Q Do some Blu-ray players have a problem reading certain disks even if they have received the latest firmware updates? I received a replacement movie disc for the first one that would not play, thinking it to be defective. However it, too, would not play on my Samsung player. It did play on an older Sony Blu-ray player in another room.
–H.H.
A The quick and simple answer to your question is yes; some players have problems with certain discs. The problem has existed since the format was launched and though updating your player with the latest firmware is usually all you need to have a trouble-free experience, from time to time there are discs that have problems with certain players. In March of this year CNET posted a feature called “Blu-ray compatibility: It’s still an issue” at http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20000636-1.html. It’s worth a read for anyone who wants to learn more.
You mentioned one of the key issues, firmware updates. Manufacturers regularly release these software updates for their players. Firmware updates eliminate glitches as they are uncovered and often improve the player’s overall performance or add new features. For easy and automatic firmware updates, buy a player with a wireless connection.
If you want the surest proof against playback issues your best bet is to buy a PlayStation 3. It is still the most solid, most reliable, best-supported player on the market and has wireless connectivity to automatically download and install firmware updates. If a component player is what you want the Panasonic players are reliable and perform well in every regard. The Panasonic DMP-BFD85 is a wonderful player with wireless connectivity and it sells for under $200. You can use the DMP-BD85’s wireless adapter for updating firmware, streaming content Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora, and accessing other online content through Panasonic’s Viera Cast.
Though compatibility issues may exist from time to time with certain players and certain discs, it is no reason to shy away from Blu-ray. I’ve run into the problem only rarely myself. The only serious problem disc I ever had was “Don’t Mess with the Zohan,” which would not play in the Samsung or Insignia players I had on hand. It did play perfectly on my PlayStation 3, though, just as I expected it would.
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Comcast update: I’ve been in touch with many readers and some PR representatives from Comcast and I’m sorry to say the A/B switch problem is far from resolved. A familiar pattern has emerged. First, I receive an e-mail from a reader saying Comcast’s representatives told them they do not have A/B switches and if they want HD channels they have to pay for a box. I forward the reader’s e-mail to the Comcast PR people, and a week or so later get an e-mail from the reader thanking me because they received their A/B switch. It all makes me wonder how many people read the column, contacted Comcast and were turned away, but never contacted me? The Comcast PR person I have been working with certainly seems to take the issue seriously and is working in good faith, but some of the reader comments are concerning. I will have more in an upcoming column, but in the meantime if you were turned down for an A/B switch please contact me through my website.
Read past columns and product reviews by Don Lindich at www.soundadviceblog.com, and contact him using the “submit question” link on that site.
