Samsung DVD-HD841 DVD Player Review

The Samsung DVD-HD841 delivers scintillating video and audio performance at an eye-popping price. Between the unit's progressive-scan component-video and DVI digital-video outputs, sophisticated high-definition upconversion (from 480i/p DVD-Video to 720p, 768p, or 1080i, depending on your HDTV), and processing abilities for the audio-only SACD (Super Audio CD) and DVD-Audio formats, this player quite nearly does it all.

Samsung's video upconversion technology eliminates visible scan lines and artifacts arising from interlaced video and the 3:2 pulldown process required to render film-based movies as NTSC video. The result: higher resolution from conventional sources and sharper images with few motion artifacts. The player's DVI digital-video output may be used for lossless video transmission between the player and compatible TVs and computer monitors.

The Samsung DVD-HD841 has a built-in video scaler that permits output to a HDTV.

Superior Sound

SACD and DVD-Audio media both offer super-high-fidelity sound. DVD-Audio discs provide 192 kHz/24-bit multichannel and stereo sound, high storage capacity, and unique bonus materials not available on regular audio CDs. These discs often have compressed Dolby Digital soundtracks for listening on standard DVD players, but true DVD-A decoding is required for full sonic appreciation. Depending on the disc, Sony's proprietary SACD format provides multichannel and/or stereo sound, often presented in a dual-layer format compatible with both standard CD players (at standard resolution) and SACD-equipped players like the DVD-HD841 (for full-resolution playback). As an antipiracy measure, the Samsung DVD-HD841 performs its own decoding of both DVD-Audio and SACD signals, passing high-resolution analog, not digital, audio to your integrated amplifier or surround receiver. This means you'll need an audio/video receiver with multichannel analog-audio inputs to appreciate multichannel DVD-A and SACD releases.

Enjoy peerless multichannel, surround-sound audio from DVD-Audio and SACD media.

A set of stereo and a set of multichannel analog-audio outputs route audio from DVD-A/SACD media as well as from Dolby Digital- and DTS-encoded DVDs to your AV receiver. If you're not planning to use the DVD-A/SACD capability for multichannel programming, both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (one each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for simpler connection with your receiver.

Another handy feature is the player's EZ View letterbox eliminator, which lets you enjoy full-screen pictures on 4:3 aspect-ratio TVs--even when you're watching widescreen DVDs. Composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television.

What's in the Box?

Samsung DVD-HD841 DVD player, remote control, remote batteries, user's manual, DVI digital video interconnect, stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, and warranty information.

What Features Does the Samsung DVD-HD841 Have?

� Color: Silver

� Disc capacity: 1

� Region playback: Compatible only with discs coded for Region 1 and for All Regions

� Progressive scan: Yes

� Memory card slot: No

� Playback formats: DVD-Video (NTSC), DVD-Audio, SACD, red book CD, audio CD-R, audio CD-RW

� Picture enhancements: 720p/768p/1080i upconversion of conventional DVD-Video media

� Firmware upgradeable: No

� Display: LCD

� Aspect ratio control: Yes (including EZ View letterbox eliminator)

� Dialog enhancer: No

� Integrated receiver: No

� Quick play: No

� Multi-angle viewing: Yes (with applicable discs)

� Video DAC: Information not available

� Audio DAC: 192 kHz, 24-bit, plus single-bit DSD (SACD) conversion

� HDCD decoding: No

� Frame advance: Yes

� Still/freeze frame: Yes

� Jog/shuttle dial on unit: Yes

� Karaoke: No

� Remote control: Yes

� Recording capability: No

� Reverse-frame step: Yes

� Slow motion: Yes

� VCR capability: No

� Headphone jack: No

� Video outputs: 1 composite-video, 1 S-video, 1 component-video, and 1 DVI-HDTV

� Surround-sound output: Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel passthrough and decoding, DVD-Audio and SACD multichannel analog decoding

� THX-certified: No

� Front-panel inputs: No

� Power input: AC 120V, 60 Hz

Conclusion

Get the most out of your HDTV by connecting it to this Samsung Progressive Scan DVD Player with High-Definition Upconversion. The player digitally up-converts the DVD video to use more of your HDTV's capabilities and its built-in scaler lets you select from three resolution options (720p, 768p or 1080i) for the best looking picture (your HDTV must have a DVI input for this feature to work).

The Samsung DVD-HD841 progressive scan feature creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, which provides higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating motion blur and distortion. Its set of A/V outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Other features include an EZ View letterbox eliminator, multiple format play capabilities, motion zoom, instant replay/skip and a multibrand compatible remote control. Imported. 16-7/8Wx1-15/16Hx11-3/8D".

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

7/10

Get the latest price for the Samsung DVD-HD841

Samsung DVD-HD841 DVD Player Review
Back to home page