Samsung DVD-VR325 DVD/VCR Recorder
4:3 VHS and DVD's stretched to widescreen in 720p & 1080i
DVD playback picture was very sharp (see below). Intermittent audio drop-outs were experienced when using HDMI cable, but not component cables.  After unit had been turned on/off a few times, however, this problem went away. <br /> <br />The following issues remained: <br /> <br />1. Picture qualities (sharpness, color) at 480p, 720p and 1080i resolution settings were indistinguishable to my eyes.  I was originally happy to see good 1080i picture quality, but was surprised to find out that at 480p resolution, the picture quality did not significantly degrade.  I wonder if the \\"upconversion\\" was really effective afterall. <br /> <br />2. At 720p and 1080i resolution settings, standard aspect ratio (4:3) VHS and DVDs were stretched to widescreen, i.e. people look fat and shorter.  There is no way to correct this with my TV setting. Level 2 Samsung technician could not help. This is inherent in the design. <br /> <br />To watch standart TV format (4:3) movies in their correct aspect ratio, you have to reset the resolution to 480p. This means that upconversion cannot be used for standard format DVDs and VHS movies. 720p & 1080i output signals are set to widescreen format. <br />