Maintain your VHS collection as you move into the DVD format and enjoy progressive scan video quality.PRODUCT FEATURES: DVD/VCR Combo DVD Player; 480P Progressive Scan Video Output; DVD Player and HiFi VCR; Picture CD & JPEG CD Viewer; MP3 & WMA CD-R/RW Playback Capability; Letter Box Eliminator - EZ View; Plays DVD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW MP3/VHS/S-VHS (SQPB); Front A/V Inputs; Standard Multi Remote Control; Titanium Spray Finish with bluish gray PVC face plate.
Samsung's titanium-finished DVD-V3500 DVD/VCR combo is perfect for favorite movies and music, featuring VHS recording and playback, high-end component-video DVD outputs, built-in MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) decoding, and compatibility with JPEG image CDs and Kodak Picture CDs, which makes it easy enjoy a slideshow of digital pictures right on a television.
Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the DVD-V3500 stands ready to deliver the full potential of 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, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.
The VCR delivers hi-fi stereo sound and quasi-S-VHS (QSPB) playback, which lets you view S-VHS cassettes--normally only playable on high-end S-VHS machines--in standard VHS resolution. Top-of-the-line component-video outputs (for DVD only) help minimize digital and line-scan artifacts on compatible advanced televisions, while composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television.
A set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. Another handy feature is EZ-View letterbox eliminator, which makes it possible to watch full-screen pictures on 4:3 aspect-ratio TVs--even when you're watching widescreen DVDs. Supplied accessories include a composite-video/stereo analog-audio interconnect, instruction manual, and a remote control.
1 DVD player dies after 6 months.
Don't buy this product. The DVD player dies after 6 months, staying stuck on the "Loading" screen whenever you try to play a DVD.
I just wanted to express solidarity with all the other posters and help others avoid this piece.
2 Did not last....
this machine did not last 6 months with us. It started skipping on DVDs, and the remote in NOT AT ALL intutitieve. I cannot recommend this at all. The VHS does still play, but it was expenseive for just that!
3 samsung-great brand- ok product
Everything is fantastic except the rather slow loading time and the remote must be angled just right for it to read.
4 No DVD Player should only last 6 months
We got one of these for Christmas last year. We were so excited to have it because my VCR was on its last legs. Then about 3 months went by and it started freezing and skipping on dvds. Then 3 more months later the dvds would not even load at all.
We ended up sending it back to Samsung's service center (Which cost us $60 in shipping!!) and they replaced two parts on it and sent it back to us. We recieved it today and an entire dvd did in fact play through. I'm hoping it'll last more than 6 months this time.
I will not be buying another Samsung DVD/VCR. I have better luck with Magnavox anyway.
5 Save your money and get something else
We recieved this as a gift and it would not play tapes properly. Every one we tried looked like heck, no amount of tracking helped. We had to send the unit in to the fixed,okay, we think all is well now. We were wrong, now the DVD side has stopped working, in the middle of a movie. It now says it can't read the disc or any other one we try in it. Do not bother with this item, and I agree with the other person who said the remote isn't very good, it isn't. You must have it aimed in the exact spot or it won't work.
6 Skipping / Freezing problem with this model
Machine started freezing and won't play---even with new, unscratched discs. I paid top dollar for it 6 mos. ago and starting experiencing sporatic skipping / pausing about 3 mos. after ownership. Now it won't even load the DVD. Now I'm out of the "Return" timeframe with NO local store to return it to.
7 factory defect but I was lucky
Bought unit Jan. 2004 at a local, independent electronics store. By July, DVDs started freezing during play. In next month problem worsened. Tried every trick imaginable with FF, RW, Stop, Info, Disc Menu, Menu, On/Off, Open/Close. Sometimes it would start working. In early August, discs froze at 10,30,9,3, etc.minutes, pixeled out, would NOT load at any point in Play process, and I got message "This disc is unplayable" several times with NEW, clean, unscuffed, unscratched discs. Machine was still on warranty(lucky me). It only took one week for repair and UPS transit but it cost me $13. Solution to problem was "REPLACED MOTOR FEED ASS'Y" and the Defect Code was "Load--Load/Unload/Eject Malfunction" and the Repair Code was "Part Replaced--Electrical." Defect Type was "MJ", whatever that is. Many reviews I've read of this unit describe the same problem I had. I have yet to play the repaired unit to see if it actually works. I heard that some electronics stores will look for "deals" at their distributors on machines that have a BAD repair rate (lots of malfunctions, repair needed), buy them very cheap, and re-sell them at "discount" prices knowing they are probably going to malfunction. I feel this happened to me. BTW, the price I paid, $150 for a machine the store owner said usually sells at $230, is the SAME price Samsung sells it for on their website. Capitalism at work. I'll follow up on this review.
8 Great DVD/VCR at a Great price!
I ordered this dvd/vcr based on reviews I read here. I was slightly skeptical, though, due to the price. However, it was the best money I've spent in a long while. This player works great, and has great picture quality. My only issue with it, is the remote, which I figure will no longer be an issue once I get it figured out.
9 Another one bites the dust
I have the same story that I see here many times. It was great, then the DVD player started freezing up, then it was iffy on whether or not it would load a DVD, and now it doesn't load any DVD. The DVD side is now useless. POS.
10 What Happened?
About a year ago I was about to write a review on this product praising it because I was really impressed with mine. Before I did so I read other reviews that claim the dvd drive goes out. Becuase there were several of them I decided to wait on my review and see what happens to mine. Well what do you know? A year later, the day that Kill Bill Vol. 2 comes out, I get so excited and rush home to watch it; and the stupid dvd drive freezes up in the middle of the movie. I checked it with other dvds and so on ans so on. It is aparent that the drive is completely junked out. I can not praise a product that only lasts one year! Of course waranty is now long gone and I have to put more money down on a new unit. It will definatley not be this one! The remote is also a god awful piece of equipment. Yuck!
11 Worst ever
I bought my second machine had to return first one because disk would freeze up part way through movie no matter if I cleaned it or not. The disks worked great on my Sony. So i exchanged it for same model and this one worked for 10 minutes if even that.
when you put in a disk it keeps stating that it's loading and thats as far as it gets. What a piece of junk don;t even waste your money on Samsung buy another brand.
12 Died in 7 months
I bought it in December, 2003. From the very beginning, DVD-R's would occasionally freeze and then, after a few seconds, would recover. However, commercial discs played without incident, so I believed the problem was the DVD-Rs. I was wrong. After six months of service, even commercial DVD's began to freeze. Finally, in June of 2004, it totally died. A commercial DVD (The Wizard of Oz) froze after 10 minutes of play and the machine never recovered; it failed to recognize any type of disc, and is now garbage.
13 good product, most of you are just retarded!
This is actually a great dvd player, alot of you compaling about the red screen are just stupid.
The red screen happens when you put the dvd player on progressive scan when its not a progrssive scan tv.
And all you people who get horrible sound on vhs should know you have to push the wires in tight.
am playing tapes that are horrible qualilty yet there act great on this dvd/vcr combo.
I do agree with the freezeing of dvds.
and we had to replace our v3500 once, but this new one acts fine.
14 Horrible product!!!
This product is one of the worst DVD players I have ever dealt with. Less than 3 months after receiving this player as a Christmas gift, the machine started freezing when playing DVD's as though the DVD's were dirty. A couple of weeks later, it stopped recognizing DVD's at all. I took it in to have it serviced, but by this point the 90 days was past, so I had to pay for labor (parts were covered.) I've had the DVD player back for about 3 weeks (the service center "fixed" it for over 2 months) and it is beginning to do the exact same thing! I currently can not get any DVD to play in the unit.
I would like to note that I've never had any problems with the VCR.
I STRONGLY recommend anybody looking for a DVD/VCR combo unit to purchase a different make and/or model.
15 I should have read the reviews first!!!
I have never written a review before, but I am compelled to write now. I wish I read the reviews of this product before I purchased it. Among other problems, the most troublesome is that the dvd player completely stopped working after only 5 1/2 months of using the unit. I should say that we only have 1 dvd so it didn't even get very much use during those 5 months. At first it would just freeze up during play and then shortly after that it wouldn't even load the dvd at all. The vcr continues to work, but it's not worth keeping. I'm defenestrating this one!
16 Few Problems
Well I have had this DVD for about two months. It was easy to hook up it took all of five minutes. I think it is too big and should have a more slimmer look. I dont like the feel of the remote you can't tell the bottom from the top. I bought this dvd/vcr because i have a lot of videos. When I play a video tape that I previously recored movies and concerts on, this machine gives plenty of back ground noise so you can hardly her what is on the tape. I will not recommed this machine to anyone.
17 DVD stopped working after a few months :(
NOT RECOMMENDED.
BUY ANOTHER MANUFACTURERS MODEL.
Seems to be a SAMSUNG wide problem (see the reviews for the earlier model 2500)
After just a few months the DVD player stopped working. It just say LOADING and stay there for a while.
We are not big movie watchers and have not subjected this player to heavy use.
Can't recall many electronic componenets I have had completely fail after just a few months of use.
Apparently I will have to ship this unit to the service center in New Jersey. Let's see what happens. :(
NOT RECOMMENDED.
BUY ANOTHER MANUFACTURERS MODEL.
18 This player isn't that bad
This is a good DVD/VCR combo player. It plays almost all kinds of discs except asian standard VCD/SVCD. I bought it to play my MP3s since I have a more decent Pioneer DVD player to play my DVDs/CDs.
Sometimes, it pays to read the manual and use common sense when evaluating DVD players. Though it is a lot easier to blame it on the manufacturer when people can get their stuffs to work :D but most of the reviews I read involved user errors
19 No zero star rating??
Don't waste your money on this thing. I got it as a gift and wish I could get rid of it and get something that works. It has never actually played an entire DVD without us having to get up and smack the thing - the DVD's keep getting stuck. I don't watch VCR tapes much but my sister got one as a gift and uses the VCR all the time - or tries to. She's taken it apart 3 times in 6 months to get the tape out of the VCR. While it's playing, the tape sqeaks so loudly sometimes you can't hear the TV. The only good thing I have to say is that the DVD does eject when you tell it to. In short: this thing isn't worthy of taking up space in my trash can. I'm only keeping it until Dad comes to visit and see that we're using it. After that, it's a gonner.
20 THIS THING SUCKS AFTER A FEW MONTHS...
The worst POS I have ever purchased! Just like a few of the other reviewers, I bought this DVD/VCR combo and it was fine for a few months. Then WHAM... locks up within minutes of playing ANY DVD! I am fed up! I have cleaned it with a CD-Rom cleaner, I have looked inside it. I have whacked it up against the side of the case, nothing helps. I am dreading dealing with Samsung because I can get to every part of their website of course except the SUPPORT AREA!! Imagine that! I am annoyed and furious that I pay $130 for something.. that just happens to take a DUMP about 10 days after the 90 day warranty ends. Seems too much of a coincidence to me!
MY ADVICE??? STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM THIS PRODUCT!!!
21 Okay but remote is horrible
No I really mean it, the remote is the worst I've ever used. You have to aim it just right and really slam the buttons, plus the fast-forward and rewind scan is super-jerky and it takes a bit to respond to the remote.
22 Not satified with product or service.
I received this DVD/VCR combination for Christmas 2003. It worked fine until February 2004 at which time the picture froze up and then further attempts to play a DVD would result in "Loading....Loading....Loading...." but would never play the DVD. I called Samsung and was advised to bring the unit in to Sears for repair. After three weeks, Sears called to advise that it was ready for pickup. When I picked it up, they told me all it needed was a cleaning. I brought the unit home and on the second DVD we tried to watch it again froze up and no longer would read any DVD. I called Samsung again and they e-mailed me a shipping label, advising that if I sent the unit back they would replace it. I received the replacement and hooked it up....it has the same problem! It simply flashes "Loading....loading...loading..." and will not play any DVD. I called Samsung again and they suggested I bring the refurbished unit that they sent me back in for repair! Quite honestly, I want my money back and am totally unsatified with this product and am still dealing with the nightmare of trying to resolve it. In reading the past reviews, I see other problems similar to mine. I am not even sure if I can bring it back to Sears now since the new unit they sent me has "REFURBISHED" stamped on the box and they no longer carry this product. Samsung now wants me to send the unit back to them again, and I am trying like heck to just get my money back or a different new model. I am told that I will need to speak with a manager, but they can't seem to get one off the phone to speak with me and I am waiting for a call back. When I explained that a year is half over and my warranty is half expired, I wanted to know if I would get another 1 year warranty with the new unit and they are telling me no. Since the average life of this product seems to be about 6 months before it breaks, I am worried that it will happen again and I will be out of luck. I would suggest that you not buy this particular model. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED AS TO HOW SAMSUNG DEALS WITH THIS SITUATION AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY CAN RESOLVE THIS TO MY SATISFACTION.
23 Excellent Product
Easy to hook up. Remote simple to use. Very clear picture in both the DVD and VCR mode.
24 Samsung DVD-V3500
I have had the DVD/VCR combo for 4 months. Now it locks up with every DVD I try to play. If it does start playing a DVD it will lock up in the first 15 mins. User manuel is useless, Samsungs web site is not much better. Buyer Beware!
25 PLEASE Listen to the negative reviews!
As more than 10 of the 20 or so reviews I read about this unit say, it DOES lock up on almost every DVD we try to watch, the remote IS horrible and it IS very hard to get the recorder to function properly. I definitely should have come here to check opinions out, EVERY single DVD we have tried to watch locks up about an hour into it for no apparent reason, the $30 APEX dvd player we bought a year ago is leaps and bounds better than this unit. Sometimes after the lock up problem it won't even continue playing after removing the disc and putting it back in! Horrible unit, I strongly suggest avoidance. Samsung, you have no excuse.
26 Not a good idea to buy . I went against helpful advice
At first. It looks very sleek and easy to install but it's very slow with the DVD player . It was slower than my older RCA ( I wish I hadn't given it to my siter)to rewind, fast forward, etc. It's an awful machine. I have put it in my son's room since it's not good enough for my big TV system. The S-video cable does not work with this machine!
27 didn't even get 2 months out of it
I bought this unit not much more than a month ago and everything was great at first... great quality, great price, what more can you ask for, right? Then last week it started getting stuck on DVDs, which I figured was just a scratched disc... until it started doing that to brand new DVDs that had just been opened. I don't know what the defect that's causing this is, but it's running the DVDs super hot and causing discoloration to the discs themselves. How weird is that? Now it's gotten to the point where it won't load them at all, it just shows the loading screen forever. I'm taking this back today and after reading other reviews, I'll be getting another brand. Sidenote: the box and specs say this has a 6-head vcr, but the unit itself says it's a 4-head, what's up with that???
28 This is the one you have all been looking for!
After much debate and research on many different models of VCR/DVD combo units I decided on this one because it had all the features I was looking for, auto-tracking, 7-event programmable timer, view DVD while taping on VCR, ability to connect to an OLD tv through only one RF cable and still have good picture on both DVD and VCR (with modulator). After using this unit extensively for 1 month I have had no issues at all in recording, viewing or anything else one may do with their unit. It records on time, plays back as if I were watching my digital cable, plays DVD's beautifully, and performs better than I could have expected.
One of the reviews mentioned that the remote was counter-intuitive, WRONG! This remote is so intuitive you don't really need the manual, and the menu screen is so easy to navigate. Another review said the remote doesn't work at less than a dead on angle. That is also, WRONG, I have used it from a very sharp angle of about 30 degrees and it responds every time.
For these and other reasons this DVD/VCR unit is AWESOME!!! If you are comparing to others stop and buy this one! You won't be sorry!
29 Don't buy this product!
After only 3 months of operation the DVD palyer is non-functional. While the product is in warrenty, sending it 400 miles away for repair isn't worth the chance (not to mention time and shipping costs) that Samsung will replace the faulty component with another faulty one.
30 Samsung having stores remove this product because of defect
I purchased this unit last fall and was very happy with it for about 5 months. Then out of no where, the DVD player stopped playing DVD's. The display always said "loading", and nothing happened. Took it in for repair (Sears) and was told it could not be. Took it back for replacement and Sears said they were told to pull the product from their shelves due to a defect in the product. I do not know if there is an official "recall", but I do know some stores are removing the product and sending back to Samsung.
31 Fantastic for the price
Easy to install. Beautiful picture on tv screen. Easy to operate.
32 Multiple failures, warranty service problems
I had more than one problem with this unit, and as you can see below the warranty hasn't been much help!!!
Samsung DVD-VCR Combo model #DVD-V3500
Description of Problem
Search forward/backward works from the front panel, but does not work when using the remote control. To reproduce:
1) Play a DVD.
2) Press and HOLD the remote control button marked << or >>.
3) The DVD will advance to the next chapter, as though you had pressed and released the button. It should increase the frame rate gradually (2X, 4X, 8X...). To observe the correct behaviour, use the front panel buttons.
History
2003/8/16 Purchased from Visions Electronics (Vancouver/Broadway)
2003/8/16 Failed part way into 1st movie
2003/8/18 Exchanged for new unit
2003/9/? Noticed that search forward/reverse doesn't work
if attempted using the remote control.
? Tested at retailer; works with a different remote control.
? Delivered to Y.S. Audio-Video (authorized service centre)
2003/11/27 Received with new remote control. It still does not work.
2003/12/16 Delivered to Y.S. Audio-Video
2004/1/24 Y.S. Audio-Video sent unit to Samsung
2004/2/16 Received, but without batteries or manual
It still does not work.
Samsung adjusted DVD laser, not remote control circuit.
2004/3/24 Delivered to Y.S. Audio-Video
TO DO (SAMSUNG):
á Please fix the described problem or preferably replace the unit with something better.
á Please adjust the warranty appropriately, since it is over half-expired and the manufacturing defect has not been resolved.
TO DO (Y.S. AUDIO-VIDEO):
á Return the batteries
á Return the user manual
á Please provide documentation of drop-off and pick-up dates to Samsung for warranty period adjustment, since the only form you have given me lists only one pick-up date and no drop-off dates.
33 Not so great
Not what I expected. The back panel is divided into two parts: one part says DVD, the other part says DVD and VCR. There is only one S-video cable, it is on the DVD side. If you choose to use the S cable (to get better picture quality from your DVDs) then you turn off the video output from the VCR. You can only get video out from the DVD and VCR if you use regular yellow/red/white cables. I called customer service, they were no help. I was disappointed, so I gave it to my kids for the rec room.
34 Compatability problem....
Seems like an OK unit, but did not work with our Sanyo TV (wouldn't record) Samsung was very good about it tho.
35 ONE OF THE BEST DVD/VCR COMBOS EVER
This DVD/VCR combo was my family's first DVD player and we were pleased totally with it's cool design and features.
Pro's:
-one touch recording
-subtitle displays
-clear and crisp picture, as well as great sound
Con's:
-we still can't figure out how to set the clock!
-sometimes is stubborn when entering a command from the remote.
All the Con's are minimal problems, so don't fret too much about them. Samsung is a great brand and should be awarded for such an amazing product. Don't let the price discourage you, it's all worth it. Every cent.
36 I bought two of these
Nice machine that does what it says it will do without trouble. Sharp, crisp images and great sounds. I bought one for my father-in-law in May 2003, and bought one for my family later in 2003. My father-in-law likes using it to review my boy's tape and photos. My boy and I use it every day for cartoons, DVD's and VHS's and recording Martha Stewart Show. I haven't had any problems with the remote control.
37 better then i expected
i got this set for xmas,glad i did, got a 51inch hd tv sony what a great match glad i did not go by the REVIEWS on this site
38 Very Nice Unit at a Nice Price
Moving to DVDs, but have many favorites on VHS. Great features for the price--DVD player works great, EZ-view is a nice feature for conventional TV sets. Remote even works with my seven-year old JVC set (not listed as compatible, but just tried the programming codes until one worked). Only one gripe-- lighted remote would be nice.
39 Excellent value
I don't have room for separate VCR and DVD units, so a combo unit seemed like a fine solution, and Consumer Reports rated this unit pretty highly, at the same level as two other units. I chose this one because of the connection options--my (aging) television only has a coaxial (RF) connection, but as this unit is likely to outlive the TV, I liked the fact that I'd be able to step up to optical connections in the future.
I have to say that some of the reviews here gave me pause, but I've had none of the reported problems. After reading through the manual, it took me under five minutes to hook this up--and that's including disconnecting my old VCR! And I had no trouble with any of the setup options, even though I experimented with a lot of settings I'll probably never need.
I admit that I worried about the reported "red cast," and when I first tried out the unit, it did seem to me that the picture seemed too red. Before panicking, however, I thought I'd see what the picture looked like without the unit being turned on. Guess what? Someone had apparently fiddled with the television color settings. I corrected the color, turned on the VCR, and no problems: a lesson on jumping to conclusions.
I've played several tapes and DVDs, and have noticed no trouble with either. Since I've only had the unit a week that may not be determinative, but if any problems develop I'll let you know.
The only criticism I have is with the remote. It works perfectly with my ancient Sharp brand TV, and I haven't had any trouble using the various buttons, but I do find myself picking it up--and trying to use it!--upside down (pointing toward me) an awful lot. I think that in the next iteration, Samsung should consider distinguishing the two ends by the shape of the remote, and some lighted keys would be nice, too...But all in all, I'm very satisfied.
40 Not Good For DVDs
I do not recommend this product. It scratched my Lord of the Rings DVDs and then I bought new DVDs and it played them like they were scratched but, they worked fine on other players.
41 Does N O T record DVD to VHS!
Contrary to a previous review, it does NOT record a DVD to VHS. I'd like to be able to record the DVD's I make on my comouter or even copy to VHS the DVD's I rent but don't get a chance to watch before I have to return them. Many of these combo units do not offer this feature. Of course, they are probably under pressure from the Motion Picture Industry. There are some that will however, like the Samsung V1000. This one doesn't even play VCD's. So, its back to the store the day after Christmas.
42 Does NOT record from DVD's
Contrary to a previous review here, this unit does not record DVD's to VHS. It says so in the manual and I tried it myself. I'd like to be able to record the DVDs I make and copy rentals in case I can't watch them before they are due. It really sucks that most do not do this. Are they perhpas threatened by the Motion Picture Industry not to include this feature? You have to dig deep for them but there are some that will copy DVDs to VHS. This unit was a gift and it goes back tomorrow.
43 A Great Adult "Toy"
This equipment has worked flawlessly with (1) audio music CD-R, (2) .mp3 music CD-R (content from some 14 CD's), (3) jpg photos on CD-R, and (4) DVD from both VCR and camcorder. All were created with the regular software on my computer. Most of the time, I use the V3500 to play even my purchased music CD's, although our TV audio is pretty low-fi. But then, my hearing now is also. You can easily skip to the desired song, with the remote control.
I was particularly surprised by how enjoyable it is to view loads of digital photos on the TV screen.
44 Great when it worked
Pros: I found this to be a high quality combo unit. Plays both well.
Mixed:Fast forward on vcr overshoots when you hit play, but there is a button on remote to jump back 5 seconds (problem solved)
Cons: DVD player broke after 3 months of light use.
45 What a piece of junk!!!
My father recently purchased this little machine and we were overwhelmed at our first DVD-VCR combo. Wow, you can play DVDs and record and watch VHS movies. NOT!!! We have had this for only a few weeks, and while the DVD works well and you can watch VHS movies, we couldn't record anything to save our lives! I recently thought I recorded "Shane" and later found out that the stupid machine had not recorded at all! It does erase movies nicely. Everything is hooked up and I have followed the manual to a T, but this is one function it will not do. Our old, reliable 5 yr old Panasonic VCR-Tv combo is still working and with it's VCR Plus feature you just pop in a tape, press record and that's it! I'm so disappointed in this machine.. we're taking it back and getting a Panasonic..at least you don't pull your hair out trying to record something.. To those even thinking of buying this piece of crap.. save your money and do your homework before you do buy a DVD-VCR combo player..wish we had..
46 Pathetic
I expected more from Samsung. I bought this player with good hope from a brand I though I trusted. Now two months into having it, the DVD drive is broken. It will not let me bring up the menu screen to program the VCR to record a show or anything, and now I put in a DVD and it wont even play that. All I get now is a shakey blue screen of death. Ill be getting this back to the store I bought from very quickly and purchasing a different brand completely. Stay Away from Samsung!!
47 It depends...Good for non-HD TV set-ups...Poor HD results
The DVD player has some very good functions and I enjoyed the digital photo functions a lot. I currently have this unit hooked up to a non-HD 27" set. In that respect, it works like a dream. DVD player works great. VCR is better than my old GE 4-head VCR. However, I tried hooking it up to my 53" HD TV and audio receiver and this is where I ran into problems. The progressive scan component video gives off a very clear picture, but when the 5.1 digital audio is hooked up the results were very poor. You see...the unit has very poor shielding, and you get interference whenever the RCA or digital coaxial cables are hooked up (this manifests as slight white horizontal lines visible on the screen). This was cleared up when I by-passed those cables in favor of the optical cable for digital audio. HOWEVER, if you want to use the VCR on the unit you MUST have the RCA cables connected. There's no other way around it. In order to take advantage of the progressive scan qualities of this unit, you have to forgo the VCR entirely (which defeats the purpose of buying a DVD/VCR combo unit). If you have a smaller TV then this white-line interference isn't so noticeable (you only see it when the component video is being used), but blown up to 53" it's very annoying. In a nutshell, this unit is great for smaller non-HD TVs, but the poor shielding prevents me from recommending it for any screens bigger than 32". If you have a big TV/receiver set-up and want to use this unit, try hooking the video up via RCA cable instead of the component video and you won't get that interference so much (but this defeats the purpose of buying a progressive scan DVD player).
48 Don't understand the bad reviews!
I purchased my unit from Target almost a year ago. After thoroughly reading the manual I figured out how it all works. The sound and picture quality are great, no noise on mine like other posters have claimed. I have had absolutely positively NO problems viewing any dvd's or tapes, and I have watched A LOT since the purchase. I don't understand where the problems are coming from unless people have a faulty machine. The remote has been good, but it must be pointed at the machine, it's not as sensitive as other remotes are. I didn't care for the button for fast forwarding/chaptering but after a few uses I have it down. Setup was really easy (or so my husband says!) and I have experienced no problems with the clock setup after power outages - had several with thunderstorms this summer! This has been a fabulous machine and I have been looking at it again today on this site to purchase for my in-laws for Christmas. Completely recommend this! My only regret? Having to pay about $30-$40 more when I bought it, versus the good price now. Happy shopping!
49 Lemon
I bought this unit and within 2 months and little use.........it consistently said "no disk" was in the unit when clearly there was. The repairman at the local video shop told us the laser wasn't working properly and that it was pretty much JUNK and that is what we did with it. I wouldn't recommend a Samsung product to anyone without the purchase of a warranty of some type.
50 Glad I got this DVD/VCR-No thanks to the reviews here!!!
After first reading the reviews for this player, I had serious doubts about purchaning it. So, I check out several other DVD/VCR Combo units that were reviewed on this site. I found that all of the DVD/VCR Combos, plus most everything else on this site is trashed in the reviews. So, I came to the conclusion that either all DVD/VCR combos are trash or that most of the people that post to this site are incompetent.
I purchased this unit from Sam's Club, at a great deal. Set up took very little time at all. (Actually, it took me longer to clean up the dust from behind my entertainment center than to hook up this unit.) I have found no problems with the remote control. (Amazing how reading the directions can help with understanding how things work.) Picture is great, both DVD and VCR. I hooked it up to my Bose radio and the sound is almost theater quality.
I would highly recommend this unit to anyone that is looking for an inexpensive combo unit.
51 Beware purchasing this unit.
I bought this unit about 2 months ago from Ultimate Electronics in Layton Utah. It was on sale and now I know why. As everybody has mentioned the remote sucks eggs big time!! One of the most frustrating remotes I have ever used. It works when it wants to. Another big problem is you'll be watching the DVD movie and it will decided to lock up. It happens to me on every movie we watch. I have to unload the disc and reload to finish the movie. I thought I just had a defective unit but based on all the comments on this site, it seems Samsung built these flaws in by design. Shame on you Samsung. I will never by another Samsung product again. Since it can't be fixed I'm giving it away to my local church. Its better than tossing it.
52 Hated It
I bought this unit last year and recently bought another unit to replace it.
The DVD player would freeze on nearly every disc I played, and in some cases would not allow playback. Plus, the remote control is awful. As people here have mentioned, the fast forward is combined with the chapter forward, which makes for a terrible experience.
I would definitely not recommend.
53 Hated It
I bought this unit last year and recently bought another unit to replace it.
The DVD player would freeze on nearly every disc I played, and in some cases would not allow playback. Plus, the remote control is awful. As people here have mentioned, the fast forward is combined with the chapter forward, which makes for a terrible experience.
I would definitely not recommend.
54 Unit works well but problems may arise if power goes off
I purchased this unit a week ago and following the power going out I attempted to reset the clock, but got nothing but a blurred screen no matter what I seemed to try(on/off, unplug, Check cables etc.) What I finally discovered just as I was about to return the unit, is that if you have the unit set for component out for progressive scan, you will not get anything but the blurred screen, until you switch back to the composite out, and then setup works just fine. I also saw the red screen which others have mentioned, but that occurs only when you are switched to the S-Video out. The easy way to avoid both of these problems is simply to use the button on the front of the machine to switch to composite-out when using the VCR or setup. Unfortunately the manual doesn't bother to explain all this.
55 Good Product......But!!!!!!
Good product but the lettering for the functions on the remote control are smallish (which to people in their 50's is critical). Also, the timed recording mode cannot be turned on or off - if there is any item in the programming menu the VCR will be in the recording mode and will record whether the unit is turned on or off.
56 Great system
Saw a lot of reviews about the remote being inoperative, but ours works great! Sure, to advance a DVD you have to hold the FF or REW button, but it's a lot better than some other systems we have seen. We own a daycare and we play either a DVD or VCR movie every day and this unit has not failed us yet! We have had it for about a month now. One nice thing about this unit is you can patch into your stereo system for both the DVD and VCR from one set of ports. We think it was a great deal for the price!
57 Problems with remote and reading DVDs
Like several of the other reviews, I have a remote that no longer functions. I am pretty sure the problem is actually on the unit, not the remote which is even more disconcerning. DVD play is frustrating at best without the remote and at worst you can not view discs at all that force you through an opening menu. In addition, I have had problems reading some DVDs at all and had problems with the picture breaking up on others. The only reason this gets 2 stars is because it was cheap and the VCR still works with a universal remote.
58 Good value for money
We have had this DVD/VCR combo for about 6months and really like it. The only thing aboutit we aren't crazy about is the remote control. Especially when in DVD mode, fast-forwarding a movie is annoying because you have to hold down the >> button to get this feature and heaven forbid you just push it, it moves you to the next chapter.
Otherwise, we really enjoy this machine. Easy to use.
59 You Get What You Pay For
This Samsung combo is one of the cheaper ones out there. I felt like I was getting a steal. However, first the remote was inoperative for about a month and the DVD function of the unit is nonfunctional without the remote. Now, it will not read any DVD. The unit has hardly been used, is kept in a clean area, etc. I am not going to send the whole unit in like I did with the remote control. Customer Service made me jump through hoops on that. I just plan on replacing it with something better.
60 Connection Problems
Initially, we purchased a Samsung DVD changer. We used it for two weeks in our RV. When we arrived home & connected it to our home TV, we had a red screen. After speaking with a tech support rep, we returned the unit to our local Sam's Club store and picked out another Samsung unit, the DVD/VCR combo. Upon connecting it up to our Sony wide screen TV, we again had the red screen problem. Since this seems to be a fairly common problem, why does Tech Support claim no knowledge of this?? My husband accidently discovered a switch on the front & when he switched it to "Progressive", the red screen went away!! We now have a great picture. But this just all happened today, so I will update if any further problems arise.
61 OK, But That Dog Gone REMOTE!!!!
We bought the dvd-vcr for the dvd player (we believe there is a conspiracy to make EVERYBODY have a DVD player) and to have an extra VCR to make recordings and for more taping flexibility. We had to buy a lot of cables and splicers etc. in order to do that. When we are taping VCR to VCR the pictures can be cloudy and just not that great. The DVD is fine and we have not had any problems with it.
The REMOTE is TERRIBLE!!!!! Most of the time it doesn't "catch" and you have to press hard and move around and do whatever gyrations to get it to do what you want it to do. We bought ours from Sears and from my research on the internet all of the other units available at Sears (Sony SLV-D300P; JVC HR-XVC25U; Samsung DVD-V 3500; Toshiba SD-V 290; Sylvania SRD 3900; Sansui VRDVD 4001; Samsung DVD-V 2500) had "issues" too. So maybe it's just not a good idea to get these combo units.
62 Didn't Work For Me
After careful research, I chose this combination DVD and VHS player, partly based on the favorable reviews on this website. My experience was disappointing.
First, the player choked playing a regular DVD. A little over halfway into the movie, the image stuttered and then broke up into digital squares. The only way to continue watching the movie was to forward the DVD to the next scene. This choke occurred when I tried to replay the scene. (The Toshiba DVD player I replaced this Samsung unit with had no trouble with playing that part or any other part of any DVD).
Second, the VHS player has a loud background noise. It's not much use to get a combo DVD/VHS player if the VHS playback is ruined by loud noise. I notice other reviewers address this noise issue and then assure others that the noise doesn't exist. Let me assure you it does. If you want to experience this effect without buying this player, turn on a vacuum cleaner and leave it running in the next room while you try to enjoy your VHS tape. It sounds kind of like that.
Third, this DVD combo player is not compatible with my RCA "Universal" remote control (RCU800) that I bought a month ago. It seems that Samsung never bothered to work out a code number with RCA, so if you buy this unit, you'll have to use two remote controls - one to experience splotchy DVD playback and vacuum-cleaner sounding VHS playback, and another for virtually all the other home video audio equipment manufactured on this planet which the RCA remote control does work with.
63 Works okay, but poor controls
Bought one of these but ended up returning it.
On the plus side, it's a pretty well integrated unit with a consistant menu interface. Seemed to work fine, remote has good range, would operate my TV, etc. Decent unit.
The deal killer though was when I found out that some lunkhead at Samsung thought it'd be a good idea to have the fast-forward and skip-forward controls on the same button -- likewise the review and skip-backward controls share the same button. This is true for the remote and for the console controls. Press and hold the button to fast-forward or review, or just press & release to skip-forward and skip-backward. On the console controls I could get this to work most of the time, but fast-forwarding through a boring part of a DVD always risked skipping to the next chapter. On the remote, it NEVER worked -- it'd only skip to the next or previous chapter.
Needless to say the unit went back in no time and I replaced it with the Panasonic 4743S, while although not as "integrated" a unit, at least works the way I figure it ought to.
64 Mediocre at best
The picture quality is good but the unit I bought suffers from noisy playback. I took it to a service center and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. The noise can be very annoying at times. The remote control is terrible. I am at this moment trying to get my other remotes to work this unit.
65 Fairly Good Product
This DVD/VCR provides excellent picture and sound when playing both VCR tapes and DVD's. It is very versitile and has ports for many different kinds of cables (RCA, RF, S-Video). It is easy to use and has a very good instruction manual.
The only minus is the size. The unit is larger than a standard VCR in length, width, and height.
All in all, it is a very good product, especially for a college student.
66 Very good performance for this price point !
I just replaced an ageing VCR with this unit, very happy with the DVD features (ie. Ezview zoom) and the VCR performance is quite good. If you want one unit that has the flexibility of DVD, VCR, MP3, etc., you can't go to wrong for the price. Features like being able to use the VCR to record TV or Line input while watching a DVD is very handy.
In response to some of the negative reviews:
"Beware the Red Screen"
I also experience the red tint when using the component connection to my Toshiba TV. This was corrected by going in to the DVD menu and changing the alternate connection to "Component, Interlaced". As soon as the menu option was change the red tint went away.
"VHS not working from S-video connection"
It's not made to, the unit only has quasi-SVHS play back not full SVHS playback. VHS output is only available on the RF and the composite video connections.
67 Great unit !
I just replaced an ageing VCR with this unit, very happy with the DVD features (ie. EZview) and the VCR performance is quite good. I if you want one unit that has the flexibility of DVD, VCR, MP3, etc., you can't go to wrong for the price. Features like being able to use the VCR to record TV or Line input while watching a DVD is very handy.
In response to some of the negative reviews:
"Beware the Red Screen"
I also experience the red tint when using the component connection to my Toshiba TV. This was corrected by going in to the DVD menu and changing the alternate connection to "Component, Interlaced". As soon as the menu option was change the red tint went away.
"VHS not working from S-video connection"
It's not made to, the unit only has quasi-SVHS play back not full SVHS playback. VHS output is only available on the RF and the composite video connections.
68 Excellent product!
Excellent value and product. Notified Amazon that their competitor was offering it for [money amount]less and within a week, they matched the price. Sweet!
As for the individual who suggested Samsung is an "off-brand" he should also ask TI why Samsung, and not one of its Japanese competitors, was the first to use its DLP technology and apply it toward TV screens. If you've never seen one of these, you won't believe the quality of the pictures! It is just as good, and in many ways, better than plasma monitors! The individual is either ignorant or works for Sony, since they can hear the rapidly approaching footsteps of Samsung gaining on them, and in some areas, passing them as if on a slow lane!
69 Configured to code region 1
There isn't a single note at the technical desciption that the player is blocked to region code 1. So, you can only play DVDs from USA.
70 Replying to the review below...
Samsung brand is no longer considered as offbrand. It used to be several years ago. If you considered Samsung an offbrand, why did Samsung developed the world's first DVD/VCR combo, world's first 27" tube HDTV television, world's first 15" to 17" HDTV LCD television, world's first largest HDTV plasma, development of DVD recorders, and etc... Samsung is attempting to compete with Sony for who will be the electronics leader.
71 Expensive and low quality
Think thrice before shelling out your hard earned money for this below-average DVD player with a poor-quality VCR built-in. Yes, you'll save space, but you'll save money by buying the DVD player and VCR separately, from namebrands like JVC and Panasonic and Sharp, instead of paying for a poorly made, offbrand combo like this one. Keep in mind that 1) if either DVD or VCR breaks, you are left without either when you send it in for repairs (a high probability given this manfacturer's poor reputation for quality; check Consumer Reports), and 2) you cannot copy DVD movies to VHS tapes. As some have pointed out the machine is quite noisy, esp. when playing DVD movies, and even in menu mode!
72 Beware! Check all functions to make sure they work!
I have recently purchased this Samsung DVD-V3500 and i got to tell you the dvd was great! It had lots of features that i liked and i the remote was really easy to use. It was very easy to setup the dvd/vcr player i had no trouble at all. But before you decide on keeping this device check all the functions. I had checked all the functions to make sure they worked and the dvd functions worked great but the vcr did not! The play, stop, rewind, etc. all worked EXCEPT for the STILL function. It came up very blurry and was not a clear image u can barely see anything and i checked to see if it was the tape and was not because it worked excellent on my other vcr player. So the SLOW, and STILL function did NOT WORK. So please check and make sure that all your functions work correctly.
73 good deal great price
i first went out to buy sony's dvd/vcr combo. but when i went to best buy and saw samsung which was 30-40 dollars lower with exact same spec as sony, i didn't know what to go with. having a cheaper price was good, but wondered whether cheaper meant poor quality.
then the guy working at best buy told me he'd go with samsung cause, according to him, samsung supplies sony with its parts. so basically sony is sony only on the outside with made in samsung parts inside.
anyways, so i got samsung, and it's great! quality picture and sound. i don't know about other peoplez complaining about cause everything was so easy to use. good deal for your money.
downside: i don't like the design so much. if it had better design it would appear less cheaper. but works well anyways.
74 Loud whirring noise
I just recently purchased the v3500 and was impressed with all the features it has to offer. However, this unit made a LOUD whirring noise while playing VHS tapes and an even LOUDER whirring noise while tracking. I tried it with both the standard connection as well as the line connection. I even tried it w/ the upgraded wires I bought. The noise is definitely in the mechanics of the unit. Before returning it, I purchased a second unit from Best Buy and it had the same problem. I am returning both. The DVD portion did not have that problem.
75 Average
I just bought the product and all functions seem to work fine. I am using older equipment so I cannot appreciate some of the newer features. My universal remote won't work with it or any other DVD/VCR Combination for that matter. The on screen menu is sometimes hard to use but with a little patience I figured it out.
76 Stay Away!
Terrible. This unit has been trouble since it came out of the box...ten months after we purchased it, it stopped working altogether.
77 Pleased with the Value
Purchased this unit about a month ago. Very pleased with the picture quality and features. Tuner is better than my 27" TV. Both VCR and DVD function as described. Reviews of other brands/models indicated noisy playback. I haven't experienced this at all with this unit. Ability to scan through JPEGs is nice. Cost was very good for the features.
The biggest drawback I've seen is the remote. It programmed easily enough to run my JVC television, but is anything but intuitive to operate (and I have a computer science degree.) By working at it long enough I eventually get where I intend, but it should be easier. (Heaven help the 51% of the population who are "remote control challenged".)
A related problem is the narrow angle at which remote must shoot the beam at the DVD/VCR unit. I can be at nearly a 90 deg angle and the TV will respond, but the DVD/VCR unit requires much closer to a direct shot. (The real issue is...I can't control the DVD/VCR unit from my favorite chair!)
Bottom line: It's a good unit for the money, and hopefully someday I'll figure out the remote (or my kids will).
78 On/Off Frequency Has Changed
This is a good unit at a very reasonable price. Unfortunately, Samsung has changed the frequency that the remote transmits to turn the unit on and off as compared to earlier models (V2500, etc.). Therefore, if you try to program another remote to control this unit, such as your cable remote, you will not be able to turn this unit on and off. All other functions seem to work though. Of course, if you have a learning remote, this problem is easily solved. If you don't, don't spend a lot of time trying - it won't work.
79 Beware the red screen!
I recently purchased this combo player. I was initially very impressed with it. When I tried to play a DVD, the drawer failed to open so I exchanged the first unit. On the second unit, the DVD drawer did open and the player operated normally. The picture appeared normal on the line component feed. When I switched my television to the component DVD signal (the "high quality" signal), the screen was tinted red. I swapped out the new cable thinking that the cable must be defective. It was not. I returned the second unit and had the retailer's video department verify that the player produced the reddish signal on the display model of my television. It did. I was given a replacement player. When I got unit number three home, I connected it to find the same frustrating result as the second unit. I returned the third unit and had the video department test a fourth unit on another make of television. It worked perfectly. They then tested my model; red screen. They then tested another sized television from the manufacturer of my television; red screen.
Here's the unbelievable part. My television is a Samsung LTM1775W LCD flat panel. The smaller unit was the 15-inch model. Samsung has marketed this player and it doesn't work with their own televisions.
I will spare everyone my opinion of a manufacturer that creates this kind of consumer nightmare. I bought this unit to avoid cross-manufacturer issues and ended up with an intra-manufacturer incompatibility. In my email to Samsung I simply referred to it as "ridiculous". I now have a Toshiba player.
80 Poor Choice
Attractive in that it has the progressive scan but quality is lacking. I bought two--one for me and one for my father-in-law. Neither of them work. Mine worked for a day--(although the VCR never did output from the s-video port. For the day that it worked the features were nice. My father-in-law's skips and freezes. If it were only one machine I would have put it off as a fluke, but two machines...more than chance.
81 Progressive Scan , Easy Menu's. Good Price.
What else would you like? I was looking for an all in one. This model has it all. Easy setup with multiple connections. Connected to my home theatre easily. The remote is handy and works my Sony TV. I really can't find anything wrong with it. Except I might get an extended warranty just in case in the future I ever have any problems.
PS. The EZ-View feature is handy I can watch widescreen DVD's on my standard 4:3 27" TV.
82 Second Time Around with Samsung Combo
I had purchased the Samsung V2000 last year and was very happy with it so I decided to buy a second unit but saw that the progressive V3500 was about the same price and decided to go with this model instead. The V3500 is very similar to the V2000 in many ways. It is a bit thinner and lighter than the older V2000 which is a plus. Picture and sound quality are good as well. The V3500 is a little quieter than the V2000 when playing dvds. The vcr part seems about the same. The remote is basic but functional for the most part.
On the down side, I also play alot of VCD's (video cds) which the V2000 handle perfectly and very well. But unfortunately the V3500 CAN NOT play any vcd's. I have tried to play many I own. I suppose this is a feature Samsung decided to leave out since most progressive scan owners would not be playing low quality vcd's on a high definition screen. In any case, this was a bit disappointing. Also, if you like playing mp3s, the V3500 interface for playing mp3's (and wma's) is not that great. Folders and filenames are all truncated (shortened) to 6 or 7 letters (no dos ~1 at least!). But the short folder names and filenames can be pretty hard to figure out. Also, no file ID tag support. The mp3 decoder sounds good enough for casual listening.
All in all, not a bad unit for the price if you insist on getting a progressive scan combo. Otherwise, if the vcr is not something you need, probably getting a dedicated dvd player with progressive scan is the way too go.
83 Samsung DVD3500 DVD/VCR COMBO
Pretty happy so far. Easy set up. Attractive. Quiet. Very good picture and sound quality from both VCR and DVD especially through my home theater system. Records DVD to VCR. Record on VCR from TV channel while playing a DVD. Easy to use remote but a little small for my fat little fingers. EZ view to switch from widescreen to full pan scan to full screen feature.
CON- The DVD has paused on its own close to the end of a couple of DVD's but was able to search backward and play resumes to end of DVD.
All this and progessive scan too for the price of a quality DVD progressive scan player alone! Recommend to those who are looking for a quality combo unit.
