Samsung DVD-R135 DVD Recorder
Not Bad
I bought this DVD Recorder mainly because it has the up conversion feature to be used with my 50\\" Plasma HDTV.  I have read mixed articles about whether this works or not as it sounds like you are getting something for nothing with this feature.  Well, I can say, it does work, but to a somewhat limited degree.  You will not notice a great deal of difference, but any improvement is better particularly after you get accustomed to HD.  You can up convert play backs to 480, 720p or 1080i.  I have found the 1080i distorts the picture and over brightens bright areas with high contrast.  I am happy with the 720p setting, though.  It is also does very good job at 480, but a little better with the up converter set higher. <br /> <br />The second feature was it's recording capabilities.  This was sort of an extra for me, but since it costs just a little bit more, it seemed nice to have recording capabilities.  I was not disappointed with the recording features.  In fact, I was somewhat surprised as the copy looked as good as the original.  It records only in the DVD-R and RW formats.  It does not record in the DVD+R mode, which has really not been a problem since both formats are well supported.  The recording feature works like the old VCRs except the picture quality is 100 times better.  You can use time recordings on DVD-RW discs and erase and record on them again.  This format also allows some editing to remove and relocate material on the disc.  There is an instant record feature that has no delay to start recording. <br /> <br />The machine works well, is quiet and smooth.  The playbacks have been flawless with no glitches so far.  The style is pleasant, but not as refined as my previous DVD player.  It appears to be a little cheaper built.  It is also real light in weight and not conducive to believing there are high quality parts inside.  But, hey, we will probably be giving it away before it wears out just as soon as the HD versions become more common. <br /> <br />Ihave one major fault with this machine.  As I have read, concerning many other DVD Recorders in this price range, the tuner is weak.  In fact it interferes sometimes with my Plasma TV.  I am on cable and some of the channels have herringbone interference when the DVD player is on and sometimes even when it is off.  I cured this to some degree by using a booster splitter from Radio Shack instead of allowing the DVD player to split the signals.  I almost returned this unit for this problem. <br /> <br />Overall, I think it is a good purchase.  The manual is well written, the control interface is very good, the remote is good, and the picture quality is above average.  You may have to deal with the interference, but I solved mine with the powered splitter.