Samsung DVD-VR325 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo (Progressive Scan)

Reviewed by: oillogger

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Easier to use than most. Super easy converting of DVDs and VHS tapes. DVDs have been compatible with every device so far.

Weaknesses: Does not support the DVD+R and DVD+RW media.

Overall Evaluation: I purchased the Samsung DVD-VR325 progressive scan recordable DVR/VCR unit as a Christmas gift for my wife. Let go over the features/specs/operation and I'll make a few comments along the way. RECORDABLE MEDIA - Accepts DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, and VHS. Too bad it will not record to DVD+R. So far I have recorded to DVD-R, DVD-RAM and VHS without any problems. DVD-RAM support is a good feature since DVD-RAM is so versatile. MEDIA SUPPORTED - Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, and VHS. RECORDING MODES - EP, LP, SP, AND XP. I have only used SP and the playbacks were of good quality. VIDEO UPCONVERSION - 1080i (HDTV), 720p (HDTV), 768p. I do not have a high resolution television so this has not been attempted by me yet. INTERFACE TYPES - Audio - Line In (RCA), Audio - Line Out (AC-3 Bit Stream / PCM Optical), Audio - Line Out (RCA-style), Video - Coaxial (RF), Video - Component, Video - Composite (RCA), Video - i.LINK (IEEE1394), Video - S-Video, Digital Coaxial, Digital Optical, HDMI, RF Coaxial. Isn't that enough for you? It is for me for sure. There are convenient front DV and AV inputs available. SIZE - 20.2"(W) x 7.1"(H) x 16.8"(D). I have read on another website where one owner found they could not stack anything on the unit without the VCR malfunctioning. WEIGHT - About 10 pounds. ON-BOARD DECODERS - Dolby Digital 5.1-channel, DTS. WARRANTY - 1 Year Parts, 90 Day Labor REMOTE CONTROL - The remote can be programmed to control 48 different brands of televisions. The remote is not too hard to figure out and most will only need the manual to understand a couple of the buttons. The control fits in the hand fairly well. SYSTEM SETUP - The initial setup was a breeze. There is an auto time feature to set the clock for you. The automatic channel selection was quick and flawless. All menu settings for the DVD and VCR were easy to navigate and set. There is a Parental Control menu available but I did not use it. DVD/VCR RECORDING - You can record to either on demand, timed, or programmed. The menu is basically the same as the menu on any stand alone VCR you would encounter today. COPYING - Shine, shine, shine. Either go the one button route or use the menus. Copying DVDs to VHS tapes or copying VHS tapes to DVDs has never been easier! I have played back DVDs made from VHS tapes on DVD players, other DVD recorders and computers without any problems. The Samsung DVD-VR325 progressive scan recordable DVR/VCR unit is a great device to preserve those old VHS tapes on DVDs with chapters! OTHER FEATURES - Disk Manager for titles, editing names, protection, formating, and finalising. Advance Editing for scene editing and playlist editing. You also have a zoom feature and multiple camera angles feature. In conclusion I would say the Samsung DVD-VR325 progressive scan recordable DVR/VCR is a pretty good device for most people. It is fairly easy to use and seems to be fairly compatible with other devices. I have yet to try any of the high definition features yet and will not comment on that feature at this time.