Samsung DVD-VR320 DVD Recorder

• Combo DVD player/recorder and VCR; measures 16.9 x 3.3 x 14 inches (WxHxD)
• Hi-fi VCR features 4 video heads, MTS decoding, three VHS recording settings (SP, SLP, and auto)
• Records to DVD-RAM and DVD-R/RW; plays CD-R/RW, MP3, JPEG
• Inputs--2 composite, 1 Firewire, 1 RF; Outputs--1 composite, 1 S-Video, 1 component, 1 RF
• Optical and coaxial digital audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound

I purchased this dvd/vcr combination recorder because it was reasonably priced and had a fire wire port (I paid around $250). It's definitely a little tougher to use than an ordinary vcr but the quality of the output is infinitely better. I recommend this player for anyone who wants to transfer family videos to a dvd format or to anyone who's not quite sure but afraid to shell out the big bucks.

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This is a terrific machine, but familiarize yourself with your tech. I've got some information that is going to help you out sooooo much:

1 It is extremely important that you know exactly what type of DVD's that are used with this product (like any other product). It lists very, very specific DVD's that the unit accepts for recording (It takes Sony DVD-R, but it won't necessarily accept a Sony DVD-RW!) And... It only accepts 2x DVD-RW's! I made four trips back and forth to Staples just to find out they didn't have the specific brand name that I needed & I eventually found the Maxell DVD-RW 2x @ a not so local Sears Electronic store. Read your directions VERY closely (as I should have). To help facilitate, I shall give you a head start 2x DVD-RW's that it accepts: TDK, Maxell, JVC, Mitsubishi, Optodisc, Verbatim & Radius. I didn't find these brand names at Staples OR Best Buy.

2 Be very aware of HOW you're formatting your DVD's and familiarize yourself with the difference between the modes. After hunting down the DVD-RW's that are required, I have found myself sticking with the DVD-R's. Formatting the RW's in "VR" mode as opposed to "V" mode, won't play on other DVD players. This isn't to say that newer model DVD Players won't play them, but older model DVD players probably won't. The whole reason I thought this DVD creating process was so cool, was the advanced editing features that were offered by formatting in "VR" mode. If you intend on creating permanent DVD's too play back on other DVD players, you should stick with "DVD-R" (which automatically format in "V" mode); if you're making temporary DVD's and plan on recording over them, use "DVD-RW" in "V" mode -but really, what's the point in using the "VR" mode, with advanced menu editing, if you're just going to record over it?

3 I've also discovered a manufacturer flaw in this particular model and after speaking with Samsung, found out it is related to in models manufactured before/after July 2005 (yeah, that's not at all helpful, but I honestly don't remember what he said about July 2005). Either way, the system error will appear on your screen like this: [EC:0507] System error is found. Please try it again after turning off the power." At Samsung.com, under the support tab, you can download a memory update for your DVD burner (which I just think is really cool) it gives you directions on how to do this.

(...)

I hope this helps you to avoid the mistakes that I've made.

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This unit was purchased to transfer home videos to DVD. Once I got the hang of it, it was great! Yes, the door opened slowly but I thought it was just that it took time for the disc to get started and stop. The simple chapter and title features were just what I wanted to break up the DVD for searching around. The transfer of VHS video to DVD went well for a while, maybe eight times, but then it would stop recording after 30 seconds. That became frustrating so I tried running my original 8mm canon camcorder tapes through the camera's out plugs to the DVD. That worked well for about six more DVD's, then after about a week, it started to display the ERROR signal that another reviewer mentioned. That never went away. It also said signal not detected. So it was detecting neither the camera, the cable box, the tv nor it's own built in VHS tape input.

When it worked, I could record on DVD-RW but those would not play in any other medium. The DVD-R seemed to work well (following the manufacturer's suggested brands) but some failed which was a big waste of time and DVDs. Perhaps every third one failed. I returned this unit after about a month because it just didn't work anymore. May be mine was just a lemon but, what a disappointment.

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You will regret this purchase. I jumped into buying it on impulse, primarily based on the lower price ($169.00 when I bought it compared to about $250 for the next cheapest model). Learn about DVD formats before buying a DVD recorder--this one only records onto DVD-R or DVD-RW disks, which means it will not be compatible with disk players that only take DVD+R disks, such as my computer. Also, despite trying every recording format, I cannot get it to play on my older DVD player. If you are content on building a library that can only be played on this DVD player, then buy it. Otherwise, look for MULTI-FORMAT DVD recorders that record on and play all DVD formats. Furthermore, the recorder cannot seem to record on long play, which allows for four hours of recordings on one disk, versus the standard two hours. I was never able to finalize a disk on which I attempted to record four hours of shows, and I wasted hours and hours of time trying to do so. Ugh. Completely disappointed with the product and aggravated with myself for rushing into the purchase!!

Like in many other reveiews here, my player will play a dvd for a bit over an hour then starts pixelating, stuttering and eventually freezes. I called Samsung and they made me add firmware which busted the whole player, then I had to return it to a repair shop in New Jersey. After waiting a few weeks I finally received the dvd player and began to watch a movie with my family. At the climax of the film (Meryl Streep dying in One Fine Thing) the movie started pixelating and eventually froze. My family looked at me like they were in shock!!

I hate this player!!!!!