Samsung DVD-R145 DVD Recorder

• Ultra-slim DVD player/recorder with time-slip recording feature; measures 17 x 2.3 x 9.6 inches (WxHxD)
• Upconverts standard DVD 480p resolution to high-definition 720p and 1080i
• Records to DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, dual-layer DVD-/+R, DVD-RAM; plays CD-R/RW discs and MP3, JPEG files
• Connections: 1 HDMI, 1 component out, 1 composite out, 1 S-Video out, 1 Firewire in, 1 RF in, 1 RF out
• Digital optical and digital coaxial audio output for home theater surround sound

I don't normally write reviews on products but in this case I feel I must share the value and features of this product. You can't go wrong in selecting this player/recorder for your DVD needs. The quick start guide is just that "quick" and well planned. The people at Samsung know how to write manuals and this manual is the best I have seen well documented with pictures (in full color) and just that step-by-step for the novice. The setup diagram is excellent. The features are numerous you can throw any discs you have left over from other recording machines and through it in takes three seconds to intialize (any disc) and away you go. One touch record starts immediately. The quality is superb especially in High Definition. I couldn't wait to get it after reading the reviews from the last Electronics Trade Show so I was able to get it from back East about three weeks ago. Finalizing discs is a snap and easy I have had difficulty formatting on other machines but the Samsung is so easy the on-screen menu is good and the remote is easy to navigate even with my big fingers! It will play mp3s, CDs, computer made DivX movies, Region 1 DVDs, Picture discs from your computer and you can make your own movies from your camcorder or video camera and burn on the fly. You can also program your other electronics into the remote but you must know the manufacturer's codes which they list in a handy guide. If you are shopping for a multi recorder/player search no more get this one you won't be disappointed.

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This is an update to my previous review from 10/19/06. I'm returning the second one now. The picture freezes completely during regular playback of DVD-RAM discs. You press fast forward and it just freezes. You stop and play again and the picture is jagged. Very disappointing because the features are excellent. The previous unit froze during chase playback.

I am on my second Samsung DVD-R145 in two months. First, the things I like: great picture quality, excellent user interface, and I especially like the MP3 playback (specifically, the ability to create a playlist and to play tracks in random order, not all DVD recorders provide those functions). Second, the minor annoyances that may just become major: during "chase playback" (using DVD-RAM discs, watching the program currently being recorded), after fast-forwarding and then pressing play, the picture jitters consistently. You have to press STOP and then press PLAY again in order to stop the jittering. Then there's the bigger issue of synchronization of sound and picture. Many programs that I've recorded, when played back, do not have the picture and sound synchronized and they can be off pretty badly, too, not just milliseconds. The first unit did that and I ignored it most of the time but now that the second unit does it, I am losing my patience. Add to that the fact that when I contacted Samsung about it, after finally getting a response to my e-mail (8 days), the recommendation was to record at "a better speed." I record at LP. Not the end of the world, and I've never had this synchronization problem with any other DVD recorder (Panasonic, Toshiba). So that's not helping. I will wait and see but I suspect I'll return this one too and go with yet another brand (I can't seem to find the right combination of quality and features).

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Am very disappointed with both the unit and Samsung service. The unit started rejecting all discs...no matter what format...after only two weeks. Samsung service insisted that I try a cleaning disc before they do anything. They couldn't understand that the unit was rejecting ALL discs.

After another two calls it took a full week to get authorization to send it out for repair. The unit has been sitting at their designated repair facility for two weeks now "waiting for parts". No one can tell me what is specifically wrong and Samsung will not just replace the unit.

I can only say this is a very bad Samsung experience.

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Was a decent machine, and was good for the price. Worked well for 3 months, and then death... Will load less than 10% of the Discs you put in the unit. Yes, the very same Discs that were working a few weeks earlier. Blasted with air and tried again, so dust wasn't the issue. Sending back for Warranty service, but of course Shipping is MY cost, and god knows how long that will take.

I bought this unit with high hopes. Its produces great picture, but thats where it all goes bad. Lipsync issues, constant freezeups, pause goes into stop after 5 mins, HDMI issues (directly w/ a samsung TV, so its not a compatibility issue). The customer support for this product is even worse. You can explain all your problems, and they will say "thats the way it is," "Contact DivX for DivX issues," and "please call us." If you insist on the customer calling, why even have a web form? copies of my support corespondence are available to those who ask.

Stay away from thsi unit, and this is coming from an videophile/geek.