Samsung DVD611 DVD Player
Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Samsung's DVD-611 is an affordable, no-frills, single-disc machine that outputs both Dolby Digital and DTS (Digital Theater System) 5.1-channel surround sound. In our tests, it also played The Matrix with satisfactory results.
Although there are plenty of low-cost DVD players that bear the DTS logo, our experience has revealed that many bargain-priced machines are not capable of satisfactorily passing the DTS signal on to audio-video receivers with built-in DTS decoders. In fact, we have grown so accustomed to this shortcoming that we invariably slip a 5.1-channel DTS disc into every budget- priced player we test before we break open the manual.
To that end, we're pleased to report that we played a couple of DTS 5.1-channel concert discs through the DVD-611 with good results. Of course, the DVD-611 also plays Dolby Digital-encoded DVDs with equal finesse.
On the video side, the DVD-611 passed The Matrix test. This popular movie has given many DVD players fits due to its spectacular action sequences, which stretch the limitations of MPEG-2 compression technology.
Briefly, MPEG-2 uses mathematical formulas to search for redundancies in each frame, basically tricking the eye into seeing information that is being repeated from scene to scene. This method works well for scenes with very little motion--a lawyer, for example, sitting in a high- backed chair with mahogany paneling behind him as he lectures a client. Unfortunately, on more grueling, fast-action sequences with constantly changing backgrounds--such as those found throughout The Matrix--the MPEG-2 format is challenged to squeeze an enormous amount of information into a limited amount of space. As a result, some DVD players' video decoders have a tendency to skip or lock up when playing certain scenes on "high-impact" films.
Hardware manufacturers are quick to point out that the problem is a result of using inefficient bit allocation when mastering the DVD-video transfer, but this is of little consolation to anyone who's purchased a player that can't handle The Matrix.Bargain hunters who crave action movies will be happy to know that Samsung's DVD-611 didn't so much as hiccup after being fed an afternoon's worth of Keanu Reeves kicking and screaming his way across the cyber screen.
In short, Samsung's DVD-611, with its 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converters, is more than acceptable as a movie machine. If you plan on using your DVD player to listen to music CDs, however, we recommend spending another $100 or more for a brand that incorporates higher-quality internal audio components. Although the DVD-611 sounds just fine on most movies, on music we noticed a decided brightness in the upper frequencies--especially on vocals.
Another rare and admirable trait for a budget DVD player is the presence of both coaxial and optical digital audio outputs. Although most budget players offer only optical, we're very pleased to report that the DVD-611 has both. One advantage to having optical and coaxial is the ability to use a separate digital-to-analog converter for music listening only.
The DVD-611 also has component-video outputs in addition to S-Video and composite. Although this feature is increasingly standard, even for lower-end players, it's reassuring to see that Samsung did not compromise on video outputs in exchange for offering two digital-audio connections.
The player's build quality is above average. It has a rather Spartan front panel, with no bells or whistles.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the remote control, which we found cumbersome to operate. The DVD- 611's remote and corresponding screen menus require too many steps to navigate. For example, if you're watching a movie and you need to change the settings, you have to stop the movie and hit the set up button, then hit the set up button again in order to activate the screen. Then you have to scroll down to the function you wish to change, and either hit the enter button or move the cursor left or right, depending on the function you're trying to access. To exit the menu, you have to use the return button on the remote.
The first time we tried this, we searched in vain for a way out of the menu before reading the manual and discovering that you have to hit the return button. We believe that today's remote controls should be instantly intuitive; in that regard, the DVD-611 fails to live up to our standards for ease of use.
If you're on a budget, however, and you're looking for a player that's DTS compatible and has dual digital-audio outputs, the Samsung DVD-611 is a reliable machine with good video processing. --Eric Gill
Pros
Impressive video processing, even on fast-action DVDs
Reliable audio playback in Dolby Digital and DTS
Plenty of audio/video connection options
Cons
Finicky user interface
Clumsy remote control
Average sound quality for music CDs and concert DVDs
Average customer rating: 
|
Samsung DVD611 DVD Player
Manufacturer: Samsung ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics  All
| DVD Players & Recorders
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
DVD Players
| DVD Players & Recorders
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
Audio & Video
| Refurbished & Used
| Special Features
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
DVD Players
| Samsung
| Brands
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
| DVD Players
| DVD Recorders
| Blu-ray Players
All Samsung
| Samsung
| Brands
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00004TEUD |
Amazon.com Review
Samsung's DVD-611 is an affordable, no-frills, single-disc machine that outputs both Dolby Digital and DTS (Digital Theater System) 5.1-channel surround sound. In our tests, it also played The Matrix with satisfactory results.Although there are plenty of low-cost DVD players that bear the DTS logo, our experience has revealed that many bargain-priced machines are not capable of satisfactorily passing the DTS signal on to audio-video receivers with built-in DTS decoders. In fact, we have grown so accustomed to this shortcoming that we invariably slip a 5.1-channel DTS disc into every budget- priced player we test before we break open the manual.
To that end, we're pleased to report that we played a couple of DTS 5.1-channel concert discs through the DVD-611 with good results. Of course, the DVD-611 also plays Dolby Digital-encoded DVDs with equal finesse.
On the video side, the DVD-611 passed The Matrix test. This popular movie has given many DVD players fits due to its spectacular action sequences, which stretch the limitations of MPEG-2 compression technology.
Briefly, MPEG-2 uses mathematical formulas to search for redundancies in each frame, basically tricking the eye into seeing information that is being repeated from scene to scene. This method works well for scenes with very little motion--a lawyer, for example, sitting in a high- backed chair with mahogany paneling behind him as he lectures a client. Unfortunately, on more grueling, fast-action sequences with constantly changing backgrounds--such as those found throughout The Matrix--the MPEG-2 format is challenged to squeeze an enormous amount of information into a limited amount of space. As a result, some DVD players' video decoders have a tendency to skip or lock up when playing certain scenes on "high-impact" films.
Hardware manufacturers are quick to point out that the problem is a result of using inefficient bit allocation when mastering the DVD-video transfer, but this is of little consolation to anyone who's purchased a player that can't handle The Matrix.Bargain hunters who crave action movies will be happy to know that Samsung's DVD-611 didn't so much as hiccup after being fed an afternoon's worth of Keanu Reeves kicking and screaming his way across the cyber screen.
In short, Samsung's DVD-611, with its 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converters, is more than acceptable as a movie machine. If you plan on using your DVD player to listen to music CDs, however, we recommend spending another $100 or more for a brand that incorporates higher-quality internal audio components. Although the DVD-611 sounds just fine on most movies, on music we noticed a decided brightness in the upper frequencies--especially on vocals.
Another rare and admirable trait for a budget DVD player is the presence of both coaxial and optical digital audio outputs. Although most budget players offer only optical, we're very pleased to report that the DVD-611 has both. One advantage to having optical and coaxial is the ability to use a separate digital-to-analog converter for music listening only.
The DVD-611 also has component-video outputs in addition to S-Video and composite. Although this feature is increasingly standard, even for lower-end players, it's reassuring to see that Samsung did not compromise on video outputs in exchange for offering two digital-audio connections.
The player's build quality is above average. It has a rather Spartan front panel, with no bells or whistles.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the remote control, which we found cumbersome to operate. The DVD- 611's remote and corresponding screen menus require too many steps to navigate. For example, if you're watching a movie and you need to change the settings, you have to stop the movie and hit the set up button, then hit the set up button again in order to activate the screen. Then you have to scroll down to the function you wish to change, and either hit the enter button or move the cursor left or right, depending on the function you're trying to access. To exit the menu, you have to use the return button on the remote.
The first time we tried this, we searched in vain for a way out of the menu before reading the manual and discovering that you have to hit the return button. We believe that today's remote controls should be instantly intuitive; in that regard, the DVD-611 fails to live up to our standards for ease of use.
If you're on a budget, however, and you're looking for a player that's DTS compatible and has dual digital-audio outputs, the Samsung DVD-611 is a reliable machine with good video processing. --Eric Gill
Pros
Cons
Amazon.com Product Description
The Samsung DVD611 high-resolution DVD player incorporates a 10-bit video digital-to-analog converter and a 96 kHz, 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converter to ensure precise playback and pristine audio quality from every disc. Left/right audio output terminals let you use the unit with a Dolby Pro Logic receiver, so the typical six-channel Dolby Digital signal is mixed down to a compatible Pro Logic signal. A 2x audio playback allows the soundtrack to be heard even when you are fast-forwarding the video at twice the normal speed. You can also magnify portions of any image either two or four times the normal size without affecting playback.Standard S-video, composite-video, and optical digital audio outputs are included. The set of component-video outputs provides an optimum connection between the Samsung DVD611 and TV sets with component-video inputs. The full-function remote control comes with two AA batteries.
Samsung offers a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Product Description
Samsung has established itself as leader in the DVD market by offering highly specified, well-designed machines at sensible prices. Samsung DVD player creates a level of excitement and experience that virtually turns your living room into a screening room. The Samsung DVD-611 features 10-Bit video digital to analog converter system that ensures precise playback of the high resolution DVD video signal. Analog video components are also selected to optimize performance. Component video output terminals provide the optimum connection between your DVD player and an advanced direct view or projection TV system. In addition, these component connections will be the ideal way to interface the DVD with upcoming HDTV display devices from Samsung. This player's 2x audio playback allows the soundtrack to be heard even when video is playing at twice the normal speed. Thanks to the advanced processing algorithm, voices sound clear and natural in spite of the high-speed playback. High-speed 96 kHz/24 bit audio digital to analog converters deliver pristine audio quality from every disc. Most importantly, it accurately reproduces the latest audio discs that are recorded in the in the 96 kHz/24 bit format. Left/right audio output terminals allow the DVD to be used with a Dolby Pro-Logic Receiver. The 6 channel Dolby Digital signal is automatically mixed down to a Pro-Logic compatible signal. Standard Remote Control with 2 AA Batteries is also included.Electronics:
Recommended Consumer Electronics:
Yamaha DVX-S120P 5.1 Channel CinemaStation System with Progr
NEC FE991SB-BK 19'' CRT Monitor (Black)
Fujifilm MX-1200 Digital Camera
AXIS 213 WALL BRACKET ( 5500-071 )
Diamond Drive 1GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Clear/Silver)
Da-Lite 120'' Diagonal Video Format Home Theater Fixed Frame
Apple 20 GB iPod U2 Special Edition
Samsung Evoca 70S Power Zoom 35mm Camera
Audiovox VBP5000 Portable DVD and VCP Mobile Video System with 5.6" LCD