Samsung Unveils 2nd-Generation Up-Conversion DVDs

4-Feb-04

Looking to advance the DVD up-conversion technology it introduced a year ago, Samsung unveiled its next generation of up-conversion players, which joined select DVD models with universal multichannel music compatibility. The company's 2004 video lineup also includes big screen portable DVD players and a trio of DVD recorders.Samsung is offering two up-conversion DVD players that will process standard definition DVDs to output 720p or 1080i HDTV format signals. Both models will playback a variety of disc formats, including SACD and DVD-Audio multichannel music discs. Model DVD-HD841 up-converts 480p to a selectable HD format in the digital domain, eliminating data loss and artifact introduction through D-to-A and A-to-D conversion. It will ship in third quarter at a $249.99 suggested retail. The step-up model DVD-HD941 adds Faroudja's DCDi technology, HDMI output, black-level adjustment, increased resolution settings, and discrete IR codes. It will ship in the third quarter at a $349.99 suggested retail.Samsung will also continue to offer a lineup of portable DVD players, including the DVD-L1200 ($1,199.99, first quarter), which the company said has ""the world's largest screen of 12 inches."" The unit measures just over 1-inch thick, and includes a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, three headphone jacks, A/V inputs, and outputs, including an S-video connection and a credit card-sized remote control. The player also offers Adaptive Image Control, which enables the viewer to select one of four different viewing settings that maximize LCD performance based on ambient lighting conditions. In DVD recorders, Samsung offers three new decks, all of which are capable of supporting three different recording formats. The formats are DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and DVD-R.The entry deck, DVD-R100, offers a Time Shift function when using DVD-RAM media. This allows simultaneous recording and playback, as well as live picture pause and replay. It also has one-touch and timer recording options, digital noise reduction and 480p progressive-scan video output. The step-up DVD-VR300 combines the DVD recorder with a VHS VCR for multi-recording and easy tape-to-DVD (and vice versa) dubbing capability. The unit has progressive scan DVD, VCD, VHS and S-VHS video output. The DVD-HR800 combines a DVD recorder with a 120GB internal hard disk drive capable of storing up to 160 hours of programming. In addition to progressive scan-playback and a super-slim (79mm) form factor, the DVD-HR800 has 6-in-2 Multi Flash memory card slots. It can playback JPEG and MP3 files with Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Multi Memory Card, Secure Digital Card, Smart Media Card, or a Compact Flash Card. A Gemstar TV Guide Onscreen electronic programming guide is also featured, enabling the user to select and record any program.

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