Samsung DVD-HD841 Up-Converting DVD Player
Samsung's HD841 is a must for anyone with an HDTV display. It converts to hi def standard DVDs from 480i to HDTV-level 720p or 1080i resolution right at the source. By up-converting content in the DVD player - rather than several steps away in the TV - the HD841 creates HDTV-level images that have fewer artifacts and less noise than with other hi def conversion methods. Then it sends that HD signal directly to your TV through a purely digital DVD output - with no analog conversion.
Samsung's 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.  | | The DVD-HD841 has a built-in video scaler that permits output to a HDTV. |
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. 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 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
DVD player, remote control, remote batteries, user's manual, DVI digital video interconnect, stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, and warranty information.
Samsung DVD-HD841 Up-Converting DVD Player Accessories
 Cables To Go - 40315 - 2M (6.5ft) Velocity HDMI Digital Video Cable (Blue)
Love (CD + Audio DVD)
Samsung DVD-HD841 Up-Converting DVD Player Reviews
After that, DTS sound worked great and I didn't have anymore skipping. I haven't had too many problems with the remote and not had any problems with the display. Just as a note, the DTS skipping problem I was able to resolve by updating the firmware on the unit.
You can download the firmware from Samsung's site. When you can buy an Oppo-Digital DVD player for about the same price or lower, it just doesn't make much sense.
It's not my receiver as my comcast box sends out digital 5.1 and the receiver detects it correctly. It works on par with any DVD player, but nothing special.
The problem I have is that it doesn't seem to want to output Dolby Digital to my receiver.it's sending a signal that gets detected as Dolby Pro Logic by my receiver which auto-detects the correct surround format. This dvd player has been okay, but it's just clunky.
(HDCP is a copy protection built into your hardware to prevent copying of the Movie). It would play DVD's I made myself, but not any store bought DVD's through the DVI Cable. This unit only up converts through the DVI cable, so unless your TVMonitor is HDCP compliant, do not expect it to work properly. I had difficulty with this unit. I called up Samsung support and found out that unless your TV is HDCP compliant then it will not play store bought DVD's through the DVI Cable.
I use a Harmony 880 remote for everything, so I cannot comment on the included remote. With output settings at 1080I for the LCD and the HD841 it looked very good. I purchased this player for around 70 bucks shipped from an Ebay vendor last week. It was easy to setup with my Westinghouse 37inch LCD using DVI cable provided. It was packaged as a recondition and arrived with new remote batteries and a DVI cable to boot. I am no expert, but the picture looked fine to me and appeared to look sharper than an older non-upscaling DVD player we have for the old tube tv. I think this was a resonable choice to fill the gap until HD discs and players come down in price and become more commonplace.
But, it the main thing is that the player is does perform well, and is a name brand product from samsung (I have had some offbrand experience and have had perfomace problems). Note to the technosavy: I have not had luck using the component upconvert code that is available on other web sites, so I am using my DVI input for upconvert. I don't understand why this model has such a rough reveiw. Menus also are a bit difficult to figure out at first as well. Also, this model does feature digital coax sound out and optical sound out as well for systems that can handle 5.1 THX. Again, The upconvert works well out the DVI hook up to my TV, but to be honest, it is hard to tell any difference between it and a good 480p progressive scan player, at least on my tv which is a 23" 720p LCD. First, this model has component, composite and S-video hook ups, as well as the DVI port (still have to run seperate sound out with DVI). Many upconvert models do not have the digital outs on lower priced models.
So give it a chane, the prices are good currently, quality has been good, and it is a Samsung. Also, the new Blue ray (HD 1080p) DVD players are out, so if you have the expensive hi res tvs that can handle this, you might want to wait and save till you can get the new DVD players. Note 2: the factory referbished models come with a DVI cable, a 20-30 dollar value that many don't come with. THis player also appears to have DivX available on it, not noted in the product discription, so that was a suprise as well. The remote again is bigger and at first more difficult than my other players, but after a day or so it actually is better because many of the features are available to change at the push of a button instread of going through the menus. Note, this model has the DVI output, If your TV has an HDMI port, you will want to check out the Samsung HD 850 (identical otherwise).
The picture quality is great, at 480p comparable with my Philips. This Model does well. In all, I will continue to explore this new player, but in all it seems to be a quality product that has received some bad flack. The user manual is less than impressive at explaining thing, in fact, it does not have an index. Earlier this week I received the factory referbished Samsung HD841. This will allow the use of MP4 movie files. I have had a few days to use it and compare it to my other players, mainly my Philips 642, which have been excellent players for me.
I've had this player for a year now and it's a real dud. It's got a terrible remote pickup, bad menus and worst of all, it resets some of its settings while your watching a DVD. Stay away from this disaster.
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