Cheap and good value but....

Obviously you need to get a fix so it will play the dual layer ones.

In retrospect, spend a few dollars more and get a better player. I got a great deal on my player but not worth it when you've been waiting to play Matrix and you have trouble with it :(

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba 2109 Toshiba 3109

This product is a bummer. In addition to the problems with the Matrix etc., the unit claims to play VCD but when I popped one in, it wouldnt even load. What a gyp!!!

Fine performance all around for the money

DVD-Rom content on movie DVD's gives player trouble.Limited in it's ability to resolve complex visuals.

Product offers excellent performance for a very inexpensive price.Yes there are trade offs in performance and features.The question is are they reasonable trade offs? The answer in this reviewers opinion is most assuredly so. Anyone who has a system capable of revealing this products limitations has no business looking in this players price range. Samsung has taken the path of opting for substance over style. If you want the maximum performance for the least amount of money and you understand the difference between inexpensive and cheap then this product deserves consideration.

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None, my first DVD player.

Looks, Operation, Picture & Sound

Firmware Problems, Needs weighting down as a gust of wind will blow it away.

This Machine seems to work fine overall, took it back to the dealer after discovering it would not play The Matrix
and had the firmware upgraded while i waited, would have changed it for a toshiba player if i could have as these players seem to get real cool reviews over here. One thing i have discovered is that some skipping is caused by fingerprints on the disk so check it out first.

Chose this machine because i cant see the point in paying out for an expensive player when DVD AUDIO is waiting just around the corner.

Similar Products Used:

None

Consider a GE 1105P. This GE is also made by Samsung.

If you are considering this Samsung Player, you may wish to investigate the GE 1105P. It is also made by Samsung. Make sure the outside of the GE box has a sticker that says "Upgraded Software Version," so that you won't have as many headaches. It will allow you to play dual layered discs "better," such as "The Matrix." This GE model differs from the Samsung by:

Remote (clone of the RCA DVD Player remote)
Dolby Digital Output only (no DTS)
Optical Digital Output (not Coaxial)

This is obviously not a review, just an FYI.

Similar Products Used:

GE

I'm too mad to to think of any.

Skips. Skips. More skips.

I had the firmware upgrade. That just causes other disks that worked fine before start skipping. Samsung said it was free but then decided it was out of warranty and charged me $170. They said it would be free. Stinking liars! I ended up giving my player to the place that "fixed" it. I'm now thinking of smashing my Samsung microwave and TV. The name Samsung on them seems to mock me. Stay far away from Samsung and Best Buy. They don't care. They have lost my money forever.

Similar Products Used:

Sony

For the price, I think it is a great DVD player. I am disappointed that it does not have optical output as other DVD players but the coaxial connection works well with Sony DA50ES receiver.
I've played a few DVD movies with and without dual layers and had no problems except DIE HARD (#1),which is a dual layered. It played fine during the first layer, but problem began after the transition into the second layer. The other two of the trilogy, which are also dual layered, played fine. With two out of three playing fine, I am thinking it could be the software. For now, I am giving it a five star.

I've had my 709/xa for roughly over 1 month, just found out that a disc I really liked tends to "freeze" throughout the movie. It really doesn't freeze, it is more of hiccup. Other 20 discs that I've played on it worked fine expect for a slight layer change here and there. My disc maybe? I went to BBY and tried their players; RCA - no hiccup, Magnavox - no hiccup, Samsung 709 - same hiccup. I think its the player, but for now I am very satisfied and will wait until it acts up more before I send my unit in for repair.
I will give it 4 stars, if not for the hiccup on one of my favorite discs, it would have been 5 stars. It is a entry player but so far looks to have less problems than other higher priced models.

I bought the Samsung 709 less than a week ago. I like the features and the remote and the picture is great. However, I am having horrible problems with it Skipping (hiccuping) on 4 of the 5 DVD's I have played. I am very disappointed in this and since the someone on this board has exchanged it and had worse problems, I think I will just return it and buy another one.

WARNING ! WARNING ! THIS UNIT WILL NOT I REPEAT NOT PLAY DUAL LAYERED DISK`S and since most of the newer disks are the dual layered type you`ll be well you know. The worst part is that i`ve called samsung and have been told that they know about this problem but have NO fix for this situation , the tech told me to buy single layered disk`s, Yeh right! Took it back and got a sony dvps550/d. Samsung Sucks !! Grade = 0