Samsung DVD-HD841 Up-Converting DVD Player
There is a reason why this unit is so cheap!
I recently purchased the Samsung 841 for the price and for the fact it was one of the few DVI dvd players out that was under $200.  Needless to say I will be returning it today.  Unfortunately I read the feedback forums on this model after buying, and if I had read before purchasing, I would have never got this model.  Here are the issues (some are already known): <br /> <br />1) Manual is horribly lacking - in order to configure the PSCAN - DVI feature, you have to hook up either component, s-video or composite connection first in order to even get to the dvd setup menu to choose this option <br /> <br />2) DVI hookup never did work - I have a 42\\" Sony PFM42V1S plasma that I was able to get the component working to change the dvd setup menu, however the DVI output would never sync at any resolution.  All I kept getting is a solid blue blinking screen (this after using Vid Sel and DVI sel on remote).  I tried both HDCP and non-HDCP disks to eliminate the possibility that my tv may have the issue - same results. <br /> <br />3) DVD's skip - I tried this with several dvd's that I know play fine ( I also own a Sony DAV-FC8 home theatre) and each one skips periodically through out.  I have read previous forum reviews on this model and this is a known problem. <br /> <br />NOTE:  Samsung has issued a firmware upgrade for the 841 model that will auto-detect DVI input.  I applied the firmware upgrade (which was very simple) but it made no difference. <br /> <br />As far as looks go for this model, it is very appealing, smooth lines, not alot of clutter and I love the silver finish, however the thing simply just doesn't work.  The picture with RGB component cables is satisfactory, but I get better quality picture thru my digital cable box on HD channels.  The skipping of dvd's is unacceptable, and the only reason I bought it was for the DVI output, however since that doesn't even work properly, this unit is going back.