Samsung DVD-VR300 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo
buy audio, video, ultimate electronics
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List Price: $549.99
Features
• Space-saving DVD player/recorder with built-in hi-fi VCR and front A/V inputs for easy camcorder or gaming console hookup
• Record TV to DVD, VHS to DVD, DVD to VHS, or TV to VHS
• Records on DVD-RAM, DVD-R, and DVD-RW
• Progressive-scan output offers flicker-free images on HD or HD-ready TVs
• Plays DVD-Video, VCD, DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW, CD-R/CD-RW, MP3 CD, Kodak Picture CD, and JPEG image CDs |
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Samsung DVD-VR300 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo Customer Reviews
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♥♥♥♥♥ |
OK if you understand its idiosyncrasies
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I found this machine to be OK once I understood its little quirks. It is a little touchy, but the issues can be worked around.
First, about discs. I found that my machine likes Memorex DVD-RW 2x, and Fujifilm DVD-R 8x. Once you find a brand of disc that works reliably, stick with it.
Second, about recording. I found that the machine sometimes has trouble reading DVD-RW discs that are 100% full of data. For example, if I recorded 2 hours of video on 2 hr speed (SP), the disc is obviously full. Sometimes when inserting the disc, the machine would not read the disc properly, and give an error message "The disc cannot be played or recorded". Even after reformatting the disc, I would sometimes get this error message. I end up tossing the disc and using a new one. This went on for quite a while until I figured out that if I set up the recording speed so that the disc is not full, the problem never occurred again. So, if I want to record 2 hrs of video, I set the record speed to 4 hr speed (LP). The disc is only half full of data, and the machine boots the disc reliably. If you are recording on timer and using the AUTO speed setting, then set the recording period so the disc is not full. So, if recording a 2 hr video on AUTO speed on the timer, set the machine to record for 2 1/2 hrs. This will force it to use the 4 hr speed (LP) instead of the 2 hr speed (SP), and the disc will not be full.
Next, the remote. I agree that it is a poor design. I have not found any firm solution to this problem. However, I found the remote to work best if I hold it in my lap, and tilt the front of the remote slightly upwards, toward the machine. And I don't sit at too far of an angle from the machine. But I still sometimes have to press a button a couple times before the machine will recognize the command. To me, this is not big problem.
So, after understanding the little idiosyncrasies of this machine, I am pretty happy with it overall.
I wish it had a S-Video output instead of Composite Video, but I found the picture quality to be very good if I enable progressive scan.
The coaxial digital audio output plays very nicely with my 5.1 home theater audio receiver. The standard RCA jack audio outputs are connected to my TV, and work fine.
I also have a large VHS collection that I want to transfer to DVD, so that is why I went for a DVD-VHS combo. There are others out there, but I went for the DVR-300 because it has a coaxial digital audio output instead of optical (the single optical input of my 5.1 receiver is already used by the optical output of my satellite receiver).
I hope this helps. I was frustrated with the machine at first, but now at least I can make reliable recordings.
Roger |
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Samsung DVD-VR300 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo ultimate electronics.