GREAT UNIT. DO NOT BELIEVE THOSE OTHER REVIEWS

Just purchased this SAMSUNG V8500 the other day. My cheapy DVD player died on me. Do NOT believe those negative reviews. Please read on before deciding.

First of all, this SAMSUNG is easy to hook-up. You can connect video via component, composite or S-video. Audio can be connected standard stereo or digital coax.

I have NO idea why those reviews said operation is difficult. This SAMSUNG is much easier to use than my TOSHIBA DVD/VCR that I have in the rec-room. On the SAMSUNG, all you do is pop in a DVD or tape and it automatically switches to the proper source and begins playing. My Toshiba doesn't do that. I have to tell my Toshiba whether to play a tape or a DVD.

DVD picture is SUPERB! The picture on my HD projection screen tv looks almost 3-D. It's the closest I've ever seen to a plasma quality picture. And I only have it hooked-up via the standard composite video connection (single yellow RCA video cable). I have it connected that way for ease of use. Sound quality is SPECTACULAR! Channel separation is noticably better than what I experienced with my old DVD player. I played several DVD movies that I was very familiar with. I have a 7.1 ONKYO system and I can hear the difference in sound quality.

I tried playing several Orchestral pieces which I burned and even they sound noticably better! Bass seems to be fuller and deeper and midrange and treble are very clean and crisp.

The reviews are correct about the VCR section. I played a couple of newer VCR prerecorded movies and the sound was INCREDIBLE! With my receiver set at the Pro-Logic IIx mode, it's hard to tell I was playing a tape and not a DVD! Picture quality was excellent, although not as good as the DVD's.

Didn't try the memory card slots. Not much use for me. Nice feature for those owning digital cameras.

I don't do the Universal Remote thing, so I don't really care about that. I use the individual remotes so there is less chance of someone touching the wrong buttons and screwing-up the whole set-up. I think Universal Remotes are made for bachelors, not households with families and kids.

I've been buying audio products for almost 30 years. Samsung has been around for awhile. They make many decent and high-end electronics, appliances, etc. Don't listen to the garbage posted by others. This unit has great sound and exceptional picture quality. It is a pleasure to watch TV again. Now I can realize the full performance characteristics of my surround sound system. I think Samsung makes a great product.