- Space-saving full-featured DVD player with built-in hi-fi VCR
- Component-video output terminals with progressive-scan output offers flicker-free images on HD or HD-ready TVs
- Dual-mode optical pickup for CD-R/CD-RW playback, built-in MP3 and WMA decoders
- Compatibility with Kodak Picture CD and standard JPEG CDs
- EZ-View letterbox eliminator lets you enjoy full-screen pictures on 4:3 aspect-ratio TVs
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).
Buy Samsung DVD-V3500 Progressive-Scan DVD/VCR Combo Now
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).Read Best Reviews of Samsung DVD-V3500 Progressive-Scan DVD/VCR Combo Here
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.
Want Samsung DVD-V3500 Progressive-Scan DVD/VCR Combo Discount?
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment