Samsung DVD-R120

Samsung DVD-R120 Recorder Review

The two-tone silver/black Samsung DVD-R120 puts the power, quality, and convenience of digital video recording and playback at your fingertips. The stylish, slender component stands less than 3 inches tall but delivers everything from triple-format DVD recording (write-once DVD-R, rewritable DVD-RW, and random-access DVD-RAM) to progressive-scan video and playback of MP3 music and JPEG digital-photo files.

Front-panel audio/video inputs offer easy access for connecting external devices such as camcorders, DVRs, and VCRs, and the unit offers both analog and digital DV (FireWire IEEE 1394) inputs for high quality and great flexibility. Now you can edit and share your home-video archives with your family and friends.

The Samsung DVD-R120 uses its own multi-format technology that allows the DVD-R120 to support three digital recording formats: DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, and DVD-R. DVD-RAM is the most versatile format available to DVDs and can adapt to DVD-RW status for playback on older machines.

The Samsung DVD-R120 non-contact optical pick-up ensures that each disc will be scratch-free for repeated use. The DVD-RAM format also allows for mixed storage of video, audio, and other types of data from both the PC and AV worlds. The format's non-linear characteristics enable unique features like time-shifting and time-warping. This means you can start watching a program from the beginning while the middle or end is still being recorded. Write-once DVD-R media is widely compatible with other DVD players and PCs.

One-touch and timer recording offers extra convenience (initiating playback at 30 minutes and adding 30 minutes with each additional press of the button, up to the available disc time or 240 minutes, whichever is sooner), while digital noise reduction actually improves upon the quality of incoming interlaced video signals.

During playback, you'll also enjoy live picture pause and replay. And whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the Samsung DVD-R120 stands ready to deliver the full potential of your DVDs.

Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. Composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television.

Connections include 2 each composite- and S-video inputs (1 front and 1 rear) with accompanying stereo analog audio inputs (left/right RCA), 1 each composite-, S-video, and component-video outputs, and the component outs are selectable for either 480i or progressive 480p, depending on your TV. A choice of coaxial or optical digital-audio output facilitates hookup with an audio/video surround receiver for exciting multichannel surround sound from Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 soundtracks.

What's in the Box?

Samsung DVD-R120 DVD player/recorder, a remote control, remote batteries, an audio/video cable, an RF video cable, a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.

What Features Does the Samsung DVD-R120 Have?

� Color: Silver

� Disc capacity: 1

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

� Progressive scan: Yes

� Switchable 480p/480i: Yes

� 3:2 pulldown detection: No

� Memory card slot: No

� Playback formats: DVD-Video (NTSC), DVD-R, DVD-RW (video-mode), DVD-RAM, red book CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD, JPEG image CD

� Recording formats: DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM

� Recording features: Simultaneous record and playback, time shift, 1-touch recording (records an additional 30 minutes for each press of the record button, up to 240 minutes), timer recording, auto chapter creator

� Recording quality: XP (about 8 Mbps), SP (about 4 Mbps), LP (about 2 Mbps), EP (about 1.2 Mbps or about 0.8 Mbps), FR (about 0.8 Mbps to 8 Mbps)

� Recording duration: 1 to 8 hours per single-sided 4.7 GB DVD, depending on selected quality level

� Picture enhancements: Digital noise reduction from analog video inputs, 2D Y/C Separating Circuitry

� MP3/JPEG combination playback: Information not available

� Firmware upgradeable: No

� Display: Yes

� Aspect ratio control: Yes

� Dialog enhancer: No

� Integrated receiver: No

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

� Video DAC: 10-bit, 54 MHz

Conclusion

DVD Recorders are rapidly replacing the VCR as part of a home-theater component system. Besides getting digital-quality performance, the Samsung DVD-R120 is remarkably easy to use.

One Touch Recording button on the Samsung DVD-R120 Recorder makes recording easier than ever. By simply pressing the button, Samsung DVD Recorder automatically searches the available recording space on the disc and starts recording the selected program. Pressing the ":Recording" button once will record up to 30 minutes and pressing twice will record up to an hour.

Each time you press the button, Samsung DVD Recorder automatically records an additional 30 minute length of the selected program. The recording time on a disc is a maximum of 240 minutes depending on the recording mode. Once the recording is completed, simply press the "PLAY" button. Now the program that you just recorded will play.

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

7/10

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Samsung DVD-R120 Recorder Review
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