Samsung SV-300W (World VCR) review.
gzoo...@my-dejanews.com
denizens may be interested to know what a basic user things about them.
Description:
The Samsung SV-300W includes:
-a multiformat VHS VCR and
-a video format converter
It does not include a tuner. There is a discontinued equivalent device from
Panasonic (the NV-W1) and a new replacement model from Samsung (with a tuner a
the ability to play back super-VHS tapes). Note that apparently the SV-300W is
discontinued and replaced by this new model.
The only other "amateur" converting equipment I know of are:
-a discontinued VCR from Aiwa (mono, only NTSC and PAL).
-the stand-alone converters from tenlabs (http://www.tenlabs.com, the site has
also good info about TV norms)
-possibly hackish PC tinckering (search dejanews for a good fun).
I have no way to compare any of this equipment side by side.
Video formats supported:
Tape
NTSC, PAL, PAL-M, SECAM, MESECAM
Line
NTSC, NTSC 4.43, PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, SECAM
That covers about every format used in the world. If you wonder why some tape
standards seem to have no line equivalent or vice versa, it's because they use
another one (like NTSC tape can be output as NTSC or NTSC 4.43, etc...).
BASIC LAYOUT:
It look like a luxury VCR (champagne finish with flip down door). You have 2
inputs (1 RCA composite and 1 S-VHS/RCA) and 2 video outputs (1 RCA composite
and 1 S-VHS/RCA). Comes with remote control and can use any type of power. No
SCART (European) plug.
VCR:
Standard stereo VHS. Is able to read any format at any speed. Only mono in LP
(x2) or SLP (x3). Cannot record in LP (x2) a NTSC or PAL-M signal (LP o.k.
with standard PAL). Some digital functions, like perfect stills. Little
"sharpness adjustment" button. No "jog-shuttle", but can advance frame by
frame.
Jerome's opinion (short). VHS is crap anyway.
Jerome's opinion (slightly longer). It is similar to most VHS recorders. A
stupid mistake: pause (digital still) increases brightness. I cannot really be
sure that it can read NTSC tapes, I do not have any.
CONVERTER (the interesting part):
You can use the converter alone, using the composite or S-VHS plugs.
I went to the trouble to try the converter on various sources (no pro
equipment, just Laserdisc, DVD and test pictures).
As long as only the chrominance part is converted, the results are very close
indeed. I can only measure resolution up to 480 lines (I use a LCD projector,
why NTSC resolution is limited to 480 lines on square pixels is left as an
exercise to the reader) and the converter passes something between 450 and
480, which is good enough for VHS. Color conversion from NTSC to PAL seems
acurate although the converter has no tint adjustment for NTSC (test pictures
and optical filters visual method). Color conversion from NTSC to SECAM shows
a little degradation, may be due to the SECAM process.
When the luminance part is converted (i.e. 525 to 625 lines, 50 frames to
60...), well... One can see it does not cost $100000.
525 to 625 lines conversion artifacts:
A large amount of picture instability is introduced. It seems that all Samsung
does is double some lines to resize the picture (not interpolating them) and
that on a frame (not picture) basis. Thin horizontal lines and the borders of
the black bars of letterbox films flicker at 25Hz. Curiously, the horizontal
resolution (on test pictures) is kept (still 450-480 lines), but the lack of
real interpolation also lowers the apparent resolution of real pictures to
something close to VHS (another proof that "lines of resolution" is not all
there is in life).
Sometimes (rarely), the picture is cut in two halves, where top and bottom do
not fit together.
60 frames to 50 frames conversion artifacts.
Really annoying. Especially noticeable on slow pans, where the pan seems to
stop (glitch) every half second or so. Like: tzzzk, tzzzk, tzzzk instead of a
smooth movement.
Curiously, it seems that the conversion is not as good when output to the
internal VCR than when output to an external VCR (but I am not sure, the
difference may come from the different VCR).
Interesting: the converter (at least on my machine) removes macrovision copy
protection on the S-VHS output (NOT on the composite output). Even when not
converting at all, both on cassettes read in the VCR and external signals from
the DVD. I could only test that when outputing a PAL signal. The VCR itself
will not record a macrovision-protected signal.
Instruction leaflet:
Basic. Very basic. With big pictures.
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This is the first in a series of Jerome's consumer gadgets reviews which will
be published in the future at irregular intervals or better said "When I feel
like it". The above is intended as a public service (I look in dejanews what
users think when I want to buy something, so it is time I input something
myself) and not as an endorsement for a particular product. All trademarks
acknowledged. Opinions are rarely facts. If the manufacturer disagree, they
are invited to post a follow-up. Prospective buyers should NOT relly on this
posting (or anything from the Internet, actually) as source of information.
As for any consumer device, it is always possible that the device you have
and mine are different, although bearing the same reference number. IF YOU
BELIEVE ANYTHING I WRITE AND SUFFER INCONVENIENCE, IT'S JUST YOUR TOUGH LUCK.
I waive any liability, if you do not agree, just resign your Internet
account. This post is herewith put into the public domain. Is there ever is a
FAQ, feel free to include it. ------------------------------SPAM
ALERT--------------------------------------- I do not read my E-mail. If you
want to answer, post. I do regularly search posts to my name on deja news.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
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mzc...@primenet.com
Can anyone give the details on this.
And how much better/worse is it then the discontinued Panasonic.
Mark
gzoo...@my-dejanews.com
mzc...@primenet.com (mzc...@primenet.com) wrote:
> I'm curious how good the Samsung VCR does at converter PAL to NTSC.
>
I just tried the converter yesterday and when a PAL (625/50) is converted to
NTSC (525/60), the output looks subjectively better than the opposite
conversion. Resolution is degraded, but not much more than a direct VHS copy
would do, picture instability (line flicker) is still there, but slightly less
marked than for a NTSC -> PAL conversion. Curiously, motion artifacts seem to
be gone. If your needs are "consumer" use, I'd say it fits the job.
Even more so, because I wonder what PAL source material you would use? There
is very little PAL material available on DVD or LD that is not also available
on NTSC and if your source is VHS cassettes, quality will be poor anyway. If
you intend to dub your own camcorder tapes, well... no offense meant but it
all depends how good you are at filming anyway.
> And how much better/worse is it then the discontinued Panasonic.
I do not know and I doubt anyone would have bought the two sets for a direct
comparison anyway. Given advances in microelectronics, I would expect more
recent models to be better.
BTW: I just watched "Twin Peaks: Fire walk with me" on a PAL laserdisc. I was
surprised to see the same motion artifacts that I see on my Samsung
converter, and that for a (presumably) professional conversion. The Samsung
adds the further degradation of picture instability and slightly more reduced
apparent sharpness, but a comparison of the two shows that the Samsung is not
that bad at all. Of course, what it really means is that the laserdisc is a
bad transfer (by pro standard).
------------------ SPAM ALERT ---------------------------------
I do not read my E-mail. If you want to answer, post.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Edmund
while you are limited to the features they include. The best option is
to buy a
good quality stand-alone multisystem digital converter with built-in
TBC
(Time Base Corrector is a must, if you expect to get an stable
good quality converted picture).
For more info, and a complete line of quality multisystem digital video
converters
visit: http://www.tenlab.com
Regards,
Edmund.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Edmundo Battaglini
Design Engineer at TenLab, USA.
* Visit TenLab home page: "http://www.tenlab.com"
1988 < > 1998 TenLab's 10th anniversary
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"mzc...@primenet.com" wrote:
> I'm curious how good the Samsung VCR does at converter PAL to NTSC.
>
> Can anyone give the details on this.
>
> And how much better/worse is it then the discontinued Panasonic.
>
> Mark
gzoo...@my-dejanews.com
Edmund <edm...@tenlab.com> wrote:
> VCRs with built-in standard converters offer mediocre converted picture
> while you are limited to the features they include. The best option is
> to buy a good quality stand-alone multisystem digital converter with
> built-in TBC (Time Base Corrector is a must, if you expect to get an stable
> good quality converted picture).
>
> For more info, and a complete line of quality multisystem digital video
> converters
> visit: http://www.tenlab.com
>
> Regards,
>
> Design Engineer at TenLab, USA.
>
Ah, Tenlabs... I wondered how long it would be before you would jump in this
thread. ;-)
First, let me say what I know about you (and what a quick check of dejanews
would confirm):
-you are helpfull and very present on Usenet
-customers are generally satisfied with your products
-your web site is informative and generally competent.
It seems to me that with such good records, you have no needs to run down the
competition. *Any* device is limited to the features it includes and it is my
understanding that any digital video device (what the Samsung converter is)
includes a TBC. Mediocre, then, is only relative and as long as we do not
have a side-by-side independent comparison of your converter with the
competition's, we'll never know for sure... Or would you send me a converted
cassette, preferably Mini-DV PAL format (I used as source DVD essentials,
title 15, chap. 12, then title 17, chap. 7 to 26 and title 16, chap. 64-67)?
Then, at least, *I* would know...
We can agree that the Samsung is much more expensive (but includes a
multistandard VCR). That VCR is the reason why I bought the Samsung,
incidently, but I would imagine that most people do not need it.
---------------------SPAM ALERT-------------------------------
I do not read my E-mail. If you want to answer, post.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Edmund
I cannot, instead, run any search on you, as you did not sign your letter :-)
I'm going to "jump" at any discussion involving multisystem video equipment.
I believe that with 30 years designing electronics in this area,
I can better respond to most multisystem related questions than most people.
We take care of our customers and responsibilities like no other competitor in
this field.
I'm not running down the competition. I just express that TenLab's converter
works better.
Competitors are not very happy with the unusual customer support TenLab offers,
and that there is NO ONE here form Samsung, Aiwa, or any other multisystem
manufacturer
helping people about their multisystem video questions.
I'm not interested to send you any converted tape, nor to get involved in any
subjective discussion. It seems to me you are happy with your Samsung, as I'm
with my
Pontiac Grand Prix; but then....there are Lexus, Mercedes, Lamborginis, etc.
It's not only quality what people prefer about TenLab; our immediate
technical support response/service is the real "unsurpassable" factor here.
Regards,
Edmund.
gzoo...@my-dejanews.com wrote:
> Ah, Tenlabs... I wondered how long it would be before you would jump in this
> thread. ;-)
>
> First, let me say what I know about you (and what a quick check of dejanews
> would confirm):
>
> -you are helpfull and very present on Usenet
> -customers are generally satisfied with your products
> -your web site is informative and generally competent.
>
> It seems to me that with such good records, you have no needs to run down the
> competition. *Any* device is limited to the features it includes and it is my
> understanding that any digital video device (what the Samsung converter is)
> includes a TBC. Mediocre, then, is only relative and as long as we do not
> have a side-by-side independent comparison of your converter with the
> competition's, we'll never know for sure... Or would you send me a converted
> cassette, preferably Mini-DV PAL format (I used as source DVD essentials,
> title 15, chap. 12, then title 17, chap. 7 to 26 and title 16, chap. 64-67)?
> Then, at least, *I* would know...
>
> We can agree that the Samsung is much more expensive (but includes a
> multistandard VCR). That VCR is the reason why I bought the Samsung,
> incidently, but I would imagine that most people do not need it.
>
> ---------------------SPAM ALERT-------------------------------
> I do not read my E-mail. If you want to answer, post.
> --------------------------------------------------------------
>
> -----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
> http://www.dejanews.com/ Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Edmundo Battaglini
Design Engineer at TenLab, USA.
* Visit TenLab home page: "http://www.tenlab.com"
gzoo...@my-dejanews.com
Edmund <edm...@tenlab.com> wrote:
> Thanks for your positive comments about TenLab.
> I cannot, instead, run any search on you, as you did not sign your letter :-)
Well, you can have a search on "gzooflup" and find all I ever posted. My real
name is Jérôme Marot, but you won't find much under it. I prefered give deja
news a unique string from the top of my head, than end up being called
"jmarot10231243" or whatever...
[...]
>
> I'm not running down the competition. I just express that TenLab's converter
> works better.
I just express that I am lacking facts to know. Sorry.
> Competitors are not very happy with the unusual customer support TenLab
offers,
> and that there is NO ONE here form Samsung, Aiwa, or any other multisystem
> manufacturer
> helping people about their multisystem video questions.
That indeed. I already said it and I will repeat it here: tenlabs support on
the Internet is top.
>
> I'm not interested to send you any converted tape, nor to get involved in any
> subjective discussion.
I, for sure would have been interested to find out. For example, how do you
scale the picture from 525 to 625 lines?
---------------------SPAM ALERT-------------------------
I do not read my E-mail. If you want to answer, post.
--------------------------------------------------------
gzoo...@my-dejanews.com
No, I have plenty of opinions and that is different. Maybe we should stop the
discussion here. If I ever see one of your converters in action, I'll post
back. Else, it does not make sense to argue.
> Sorry, we do not post schematics nor give away technology (at least not for
free)
> for other manufacturers, technicians, companies, etc. to learn
> what we know after decades of working in this field.....I don't think so Mr
Jerome.
And I not not particularly like being called a thief. BTW, If I were a
competitor, you can bet I would have bought one converter, took it apart and
*not* posted to Usenet. If you are so afraid of the competition stealing your
technology, why don't you try and patent it?
---------------------SPAM ALERT --------------------------------
I do not read my E-mail. If you want to answer, post. gzooflup
----------------------------------------------------------------
gzoo...@my-dejanews.com
Edmund <edm...@tenlab.com> wrote:
> You ask me about
> specific electronic processes and I'm not interested to tell you.
>
So indeed we should end up the thread here. Bye.