Solid build, small size, minimalistic faceplate, quiet mechanism.

Clumsy method of selecting the DVI output. DTS soundtrack drop out. Cheap remote

This review and ratings are based on MY experience when utilizing the Samsung attached to a Toshiba 57HX83 HDTV via DVI. Your results may vary. I was anxious to try the upconverting feature of this DVD player based on favorable reviews that I had read. The Samsung appears to be well made unit with minimalistic styling (which I prefer)and came complete with a DVI cable. Out of the box this unit is set up to utilize the analog video outputs. To set up the unit to use the DVI output you must attach BOTH the DVI cable AND an analog video output cable (such as the composite out) , enter setup and select DVI as the video output, change your HDTV input to DVI and then confirm the DVI setting within 10 seconds. There is NO output from the DVI port until selected thus the requirement to utilize an analog out during setup. If you don't confirm the change the unit will revert to analog video out. Unfortunately, this unit suffered from "black crunch" when paired with my Toshiba 57HX83 HDTV. Dark areas of the display showed no detail whatsoever and appeard as if the areas were painted in big blotches of dark gray. The DTS soundtrack reproduction suffered from dropouts (momentary periods of silence). The Dolby Digital soundtrack reproduction was average. I returned this unit and replaced with another brand of upconverting DVD. I did not experience any of these problems with the replacement unit. These problems have been reported in several other reviews across the internet. I suggest finding reviews that pair this unit with YOUR HDTV to see if they are compatible, you may be saving the cost of return shipping.

Similar Products Used:

Denon DVD-1910 upconverting player Sony DVP-CX985V 400 disc changer

the best dvd performence I have ever seen. Sscd/ dvd-audio decoder. Nice looking, slim unit.

set up is a bit of a challange. Remote is about average

I bought this unit primarily to see if using the dvi output in the 1080i mode made a noticible difference over my jvc with component video output. It did not disappoint. The immages coupeled with my hitachi ultravision 51s500 crt based tv rival that of a high def broadcast. Watch "taking lives" some time and you will see what I mean. That performence along with the sacd/dvd audio decoder make ie an exceptional value. I can enjoy a life like immage on my tv and multi channel audio fo under $200.00

Similar Products Used:

jvc, sony, toshiba

Excellent hi-resolution audio with both SACD & DVD-Audio discs. Cool slimline appearance.

As noted above, distortion on redbook cd's when first played after playing hi-rez or DVD's.

I bought this to replace an older Sony DVD/SACD player. My main purpose for buying the Samsung was for the SACD/DVD-Audio features. (I don't have high-def TV so that's not my concern.) I was amazed that the sound quality surpassed that of the Sony unit - I was blown away by the DVD-Audio sound, and SACD, too. One problem I've encountered is when I first play a regular CD, I hear some godawful distortion. I then stop the player and play the disc again and the distortion disappears. But for playing DVD movies, and hi-rez audio, I'm very happy with this unit.

Similar Products Used:

Sony NSV500, Zenith DVB412, Go Video 3740 DVD Recorder.