Is a internet connection needed for Blu Ray players?

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Cruciblewrecker

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#180837 23-Sep-2015 14:23

Hi all,
Is a internet connection needed to update the firmware on a modern Blu Ray player so it has the most recent codes to read the data on a Blu Ray movie disc?

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#1392699 23-Sep-2015 14:31

Most allow you to upgrade the firmware via USB if internet is not available directly.

Otherwise, only other thing I know that a BR player will want the net for, is any smart apps on it, and any special features on a disc that reqs web content.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Behodar

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#1392722 23-Sep-2015 14:45

For what it's worth, I've never had to upgrade the firmware on any of my players.

Jase2985

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#1392772 23-Sep-2015 15:15

Behodar: For what it's worth, I've never had to upgrade the firmware on any of my players.

never had to, but probably could of

scuwp

3885 posts

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#1392776 23-Sep-2015 15:20

Never updated, and works just fine. If it ain't broke don't fix it?

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

Behodar

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#1392779 23-Sep-2015 15:21

Jase2985:
Behodar: For what it's worth, I've never had to upgrade the firmware on any of my players.

never had to, but probably could of

In my case I didn't want to risk breaking the region-free support :)

afe66

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#1392840 23-Sep-2015 15:41

Updating the firmware on my Sony Bluray gave me the netflix app which I use to watch nz netflix with remote etc rather than the HTPC/key board to VPN to US.
(DVD watching still region free - but most DVD ripped to media server with handbrake (Ubuntu 12.04) before watching on the player)

A.

old3eyes

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#1392873 23-Sep-2015 16:16

My Panasonic player has had about 5 updates but none of them broke the region free settings, didn't get anything new either..

Regards,

Old3eyes

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Dunnersfella

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#1392968 23-Sep-2015 18:54

The updates can ensure that the machine will play the latest Blu-ray discs. This often comes up when the studios release a major new title and change the copyright encryption to foil pirating (all-be-it briefly).
Other players I've come across have been steaming piles of unreliable turds until the 3rd or 4th firmware update.
Sometimes you get lucky and never have an issue, other people have the worst of luck...