Samsung DVD-VR325 DVD/VCR Recorder
video upconversion to 480p/720p/1080i * HDMI interface with multichannel audio and HDCP copy protection (upconverted video available through HDMI output only) * 2-meter HDMI cable included * 5 recording modes (XP, SP, LP, EP, auto) * selectable progressive-scan mode for smoother video with HD-compatible TVs (via the component video output) *

Test Report

Does everything with one exception / Report: October 28, 2005
It is a terrific player/recorder. The VCR's quality outmatches just about any VCR. The VCR to DVD works without a hitch and without heat buildup on the case. It's just terrific.

My one complaint is that it won't play VCD's or SVCD's. This is probably unimportant to most people but before there were DVD's there were VCD's and alot of my children's video's are on VCD.

Samsung has a convenient port on the front of the device to hook up an external device to record from. So I have to hook up my old DVD player (that supported VCD) and transfer everything over to DVD-R.

You'll not be dissappointed by either the functionality or the picture quality. It is worth it if you have DVD's and a high def TV or you need to tranfer your VCR tapes and old home movies to DVD.


Excellent Combo Player - but a couple of minor irritants...Report
I Decided to get this Combo player for two reasons initially. #1 the upconversion of both the DVD AND VCR and #2 It matches my Samsung LCD TV.

Performance of this ubit so far has been exceptional, Great upconversion through the DVI output. It showed significant inprovement over the TV's built in upconversion for the VDD and incredible improvement over my exixting 6 head toshiba VCR.

One thing that was nice that they don't mention in the literature is that the VCR is SVHS compatible so you can take advantage of the higher image quality. Basically this unit exceds my performance standards that I was looking for picture and sound wise.

Now for the issues:

#1 - You cant really stack anything on top of it or it fouls the loading mechanism of the VCR. I placed my LCD TV (23" Samsung 21lbs) on top of it and the top bowed enough so that the loading mechanism would get caught on the case. I fixed this myself with a little inginuity but it could cause others issue.

#2 - The Second issue which is a little more irritating is with the recorder. If you wish to record from VCR-DVD or visa-versa you MUST turn off the Progressive scanning. This is not an issue if you use the normal component video out however, if you use the DVI you cannot get a picture on your monitor (I had to connect a second line to my TV to get recording to work). The other issue is that no where n the directions do they tell you this, I had to figure it out on my own. The DVD recording quality is very good though once you get it figured out.

Other than that this unit is worth the money to me.. Though the manual could be much better and of course the stacking issue, but that is a minor thing.

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