Samsung DVD-HD931 HD-Compatible DVD Player

Components used in testing the Samsung DVD-HD931 included the following: Outlaw Audio Model 950 Preamp/Processor, Butler Audio Model 5150 5-Channel Power Amp, Yamaha HTR-5490 AV receiver, Olevia LT30HV LCD Television (using DVI and Component connections), Optoma H56 DLP video projector (using S-Video connection), Yamaha YST-SW205 subwoofer, and a variety of loudspeakers. Audio and video interconnects from both Cobalt and Accell were used. DVI connectors used were by both Samsung and Accell. Comparison DVD players included the Philips DVDR985, Pioneer DV-525, and Technics DVD-A10.

DVD software used included scenes from the following: Kill Bill - Vol1, Pirates Of The Carribean, Chicago, Valley Of Gwangi, Jason And The Argonauts, Passionada, X-men2, Once Upon A Time In Mexico, and Moulin Rouge . In addition, various CD and DTS music discs were used to check the audio-only capabilities of the DVD-HD931.

Setting up the Samsung was easy, its shallow cabinet allowed easy access to all connections, while the owner's manual, while a little skimpy on some explanations, provided enough information and illustrations to get going. The onscreen setup menu was easy to navigate. I had the unit connected and ready to go very quickly.

On the audio sideo of things, the 931 performed as expected on both music only and DVD soundtrack material. When used with both the Outlaw/Butler Audio combo or the Yamaha HTR-5490 AV receiver, I found no obvious faults in the audio signal. Using both digital optical and digital coaxial audio connections, the Samsung's digital audio bitstream seemed to be transfered intact. In addition, the analog stereo output signal, when used with standard CDs appeared fine as well.

On the video side of things, the testing was more involved. When hooked to the Optoma H56 DLP video projector with standard S-Video, the unit performed very well, and was on par with several other DVD players I have used with this projector, including the classic Technics DVD-A10.

For progressive scan and DVI testing, I connected the 931 to an Olevia LT30HV, which is a fixed-pixel LCD television with both progressive scan and DVI-HDCP inputs. In the standard component 480p progressive scan mode, the Samsung performed as well as my Philips DVDR985, and could see no obvious difference in the quality of the video output between the two. Perhaps the fact that both units incorporate Faroudja's DCDi processing is a factor.

Lastly, it was time to test the DVI output of the Samsung. My first impression of the DVI input signal was that, casually, I didn't seem to notice a lot of difference between the standard progressive component signal and the DVI signal when set at 480p. However, once I set the DVI input to 720p (which happens to more closely approximate the Olevia LT30HV's native 1280x878 pixel resolution), everything became clear (in a manner of speaking). The depth of the image improved, the color and edges were crisp and clean, and motion tracking was improved. The 1080i setting showed little difference from 720p.

One great example of the effect of DVI, is that on the film Jason And The Argonauts, I could see things such as the actual film grain of the print, and the definite dimensional and quality difference between Ray Harryhausen's fantastic creatures and optically projected filmed characters in the background. On the film Moulin Rouge, the fantastic color detail and action, which gets totally lost in a small screen environment jumps right out at you with DVI 720p setting. Also, both the Vernita Green scene in Kill Bill, Vol.1 and the opening dock scene in Passionada looked even more colorful than I remember seeing on the big screen.

Overall, I found the Samsung DVD-HD931 to be a great DVD player in its standard modes or with DVI. However, along with my positive impressions, there were a few features that I found could use some improvement.

First, the DVI 720p/1080i upscaling function is not accesssible from remote.

There is no aspect ratio control when using the DVI function. Only widescreen DVDs will be displayed correctly. 4x3 material, such as old films made before the mid-50's or most TV programs on DVD, are stretched out on a 16x9 screen. For these programs, I recommend the Samsung's S-video or standard progressive scan function.

The Jog/Shuttle not accessible on remote. For film buffs (like myself), that enjoy analyzing special effects or checking details frame-by-frame, you have to get up out your chair and use the front panel Jog/Shuttle control.

In conclusion, if you have a television with just S-video or component inputs, this is good DVD player, but perhaps a little expensive for just that purpose only. However, if you have an HDTV with DVI-HDCP inputs (especially a Plasma or LCD) and you are tired of waiting for high definition DVD, you can at least get a taste of things to come.

You will see your DVD collection in a whole new light.