Need a new dvd player/Samsung HD841 any good?

[Jman999]

I am in the market for a new dvd player and do not have so much money to spend. It will be used on a Toshiba 32A41 32" regular CRT TV. For sound I am using a Sansui vintage speakers with a Sansui vintage receiver. Here's what I need in my DVD Player:

-Quality sound via analog out for DVDs and CDs.
-Great picture quality via S-video
-Compatibility with all kinds of DVD media
-Reliability - Player needs to last at least a few years
-Compatible with universal remotes

Bonuses:
-Ability to play MP3-DVDs
-Ability to play Divx/Xvids
-Good remote

I would pay at maximum $80 for these features, although I might spend a bit more for a good player.

Would the Samsung HD841 fulfill my requirements? Because I've seen a lot of reviews complaining about the quality/reliablity of that player.

Why are these players selling so cheaply, because there is a new model out, or because they're not any good??

Thanks,
-Jonathan.

[Eyedoctor2]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=544422&page=1&pp=30

I am very happy with mine

[Jman999]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=544422&page=1&pp=30

I am very happy with mine

I have seen that thread before and read many of the posts, only think making me hesitant is the large number of negative reviews on amazon.com.

[zagortenej]

Under the advice of Eyedoctor2 I have recently (about a week ago) purchased Samsung 841. So far I had no problems with it whatsoever. I think a lot of the problems with the unit had to do with earlier firmware versions, and Samsung makes firmware updates available to (try to) address the complaints.

I use my unit as a primary video source hooked up to my video projector. I am quite pleased with image quality, especially the fact that the player outputs both PAL and NTSC progressive scan (most units, I learned, don't). The sound is also quite acceptable and the fact that the unit plays SACD and DVD-Audio discs as well is a big bonus for me. I do, however, use my Pioneer universal player as the primary audio-playback unit (don't have enough analog inputs on my receiver to set up two universal DVD players for SACD and DVD-Audio Playback). I haver tried it and can confirm that Samsung does play MP3-DVD discs. A slight minus with the feature, in my book, is the fact that random MP3 playback works only within folder rather than accross folders. After firmware upgrade, the unit is also Divx/Xvids capable, but I did not try this feature (don't use the format).

Overall, for my purposes, Samsung's DVD player fits the bill quite nicely, so I'd recommend it.

Hope this helps.

[Jman999]

Under the advice of Eyedoctor2 I have recently (about a week ago) purchased Samsung 841. So far I had no problems with it whatsoever. I think a lot of the problems with the unit had to do with earlier firmware versions, and Samsung makes firmware updates available to (try to) address the complaints.

I use my unit as a primary video source hooked up to my video projector. I am quite pleased with image quality, especially the fact that the player outputs both PAL and NTSC progressive scan (most units, I learned, don't). The sound is also quite acceptable and the fact that the unit plays SACD and DVD-Audio discs as well is a big bonus for me. I do, however, use my Pioneer universal player as the primary audio-playback unit (don't have enough analog inputs on my receiver to set up two universal DVD players for SACD and DVD-Audio Playback). I haver tried it and can confirm that Samsung does play MP3-DVD discs. A slight minus with the feature, in my book, is the fact that random MP3 playback works only within folder rather than accross folders. After firmware upgrade, the unit is also Divx/Xvids capable, but I did not try this feature (don't use the format).

Overall, for my purposes, Samsung's DVD player fits the bill quite nicely, so I'd recommend it.

Hope this helps.

I think I am sold on the Samsung, I'm just trying to determine where to find it for the cheapest price and with a decent warranty.