Instruction: Extract information from the supporting document to answer the given question.

Input:
Question: Does this player stay region free even after software/firmware updates?
Document: Advertised as a region free player, turns out this wasn't the case, so I decided to return the machine and get a refund.
I ordered this player so that I could play other regions' blu ray discs. The description, the box sticker all indicated it was not restricted to a single region. I even called Samsung and they said only US region A and 1 discs would play. I had no choice but to return it as I have four other blu ray players for US discs. I am quite disappointed that the product was not as described.
Went to the screen for the firmware update and it claims it cannot connect to the internet. Went back to the network setup and it all checked out OK. Went back to firmware upgrade, no go. Perhaps it's a false message as it is in fact running the latest firmware. My Samsung TV and Samsung Home Theater are both able to connect for updates.
I just hope if there ever is a need to upgrade the firmware it'll work the USB way.
Software update option does not seem to work either. No messages saying if it actually checked for the update,
Works really well. We have several dvd's that came from Europe and they play on this player with no problem. Easy set up too.
This product was shipped from Global Communications. It had all the right stickers to indicate it was multi-region, however it was not. I returned it  via Amazon and obtained a full refund. Then I replaced it with a Sony multi-region which worked correctly immediately with absolutely no problem.
read the fine print.I can't get this thing to work multi zone unless I get the technical encyclopedia out. Seriously it's way to complicated and you can't just put in the blue ray each time and expect it to change region as I do with my other one.Really bummed I didn't realize this until now otherwise I would have sent it back
I'm giving it 4 stars as it does what I bought it to do. Once it was hooked up and working (see below) it plays region A, B and C bluray disks and region 0-8 DVD's and displays PAL disks wonderfully on my NTSC TV. That's what I was in need of.I took it out of the box and hooked it up to my Samsung Smart TV with the supplied HDMI cable. Nothing. Nada. Would not respond to the remote.
Quality of BD and DVD playback and ease of use of those functions are good.The device seem to have very low processing power or memory for the apps provided. They are very sluggish. Have problems with the YouTube app when there is no disk in the drive. It goes in to a loop of checking for disk in the drive and restart the app. App start working albeit sluggish once you put a disk in the drive. Playback itself is not sluggish, provided you have a good connection.
Answer: This is my second one (one in each residence), and 'yes' I have never had to restore settings. I got it because I purchase some DVDs and complete TV series cheaper from the UK.