Samsung DVD-V8500 DVD/VCR Combo

The Samsung DVD-V8500 combo unit lets you enjoy both your VHS and DVD libraries with one component. The hi-fi VCR offers MTS decoding, four video heads, three VHS recording settings (SP, SLP, and auto), auto tracking adjustment, and quasi S-VHS playback. The DVD-V8500 also offers a wide spectrum of playback formats, including DVD movie, CD audio, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, and JPEG. Additionally, you can view photos directly from your digital camera's memory card with the multi-format card slot on the front of the unit, which is compatible with Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, SmartMedia, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital (SD), CompactFlash, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card, and miniSD. It also includes front-panel AV inputs, enabling you to connect a digital video camcorder for easy recording to VHS tape.
The DVD-V8500 also offers 10-bit 54-MHz DAC for high-quality video recording and playback. It provides optical and coaxial digital audio outputs for Dolby Digital and DTS multi-channel surround sound, as well as a selectable progressive-scan mode for smoother video with HD-compatible TVs via the component video output (480i/480p for DVD only). It also offers the following video connections: Amazon.com Product Description

Test Report

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad But It Ain't Good / Report November 12, 2005
I purchased three of these several months ago. Two of them work fine. They're inexpensive units, & reasonably easy to use. They're no frills machines, but worth the money. The third unit has stopped recognizing many major studio released DVDs that the other two units play. With the third unit, I have to load & reload, jiggle the DVD in the holder, & turn the power off & on, to get it to sometimes work. After 15 minutes of fiddling with it, I usually give up & move on to something else. I'll soon be getting rid of the third unit because it's aggravating & wasting my time. The two units that work get a rating of 3* from me, & the other one gets a 1* rating. My next DVD/VCR combo will probably be a Panasonic.



clicking noise- Report November 1, 2005
I have noticed that when I am recording a tv show or playing a vhs tape, there is a steady "click" that is annoying. I have since read other reviews and I read that someone else was also having the same problem. Otherwise, the equipment is user friendly and I do like it, but simply cannot stand the clicking noise. I understand that I cannot return or exchange it with your company. I have called tech support 2 times and they told me to contact me. What in the world should i do now??????


Samsung DVD-V8500 Combo / Report October 18, 2005
I am pleased with this purchase! I was looking for a VCR to replace one that quit. Because it is for a second TV room that doesn't have a surrond system or DVD player, I thought a VCR/DVD combo would be nice. My primary use is to record TV shows only, to watch at my leasure and zip through commercials. However, the DVD gives me another choice should hubby be watching the Hitler channel (umm History Channel) - again. I mean really, how many times does one need to watch WWII? Oh well another story - sorry. You can see my need for another TV and viewing options! It was a breeze to hook up, I did it myself in just a couple of minutes. The setup for programming is easy. Directions are easy to understand in the manual and recording quality is excellent. The only thing at this point that I could say bad about it, is a slight click every few seconds in the tape play mode. It is not loud and after you hear it the first couple of times, you don't notice it at all. It does not interfere with viewing. The DVD player works just as well, even better actually. The TV has stereo speakers and a faux surrond sound feature which is nice. The TV is also a Samsung, which I have had excellent service from and why I chose this model from a couple of choices in my price range. Bottom line - I think this unit is a great choice and at just over $100 - it's a great deal too. I am very happy with it.

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