Product Features:

• Progressive-scan DVD player with DVI digital output and upconversion of DVD signals to 1080i/720p
• Compatible with DVD, picture CD, JPEG CD, MP3, and WMA CD-R/CD-RW media
• 480p progressive-scan video output
• Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel digital outputs (coaxial, optical); 3-D Sound simulated surround for stereo speakers
• Slim profile, titanium hot-stamp finish

Product Description:

Samsung's DVD-HD931 aims to redefine DVD picture quality, using high technology to upconvert DVD-Video images to resolutions better suited for today's high-definition displays (720p/1080i). Even if you're planning to upgrade your television at a later date, this player will work with your current set and all commercial DVD-Video media, as well as your homemade MP3/WMA music CDs, Picture CDs, and CDs filled with JPEG image files. The DVD-HD931 goes beyond the typical progressive-scan DVD player by adding a built-in video scaler that permits output to a HDTV. Standard DVD players output 480i (interlaced) video. Progressive-scan players roughly double that resolution by outputting 480p (progressive scan) video. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. The DVD-HD931's 480p output can be sent via a dedicated DVI (digital visual interface) output or the more traditional component-video outputs. 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). Three keys to high-quality pictures 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. Two keys to superior sound 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 de-interlacing 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.
From the Manufacturer The best deserve to use the best. Samsung is proud to present the DVD-HD931, which provide the best DVD player performance ever. This prestigious unit is only for those who pursue the ultimate in digital video performance. Samsung's DVD-HD931 is extensively different from other DVD players you have experienced. It is a high-tech product having a perfect HDTV compliance that has been limited with other normal DVD players. Even with a normal DVD title it displays a video source with the... read more

Description from Manufacturer:Samsung's DVD-HD931 aims to redefine DVD picture quality, using high technology to upconvert DVD-Video images to resolutions better suited for today's high-definition displays (720p/1080i). Even if you're planning to upgrade your television at a later date, this player will work with your current set and all commercial DVD-Video media, as well as your homemade MP3/WMA music CDs, Picture CDs, and CDs filled with JPEG image files.

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

Standard DVD players output 480i (interlaced) video. Progressive-scan players roughly double that resolution by outputting 480p (progressive scan) video. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. The DVD-HD931's 480p output can be sent via a dedicated DVI (digital visual interface) output or the more traditional component-video outputs.

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. Average Customer Rating:

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Comment: Pretty good DVD Player Rating:
BE WARNED - that not all of these players come with the DVI cable. I purchased my through Amazon.com last week and mine did NOT come with a cable. I purchased the $100 Monster Cable.

The picture quality of the player is impressive, especially in 720p mode. Quite a bit more information is transferred to the television in that mode than in 420p and there is noticeably more film footage displayed. Overall, the player is probably worth the investment if you have a DVI capable television. Just remember, this player may cost you $229 plus $100 if you are one of the unlucky ones (like myself) that does not receive the cable in the box. Amazon and Samsung really need to rectify that inconsistency considering how expensive that cable is.

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Comment: Samsung HD931 Impression Rating:
I recently purchased a High Definition (HD) plasma display panel and have been enjoying HD television but have been disappointed with the output from my old non-progressive scan DVD player. I read numerous reviews and opinions on the Samsung HD931 player and thought that since I had a fixed panel display with DVI input that I would get the most benefit from this player.

After viewing numerous DVDs since receiving this player I would like to share the following observations: On good DVD material the picture is very good and with digitally produced DVDs, such as "Monsters Inc." and "Finding Nemo", the picture is excellent and allows this player to truly shine.

Although the advertising might suggest HD quality output from this player, I would say that the picture quality even with the best quality DVDs is not as good as normal HD broadcasts that I receive over HD cable. There is no comparison of this DVD player when comparing its output with HD broadcasts recorded using HD equipment.

Overall I am happy with my purchase and I am planning on keeping this player until true HD DVDs and HD players are readily available. Hopefully this happens sooner than the projected 2007 dates I have read.

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Comment: Be careful this Samsung DVD had a lot of technical problems Rating:
Here's my experience with this Samsung DVD player and my KF50WE601 Sony RPTV with the DVI input.

Samsung used the excellent technology from Faroudja and Silicon Image but the DVI integration is badly done.
The black and white levels are totally crushed on the KF50WE601.
No setting is available in the menu to get adjust this parameter. (called Fullrange on the Faroudja chip)
Also color artifacts are present on the screen (color stain) this is probably related to this color space problem.

Those technical problems could be solved by a new firmware, but Samsung Support just ignores their customers.

Several of my DVD is not playing back correctly on the HD931, lot of skipping.
I got also a Philips DVD 724 that doesn't show those problems with the same DVD.

The overall transport control is very slow and clunky compare to less expensive DVD player.

Be really careful before buying this Samsung DVD.
I made the mistake myself by buying this DVD before my new SONY WegaIII and now I'm stuck with it.
In the future I'll think twice before buying Samsung equipment.

Posted at November 11, 2003 07:06 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)