Hi innerscape,
my machine is playing CD's fine - a stupid question really, but have you connected everything properly, and double checked. The reason i ask is because i sold one of my other blueray players to a friend ( a Sony ) and connected it up, threw in a blue ray ( Ironman 2 ) - waiting to blow him away with the delights of HD ( he has just purchased his first HD TV ) - pressed play and ....!£@** NOTHING !! - i hastily went through the menu in the tv- tried everything - 20 minutes later when nothing eles worked i decided to check the connections - guess what - Stupid here had not pushed in the HDMI cable into the back of the tv far enough!!
Other than that i cant think of any other reason why it wouldnt work.
I tried to update via ethernet and the player was telling me that it already has the latest software.
Try speaking to the shop/store that you purchased it from as i am sure they will definately help - shops stocking/selling Pioneer machines generally have enthusiast working there that have better knowledge than the normal store sales people ( Currys/Comet ect ).
I hope you get it sorted - let me know how you get on - also if you watch a 3D movie before i do post your findings.
All the best
saarnold