Samsung DVD-HD931 HDTV Converter Progressive-Scan DVD Player

The DVD-HD931 goes beyond the typical progressive-scan DVD player by adding a built-in video scaler that permits output to a HDTV.

The DVD-HD931 also performs 3:2 pulldown. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24-frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture. Faroudja's de-interlacing technology (DCDi) is built into the device, performing directional interpolation--detecting the angle of a pixel's outer tilt--on each pixel. Video signals are de-interlaced according to that angle, thereby correcting image vibration, stair-stepping, cut-off, and other common video-processing artifacts.

Two sets of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (one each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. If you don't have a surround receiver or six-channel speaker setup, you can still make every movie night the ultimate experience: the unit's 3-D Sound function simulates surround sound through two speakers (even the stereo speakers on a TV).

Other features include EZ View letter box eliminator (which adapts widescreen images for 4:3 aspect-ratio TV sets), motion zoom (which magnifies selected screen areas by 2x or 4x), instant replay/skip (which initiates a 10-second jump backward or forward), and bookmarking (which lets you mark sections of a disc for rapid access).

DCDi technology: By adopting the Genesis FLI2310 chip, where Faroudja technology was materialized, it perfectly corrects vibration, stairs, cut-off, and other standard operational errors that may occur in a picture. DNIe chip: By adopting the DNIe (Digital Natural Image Engine) chip, the DVD-HD931 displays a clean picture. This is done by reproducing a digital source that passes through an FLI2310 chip as it is without any loss of picture quality. DVI video output: No reduction of picture quality or distortion can occur when adopting DVI that supports Digital Image Perfection.

HDCD and DVD-audio playback capability: Unlike a normal DVD player playing only an ordinary CD, Samsung's DVD-HD931 enables you to hear HDCD and DVD-audio formats, which are of significantly improved quality. Dolby/DTS digital output: It streams out Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel streams and enables you to hear the same degree of the original sound that would be heard at a movie theater.

Video format conversion
A normal DVD player transmits a video signal to 480i output when playing a DVD title (480i/480p). Even with a progressive-scanning DVD player, it simply outputs a video signal of 480i to 480p. However, Samsung's DVD-HD931 enables you to enjoy an HDTV-compliant picture with an ordinary DVD title, thanks to its scale-up to 720p/1080i.

Motion adaptive technologies produce the finest progressive output available. They detect the amount of motion and use an appropriate mix of spatial and temporal processing with the highest resolution for still areas that have no motion artifacts in moving areas. DCDi The Samsung DVD-HD931 performs directional interpolation on each pixel with DCDi technology, which detects the angle of an outer tilt by pixel, and then de-interlaces a video signal according to the angle. This state-of-the-art video processing technology is incorporated for even higher picture quality assurance. DCDi eliminates the jagged edges that appear when standard interlaced video is viewed on progressive-scan displays, which means that progressive-scan DVD players that feature DCDi technology produce images that look more smooth and natural.

What's in the Box
DVD player, remote control, 2 AAA batteries for remote, user's manual, video/audio interconnect (stereo analog audio/composite-video cables).

Note: This player's DVI output is a high-bandwidth digital interconnect compatible only with high-resolution HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content protect) digital displays.

Cons:
1) The price - it really has to come down.
2) The remote. Others have said it too - it really has very small range. If you're more than 6 feet way, you'll have problems. Also, there's only one Fast Fordward (>>) button that doubles as chapter forward as well as fast forward. If you press it once, it goes to the next chapter. If you press and hold, it'll fast forward. Same thing for Rewind (search backwards). Not a good design.
3) The blue lights - Yes, that's plural. There are 2 big, annoying ones. When the unit is in standby, the round knob all the way in the left lights up. This is the smaller of the 2 lights. When you power up, the big round knob all the way to the right (jog dial) lights up. This one is more annoying since it's big and very bright. You can only make the display dim, but not either of these 2 lights.
4) Audio output not that great - I hooked up the optical digital out to my Denon Receiver. The bass was sub-par. The surround sound channels seemed weaker too. When I hooked up the Sony player (NS725P) with the exact same receiver settings, the sound was awesome. Of course, the Sony player is noted for it's high quality sound output. So maybe that's more of a statement for the Sony player than for this Samsung player.
5) Lack of special features - E.g. The Sony player can remember the location of the last 5 DVD movies you've played. This Samsung player didn't seem to always remember even the most recent one I was playing. Also, you cannot make any picture adjustments (noise filtering, film mode, cinema mode, etc.) All these and more were available with the Sony NS725P that cost much less.

To summarize (again) - this Samsung HD931 is capable of producing one of the best quality pictures using the DVI output. But for all the lack of features described above, I would not recommend buying it. Especially if the price stays so much higher than the other players which certainly do a good job with Video as well (not as good, but close enough). I ended up returning the Samsung HD931 and keeping the Sony DVP-NS725P. I plan to buy a good quality VCR with the $100 I saved.


Great Unit But Be Aware!   August 7, 2003
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

If you want to view your dvd's in HD mode, You will have to connect the player using the DVI output.
There is no 720p or 1080i output from the component output jacks.
If you have a DVI input on you monitor, tv or projector, then this is the unit for you.


Outstanding upscaling DVD player, INCLUDES DVI CABLE!   December 28, 2003
30 out of 32 found this review helpful

THE DVI CABLE IS INCLUDED IN THE BOX! Samsung really dropped the ball in not noting this in their packaging and advertising materials, and the idea that you need to buy an extra, and usually way over priced cable, has probably put off a number of potential buyers.

The Samsung HD931 DVI compatible DVD player with 1080i up scaling and image refinement technology seems to have generated a wide range of reviews. On one hand, there seems to be an element in the A/V crowd that plugs something in, finds it to be not 100% integrated out the box or that it requires some adjustment and understanding on the part of the user, who immediately rush to web sites to write "This POS sucks!" type reviews. That is, as Rummy might say, "not helpful".

There are also many people who have high end system who understand the subtle interaction of program material, displays, room types and so forth, who are probably getting the best out of the player, who write reviews saying it's "STUNNING!"

A few observations:

I found the HD931 I purchased, made on 10/03, to be one of the best displaying DVD players I have owned, and that includes quite a few units over the years. The picture is outstanding and crisp, even with component output. Some have complained about the innovative menuing system, but it's a well thought out and very useful approach to controlling the unit. The integrated "disc menu" that condenses chapters and other disc options into a single pop over window is great, and saves the user from having to go through the elaborate, frequently slow and labor intensive menus used in many DVDs. They look great, but if you just want to change options, jump to a chapter, change audio and so forth the disc menu is great.

Some have complained about the remote. It's average, not great not awful, but easy to get used to once you work with it a day or two. It seemed to control the unit just fine from a distance of about ten feet with the unit in line of sight from the remote.

The DVI output is fantastic, but it can't improve on a mediocre transfer of the original DVD. However, if the DVD is well transferred and has detail, texture or subtleties in the transfer that might not have come out before with component output then you are going to see this additional detail via the up scaling enhancements, advanced deinterlacing, and DVI output and really be knocked out by the near HDTV quality of many DVD movies.

If the original DVD transfer was not very good, or was over compressed, or re-used an older transfer made for VHS or laserdisc, then using component video output might be better, as it will gloss over the faults a bit. Like anything that is "higher quality" the HD931 DVI output makes lower quality stand out more. Luckily, you can hook up both outputs from the HD931 to your display and select which signal type to use based on the quality of the DVD.

The only irritating flaw in the HD931 is the over bright neon blue light on the jog dial. SAMSUNG has issued a couple of firmware fixes for various glitches including a problem outputting the correct aspect ratio of 4:3 DVDs via DVI to certain SONY displays. SAMSUNG was very helpful when I contacted them, and sent me a disc right away to upgrade my firmware. A player with this technology would have cost $1,000.00 just a year ago, not it's under three hundred.

In short, this is a great player.


AMAZING DVD PLAYER   November 12, 2003
richard ferdinando (chatsworth, ca USA)
22 out of 23 found this review helpful

As a home theater design professional, I must share with all of you that this DVD player has reached hieghts which we have only dreamed of. First of all, you MUST use the DVI-D connection to gain all the benefits of having this payer upconvert your 480 signal to either 720p or 1080i. Each HD television is very different and odds are, if you have a tube or big screen, you will be forced to use the 1080i scaling rate. At this rate, the player does a very nice job I must say. However, for those of you who own a plasma or DMD TV, the 720P scaler is Insanely good and makes this player shine. At even $300 list, just BUY IT!


The picture is stunning   November 11, 2003
Ashish Rajendra (Toronto, Ontario Canada)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I have this DVD players married to a Samsung DLP Television connected via a DVI Cable. The picture is stunning. Re-watched the Matrix and Gladiator, saw detail that was not apparent on a normal (non-progressive) DVD player. This is the closest thing I have seen to film. When the source is purely digital such as "Finding Nemo", the picture quality is actually better then at the theatre! The only reason I don't give 5 stars is the cheap remote.