Samsung DVD-C631P 5-Disc Progressive-Scan DVD Player
Perfect for what I needed, and much better than expected.
There is a very good reason why I make it a rule not to read online consumer reviews. I find that in most cases the author means well, but simply doesn't write an accurate review. Usually this is attributed to lack of knowledge on the subject matter, or lack of understanding in how to use the specific product. In typical fashion, most reviews for this product on this site, suffer from both caveats. <br />I am neither an engineer or top-tier power user. However, I am an afficianado of Home AV with far more than a passing interest. Believe me when I say that this player is worth every penny...if you can get past the one (potenitally huge) pitfall.<br />The BAD news: Let's get this out of the way right now. The Samsung DVD C-631P 5 Disc Changer, INEXPLICABLY, does not random play any more than 1 disc at a time, and more importantly- does not automatically change discs after it has fully played through a single one. If you want to play through all 5 CD's/DVD's in one deft swoop, I'm sorry to say that you will need to press a button on the remote between each disc. Yes, that equates to roughly 4 seconds of &quot;work&quot; for 5 hours of music (if you consider pressing a button on the remote control actual work). I bought a CD changer with MP3 capabilities so I could keep 5 discs in the player without getting up to change them, and that's exactly what I got.<br />The GOOD News: The audio/video quality produced by this unit (on my standard definition 4:3 32&quot; Toshiba television) is remarkeable. Watching the &quot;Fifth Element&quot; in all of its widescreen beauty is truly breathtaking. Thankfully, the audio quality is every bit as good. This player is running through a Dolby Digital/DTS capable Yamaha V730 receiver and provides superb audio in all digital modes and even stereo. The difference between this player and my last Pioneer (2nd generation, 525) is astounding. I do not have an HD television so I can not vouch for the progressive scan capability.<br />This unit WILL play almost ALL CD, CDR, CD-RW, DVD, DVDR, MP3, WMA, and SVCD formats and the player supports simultaneous mixed media. You can load different types of discs all at once (MP3, DVD, CD etc.) and each one will be detected. I found this to be very helpful. Some other players need to be filled with all one type of format.  Additionally, 4 discs can all be swapped while one is still playing. A handy feature.  So far I have not come across a format that did not play perfectly. <br />The MP3 playability is what really attracted me to this unit and it performs flawlessly. There is a very easy to interpret graphic interface that shows the CD directory structure and filenames (organized alphabetically). At first it appears not to recognize more than one folder on the CD (which baffled me), but I soon learned that a button press is necessary to view all folders (the &quot;RETURN&quot; buton, for those of you who have not figured this out yet). The display is clear and easy to navigate. One drawback is the inability to program different tracks from different CD's in the player. Again, it only allows programming of up to one disc. A potential deal killer for those of you looking for 40+ hours of uninterupted music spread across multiple discs. Not a problem at all for me.<br />The remote isn't very sexy or overly functional- but it is layed out well, ergonomic and intuitive. It's also equipped with a few unique features such as &quot;Instant Replay&quot; which allows the user to instantly jump back 10 seconds in a film, and an &quot;on-the-fly&quot; aspect ratio selector. The user can switch bewteen widescreen, pan &amp; scan, stretch-fit and zoom-fit pictures, without stopping the DVD, all at the touch of a button. Not important to me (I watch everything in widescreen, the way films are meant to be seen), but I bet many of you hate the &quot;black bars&quot; and have found the process of limiting them quite laborious. Well, not anymore. <br />The GREAT News: I could havespent $150 on this player and still been thrilled with it. Fortunately, I purchased it during a sale price and also got a rebate. I had a 10% off coupon good through the weekend as well (at this particular store). My bottom line price was a jaw-dropping $84.00. Simply amazing. <br />For those of you looking to purchase a player that holds multiple discs, performs remarkably and looks/sounds superb on any set, this is the one you want. If the thought of pressing a button (on the remote control) between discs really bothers you, then buy a different player (this one isn't for you) and please re-evaluate your definition of &quot;inconvenient&quot;.<br />4 Stars. Solid.