plays DVD-Video, DVD-R & DVD-RW, DVD+R & DVD+RW, and Video CD * plays CD, audio CD-R & CD-RW, and MP3 & WMA CDs * plays digital photo CDs (JPEG and HD JPEG) * video upconversion to 480p/720p/768p/1080i * HDMI interface with multichannel audio and HDCP copy protection (upconverted video available through HDMI output only, 3m cable included) *
1 first review...specs only
I do not own this player, I am considering it, so I will only review it's specs not it's actual performance. This is a new player from samsung, the older model #841 didn't get good customer reviews, maybe samsung has made improvements w/ the 850?
First off, I really like it's thin design and it's stylish silver metal faceplate. The price is right(lists for 150) just 134$ w/ free shipping from amazon... also found at abt electronics for 129. It is a hi-def upconversion player featuring the top of the line output, HDMI !!! (they even include a 6.25' cable for you, a nice bonus) I'm thinking "future ready", as I do not yet own an HDTV.
By the way, samsung has another new model (dvd-hd 950) same as this one except it includes SACD/DVD audio playback... although only playable thru the rear (analog) 5.1 outs and only available in ugly black (the 850's silver is stunning). Until they make the hi-res audio formats playable thru the superior(digital)outs such as the optical digital audio or even HDMI I'm not interested in shelling out the extra cash. Who wants to run 6 lower quality cables to their machine instead of just 1 digital cable? Why they can't get this right, I haven't a clue.
Anyways, back to the 850...selectable resolutions of 480p/720p/768p/1080i. Progressive(p) is the way to go, so the 768p is the most exciting of the choices there. You gotta have an HDTV (w/ corresponding native resolution) & HDMI or DVI also to acheive this. 10bit/54Mhz video DAC, 24 bit/192Khz audio DAC, audio signal to noise ratio 110db, audio frequency response: 96/48kHz, distortion: 0.004%, it's remote uses 2 AAA batteries and the player itself uses just 12watts. plays: CD/DVD +/- R/RW, VCDs, JPEG picture CD(CD-R), MP3 & WMA playback(CD-R) outputs: composite(rca), s-video, component video, HDMI, optical & coaxial digital audio. multibrand remote that also operates basic functions on most other brand TVs. Bookmark up to 3 scenes at a time. 2 & 4X zooms, resume play, 10 sec instant replay & skip.
Samsung has a feature called "EZ view letter box eliminator", which with a push of a button(remote) removes the black bars on widescreen DVDs for use on standard(4:3)TVs.
Size: 16.9"w 9.8"d 2.3"h, 4.6 lbs. warranty 1yr parts/90 day labor. toshiba also has an upconversion player in this price range(sd-5980). Hope this review helps.
