make all current BD-P2500 customers happy and (c) improve the future sales of this model. Sean was easily persuaded to my point of view (eager to tell me what I wanted to hear) but pretty doleful about the prospects of getting anything done to make things happen. When I asked what else I could do to push this firmware upgrade forward to Samsung programmers, he said nothing; he was the end of the line, the customer service cul de sac. Unless my current unit was defective, there are no deals, no hush monies, no making the customers happy beyond giving ear.
So even though I hate to admit it and think it sounds harsh, dan104's 4/06 post "The 2550 is an obsolete product, in fact it was DOA" hits the nail on the head.
I do believe that Samsung should be more truthful about adding new features on its product pages by replacing:
"Your new Samsung Blu-ray Disc™ player won’t be obsolete the moment you bring it home from the store. It’s equipped with an Ethernet connection so you can download the latest firmware upgrade and add new features."
with:
Don't expect any updates because by the time you buy our products we'll be hard at work creating their replacements... so don't get too attached.
Thanks for listening
The 2550 is an obsolete product, in fact it was DOA
by dan104 - 4/6/09 2:23 PM In reply to: They don't have the same exact features... by Samsung_HD_Tech
The 2550 is an obsolete product, in fact it was dead on arrival. The firmware never made it to the specs of the box, but then neither did the 2500. You can have HD Netflix but not high quality sound or you can have high quality sound on Blue ray but not be able to get Netflix streaming.
I would assume that the 1600 and 3600 will suffer from the same problems, I don’t why anyone would want to go down that road, or even think that Samsung will invest a dime in fixing any problems with either 2500 or 2550. They have sold all they plan to and moved on. As for belief in the concept of keeping the product up to date, really do you believe that trash???
I wish I had bought the Sony system. Every contact with Samsung gets the same old BS, “That’s a new problem”, “Never heard of that” etc..
Firware version 2.5
by donbuczynski - 4/15/09 1:30 PM In reply to: BD-P2500 firmware update by sproy218There is a new firware revision available on the Samsung website for the BD-2500 and BD-2550. Change history follows.
BD-P2550 Firmware Ver 2.5
Date: Apr.16, 2009
This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
1. Improves playback compatibility of some movie titles.
BD-P2550 Firmware Update History
Ver 2.4 Jan. 06, 2009
This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
1. Supports DTS-HD HRA/MA Decoding
Ver 2.3 Dec.31, 2008
This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
1. Improves playback compatibility of some movie titles.
Ver 2.1 Dec.2, 2008
This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
1. Supports Netflix VC1-AP HD Stream.
2. Improves playback compatibility of some movie titles.
Ver 2.0 Oct.23, 2008
This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
1. Supports BD-Live
2. Supports 'Instant Streaming' feature from Netflix & 'Internet Radio' from Pandora
3. Firmware auto upgrade (automatically notifies availablity of new firmware).
4. Improves playback compatibility of some movie titles.
2.5 firmware
by dan104 - 4/15/09 1:41 PM In reply to: Firware version 2.5 by donbuczynskiHas anybody tested this yet?
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