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Audio & Video |
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Samsung DVD-VR357 Tunerless DVD Recorder and VCR Combo
Studio : Samsung
by Samsung
Brand : Samsung
Model : DVD-VR357
Publisher : Samsung
Batteries : 2
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Color : Black
EAN : 0036725607774
UPC : 036725607774
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 92 reviews)
List Price : $219.99
Our Price : $185.95
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Multi Format DVD/VHS Recorder
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VHS HiFi Player
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HDMI Upconversion
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One Touch - 2 Way Dubbing
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DivX Compatible
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Product Description |
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HDMI / Easy Record / Component Video / Composite |
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I had to return the product |
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It may be a good product, I'll never know. When we opened the box, there was no user manual. Now, I know I can download and print it out, but it was 88 pages of printing. When I phoned Samsung to ask them to send us a manual, the lady said it's Samsung's policy not to send out manuals. So, we were left with either buying a manual or returning the recorder, so we returned the recorder to the store. Don't think we will be buying a Samsung product again. |
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S-L-O-W and Unreliable |
I've never cursed more than when I drive in New York City traffic, but using this machine is very much a close runner up in my list of things-that-most-annoy-me. Holy sweet mother of Jesus! This machine takes 3 whole minutes just stop a recording, and write the table information to disc. If you are in the middle of recording a live show and had to switch discs, good luck - you're not going to make it. Commercial time is usually 3 to 3.5 minutes. After agonizing over how slow it's taking to stop the first disc, you'll have to wait for the machine to "initialize" the new disc (not long in this case, just a few seconds), wait for it to then "load" the newly initialized disc before continuing with your record process. The whole process can take 5 minutes! Regardless of what you are recording, if you're like me, you wouldn't want to wait 5 minutes for this thing to do something other machines do in mere seconds. These minutes add up over time. This is just one of the machines that I currently have, and I've had plenty over the years. But this one is by far the slowest.
There is one plus this machine has going for it, it extends the high quality (XP) record time to 1 hour and 12 minutes. Other DVD recorders will do 1 hour plus 2 to 3 minutes. And yes, I have experience difficulties playing discs recorded on this machine, when using a DVD player of a different brand. But all my computers can read these discs just fine.
BTW, some brand of discs simply does not go down well with this thing, it doesn't like the TDK brand for instance. It does seem to like Sony discs. Also, the DVD-R format seems to be preferred over DVD+R's. Although Sony brand DVD+R's works fine, go figure.
If you are looking for a DVD Recorder, I recommend buying another brand. But if you are looking to get a machine just to transfer your video tapes to DVD, then go for it. May Allah and the Force Be With You, not to mention the Leprechauns.
Just so you know, I have yet to find the perfect machine. They all crap out in a year or so. I recommend using a lens cleaner (a disc with a tiny brush attached to it) from time to time, it helped extend the life of one of my machines, when I thought that it was about to be a candidate for the scrap heap.
Luckily I purchased an extended warranty when I bought this machine; so I'll be swapping it for a Sony when this Samsung finally kicks the bucket. I expect it to be soon.
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Does what I need |
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This recorder does what I need it to do, but isn't really compatible with my TV. I wanted this to copy home video to DVD. I find I need to use another VCR as an intermediate step. Perhaps when I become more familiar with this recorder, I will be able to cut out this step, but right now it is a problem. This recorder is not the easiest to use. The recorder I had to do this job was much easier to use before it declined to work at all. |
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Excellent Combo player |
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This is a fantastic solution for a combo player. I am very happy with the refurbished product, for less than half of what it would cost new. Wharehouse deals has the same return policy as Americancivilwar, so it's a very safe purchase. |
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Unmentioned so far |
Ok, this is my third DVD recorder. I bought a refurb for a VERY good price here on Americancivilwar.
I have previously had a Phillips (UGH) and a Pioneer (WOW !).
This unit works very smoothly in it's mechanics and seems to perform all functions well.
What no one warned me about was that the DV interface, while comprehensive for a camcorder, will not respond at all or accept signal from my computer. This wrecks my main function of feeding edits of cheap jobs to the recorder.
Both the Phillips and Pioneer took the computer video just fine.
Anyway I have a Sony Media Converter so I make the digital into analog annd pass the analog to the recorder. Gross but it works.
One reason I am willing to do this( when I don't feel like burning a "good" DVD) is that UNLIKE any other recorder I've had this one auto-chapters and then puts up pages of thumbnails for the auto-chapters.
NONE of the others would do this in an automatic fashion like this.Anyone who gets such a DVD will
like it better than without the thumbs.
Another problem (for me anyway) is the recorder speeds and data rates.
There are only 4 choices.
The Phillips had a 2:30 min mode that was convenient. The pioneer was almost infinitely adjustable for time and data rate.
This I will have to deal with but it is no good for a 2hour 20 minute movie.
Some auto function might help with this.
It could also use a component input.
The DVD I burned played on every other player in the house.
Tapes look A-OK.
And again as far as smoothness and silence mechanically it;s nice.
Not as bad as many reviewers make out as long as you get a decent price.
UPDATE
I have made about 20 DVD's. NO coasters. Easy to work. Auto finalize if you walk away.
Again a good deal if you get the right price. |
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