Is anyone using a Samsung Smart Blu-ray Player for Netflix/ iPlayer/ Youtube?

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BaronGrivet

66 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#154715 5-Nov-2014 12:36

Last year I built up a HTPC with the intention of making the most out of it's power/ flexibility to access video content across the web.

After several months it's only been used for:

Netflix (via UnBlockUs)
Youtube
BBC iPlayer (via UnBlockUs)
TVNZ OnDemand
DLNA media files

With this in mind I have to concede that the user interface can be frustrating (either wireless keyboard/trackpad or Unified Remote) and off-putting for other family members. I'm also having heat/ noise issues with the HTPC that are increasing with the warmer weather.

So I've been wondering whether it would make sense to get a Samsung BD-H6500 Ultra HD Smart 3D Blu-ray player or similar:
http://www.samsung.com/nz/consumer/tv-audio-video/blu-ray-player/blu-ray-player/BD-H6500/XY

They're cheapish ($200-250), would come with a traditional remote - and would mean we could do everything (Blu-ray/DVD/streaming) from a single device.

I've heard that the Samsung interface isn't too bad either.

The rest of my gear is Sony so if Sony (or any reputable brand for that matter) do a comparable option I'd be interested.

Is anyone currently using a Samsung for what I've described? What do you think?

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reven

3748 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 874

Trusted

#1169260 5-Nov-2014 13:59

you wont be able to use netflix + nz apps at the same time. you'll have to decide what region you want (unless someone knows a way around this?)/

I just set mine to the UK so i can view iplayer and netflix. netflix can use the US account, even though samsung set to uk/different region.

KiwiTim

406 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 62

#1171284 8-Nov-2014 11:37

Yes, Netflix is 1080P and the BBC iPLayer can also stream in their HD mode very well. The picture quality is fantastic. I purchased a BD-H6500 for $149.99 when Harvey Norman had a special back in the middle of the year. I would not be surprised to see that price again just before and after Christmas. I would watch the price in Pricespy and pounce when you see a good price.

The only con I would have about this unit is that the processor is a little slow; it's a dual core. I would not be surprised if next year's model gets a quad core. Maybe that might be worth waiting for.

I believe that the Netflix app can do 4K for their 4K content if you have a 4K TV, which I don't. Also the unit upscales to 4K.

It's got to be the best value I've had for $150 for a long time.

Tim