Samsung HD850 and HD950!!

[awesomebase]

Well, it looks like there is stock now for the Samsung HD850 and the HD950 looks to be coming in stock at the end of this month. Both upconvert and use Faroudja's DCDi chip and HDMI for a pure digital connection. The HD950 looks like it adds 6-channel out, DVD Audio, SACD, and a white LCD display. Otherwise they are both identical (although I think the 950 also may add a DVI port thought I'm not entirely sure). These are supposed to be considerably better than the previous generation machines (the 841 and 941).

 

[Zer0beaT]

HD-850

Features:

Hi-Def Conversion (480P/720P/768P/1080I)
HDMI Output, 1 Cable (HDMI-HDMI)
FLT Display
Plays -R/-RW/+R/+RW/CD-Audio & SVCD
Video DAC 54MHz/10BH
Audio DAC 192 KHz/24BH
EZ View Letter Box Eliminator

HD-950

Features

Hi-Def Conversion (480P/720P/768P/1080I) HDMI/DVI Compatible
DVD-Audio/SACD, 6ch Output, White LCD
HDMI/DVI Cables Included
Plays -R/-RW/+R/+RW/CD-Audio & SVCD
Video DAC 54MHz/10BH
Audio DAC 192 KHz/24BH
EZ View Letter Box Eliminator

-----------------------------------

So it looks like the HD850 does not do SACD/DVDA, and doesn't offer DVI output.

Also interesting, the HD950 is now a black over brushed aluminum look. I did a search for estimate prices, the 950 was just under $400, which is more than twice the HD841, so it better be improved (though the price will go down alot eventually)

I was thinking of just picking up the HD841 on clearance

 

[awesomebase]

HD950 Price

Well, I've seen places that take preorders on the HD950 for $199. That is not too bad at all. Samsung mentions that these are supposed to be better than their predecessors and will also be a better value (the HD850 is about $50 less than the HD841 when it first came out, so expect the same for the HD950). I actually expect the HD950 to go for about $180 or so when a slew of online companies finally get their hands on it. I like the new look of the HD950, much better than previous models...

 

[zoran]

Can some one verify if these players do divx, and can be made region free?

any PDF manual online for 950?

 

[soundsfine]

link to manual

Yup. The manual is here:

http://org.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspx?CDSite=US&CttFileID=328198&CDCttType=UM&ModelType=C&ModelName=DVD-HD950/XAA&VPath=UM/200505/20050506214158031_00627B-HD950-XAA-book-0506.pdf

 

[SilverMK3]

If it does DivX I'll be all over it.

My current plan is to get this Faroudja DCDi-based upscaling DivX DVD player from Oppo Digital, but if there's one from a more well-known brand that won't give me issues when programming my receiver's remote then I'll get that instead.

 

[Spiffyfast]

the HD-950 runts 200 dollars on crutchfield.com i might have to check this thing out, i've been wanting an upconverting dvd player plus this one has dvd-audio which is just an added bonus at that price

 

[brian32672]

I was thinking of just picking up the HD841 on clearance

I would think hard about that one. I had 2. Both were horrible. MAJOR problems playing original dvd's. Actually played more dvd-r's. But had major issues with that as well.

Consider a NeuNeo HVD-2081 upconverts to 1080p. Plays dvd-r's great.
Also heard the Oppo is good. But I can't vouch for that....

 

[cbecker33]

I have the 850. I can't complain, it looks fantastic but I have nothing to compare it against. The ff/rev control is a little screwy, but the setup was a breeze.

Chris

Let me now if you have any specific questions abou it.