Samsung BDP-1600 Trouble aftr FW update

[Videonutz]

My Samsung has worked perfectly through numerous FW updates since purchased. Last Friday,
I was prompted to update to BEV2.15_110221A_XAA. All went as usuall, however after starting up the player and entering my wifi settings, I was no longer able to access Blockbuster/Netflix. Pandora and Youtube work. I called Netflix and verified all was ok on their end, and Netflix did work on my computer.
I tried a direct wired connection to the player- same problem.
I burned the FW to a CD and reloaded it - same problem.

I then called Samsung support. They were not aware of any problems of this type with the new FW.
It was released the same day I called,however. Tech support walked me through a hard reset of the player, cycling on/off,
with no resolution of the problem. It was escalated to a 3rd level technician, and he said they'd get back to me.
They did call back Sunday night!

Here's the kicker. The player is 3 months out of warrenty, and they want me to ship it back and have it serviced for min $110. Is this some kind of planned obsolesence for a unit built 3/2009?
Has anyone else had this kind of problem?

Pulling my hair out!

[jman98]

Firmware upgrades do entail some risk. Was there some specific thing in this that you really had to have or do you just apply firmware updates every time they come out? If it's the latter, you should probably rethink that policy. You really shouldn't update the firmware unless there is a really compelling reason to do so like there is a fix or functionality you must have. You should not upgrade just for the sake of upgrading.

Manufacturers no longer design any BluRay or DVD players for long life and haven't for years. The solution they offered you is not unreasonable for a player almost 2 years old since it was built. The only option I can think of is that you can try to downgrade the firmware to the previous release if you can find it somewhere and that might fix your issues. If so, consider yourself lucky and do NOT attempt to reinstall the upgrade that just broke your player. Do note that it may not be possible to downgrade your firmware, but you'll have to try to see if the player will let you do that or not. Some don't allow downgrades ever. Some will allow it. Samsung may not be willing to provide an old firmware to you so you may have to hunt for it on the internet and see if you can find it elsewhere.

[16mmJunkie]

By chance did you update via a flashdrive before? if so is the old firmware (1.03-2.12) still there...if so use it.

[Videonutz]

Thank you both for your replys. I am guilty as charged. I have been upgrading my firmware mainly to get rid of the annoying
prompts to do so. This player will not accept older firmware per tech support and my attempts to do so.

The tech did say that I could wait until a new firmware is issued, and see if that will correct my problem. He did not know
when the next update might be released if ever. Oh well, everything works except for the Netflix. I'm considering using this
with another TV to upgrade it to BluRay, and quit buying these cheapo units. Considering an Oppo now.

I'll heed your advice from now on and reject upgrading my FW, unless I'm am having problems.