BD Firmware thread

[Lex]

So, how many more Firmware upgrades are going to be required just to play BD discs? So far, my generation one Sony player has required 2 Firmware upgrades, the latest, discovered when Quantum Solace would not play. It played to the menu, then would not go further. After another firmware upgrade, it did play fine.

For those that get into this boat, you cannot just copy the firmware file as a data disc, you must make it as an "Image Copy" in order for it to work.

Just a little helpful info...

Gee, DVD was never this complicated, huh? I never did 1 Firmware upgrade for Redbood DVD.

[scarpi]

I've had a Sony BD350 player for almost a year now and have not upgraded the firmware yet. I have all the firmware upgrade discs from sony but my player has never had a problem playing any disc yet so I never installed them. I figure why fix it if it ain't broken. If I have a problem, I'll install the latest firmware upgrade.

[whoaru99]

I have a Panasonic DMP-BD55 and have done several firmware updates. I think it was around 1.4 when I got it, and I think it's on or about 2.0 currently.

Some, like this one, you can just plug into your home network/LAN and have it do the updates directly without doing a separate download and making a disc.

[Lex]

Both times it happened to mine, the movie would play previews, then get to the main menu for movie, and not proceed forward. Weird.

[whoaru99]

You never know for sure what is going on behind the scenes, but, generally speaking, the BD55 firmwares have been to address specific issue(s) with specific movie(s). Here's the history on mine, but this isn't quite as detailed as some of the specifics I've seen previously.

Model Number DMP-BD55PP
Update Version Ver 2.0
Update File Name / Size North America
UPDATE_BD55PP_V20.exe / 28,164,294 bytes

Update Date 2009/7/8

Improvements
Date/Version Description
2009/7/8
Ver 2.0 BD-V Playability

2009/5/21
Ver 1.9 BD-V Playability

2009/3/31
Ver 1.8 BD-V Playability

2009/2/9
Ver 1.7 Stability of decoding for HD audio, etc.

2008/12/8
Ver 1.6 BD-V Playability

2008/10/30
Ver 1.5 Playability and Stability

[PewterTA]

Get a PS3 instead?!?!

Then don't have any issues... ha ha.

[George Bellefontaine]

I own both a Panny 30 and Panny 35 and have done all but the two latest updates because they are for titles I don't care to watch. I'll do a catch-up if necessary, but don't do them unless I feel a need to. The procedure is pretty painless. I just download, unzip and send the unzipped file to my Windows XP cd writer. Still, wish the studios would stop releasing titles with complicated features and overboard copy protection crappola, which usually result in some players having difficulties playing the discs.

[whoaru99]

Get a PS3 instead?!?!

Then don't have any issues... ha ha.

I may have done that....if it had multichannel analog outputs. I'm not quite ready to do a $x,xxx.xx pre/pro update just to get HDMI audio capabilities.

[John Holmes]

I may have done that....if it had multichannel analog outputs. I'm not quite ready to do a $x,xxx.xx pre/pro update just to get HDMI audio capabilities.

I agree, this is one of couple of drawbacks using the PS3. But as far as the topic of this thread goes, I have to agree with PewterTA.

I have an original 80 gig PS3. And it has played everything I've thrown at it. And it gets a lot of work via Netflix! :lol: Though I have to admit, like Doug stated, the PS3 is one of the BDP's which has had numerous FW updates. Thankfully, they are a piece of cake via ethernet.

[Chris D]

Still my BD player, 3 years later and going strong!

[Alloroc]

Still my BD player, 3 years later and going strong!

There have been a few times this year when I've had my cursor on the checkout button for a new BDP however every time I've stopped and shook my head thinking why on earth do I need a new one?! The PS3 is an awesome device and for all it's flaws (if you can call them that) it has never let me down with BD playback. It does it all.

That said it's only now that the current generation of players are finally hitting the market that may finally prompt me to buy one. I'm thinking specifically the newest line from Marantz and perhaps Sony (Oppo is not available over here). The UD8004 from Marantz is making me salivate in fact. Tho the BD7004 is probably where I'll dip my toe.