Samsung DVD-HD850 Up-Converting DVD Player
Great value
I probably can't add much to what others have said about the HD850, but I will throw in my two-cents worth anyway.  <br />I'm not one who picks a component apart trying to find its shortcomings. I go purely by how a particular unit serves my needs and what I see for myself. Comparing the HD850 connected through the HDMI connection to my 50 inch Sony Grand Wega, this player just blows away any progressive scan unit I have ever had utilizing component video hook ups!! That's all there is to it...No comparison!! But I will agree that the newer DVD's available now have a much better digital transfer, which makes this player shine that much better. However, I did notice older DVD's in my collection looked much better with this unit than before, So I know there is something to be said about the up-conversion even though it may not have achieved true HD yet...But believe me, it's getting mighty  close!! This unit will require a separate audio connection since the HDMI with this unit DOES NOT support audio...the operating manual makes this quite clear. <br /> <br />We had company drop by one night while watching the second Star Wars...Attack of the clones. These folks were totally blown away at the quality of the video. One person even asked if the TV was a plasma on a HD channel. When I showed them it was a DVD, all I heard was \\"WOW!!\\"  <br /> <br />For the money, most people will not go wrong with this unit....No, it's not perfect, and will not be the correct choice for everyone...Only YOU can make that decision. But in my opinion, at this point in time, compared with brands who DO NOT provide the HDMI cable with the player, the value provided in the HD850 was a no-brainer for me! Until the new generation HD players hit the market with the new HD DVD's, this unit will serve me just fine!! <br />Then we can start buying all our favorites all over again in HD!!