While it is far from perfect, we feel the Samsung DVD-AR650 is the best of the new batch of DVD recorders that offer integrated ATSC tuners for receiving over the air HD broadcasts. It is also the first one we've reviewed that features a built-in electronic program guide. While similar models require you to consult a TV guide to find the program information, the DVD-AR650's EPG lets you simply select the show you want to record by name. We should point out that although this DVD recorder can receive free HD broadcasts via an antenna, it does not display or record images in true HD. Instead, the DVD-AR650 displays a 480p signal upconverted to 1080i. Regardless, we found that the quality of the picture was far superior to those obtainable with an analog tuner.

The Samsung DVD-AR650 is simple to set up and program. It includes an IR blaster for controlling a satellite or cable set top box. It records to a number of different format discs, namely DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM. Despite being compatible with DVD-RAM, though, don't expect this DVD recorder to offer time slip functions. Somewhat surprisingly, recording to DVD-RAM doesn't allow you to pause live TV, watch one recorded show while simultaneously recording another, or watch the start of a recorded program while the rest is still being recorded. The DVD-AR650 does offer a useful commercial skip function that can be set up to jump 15, 30 or 60 seconds at the press of a button. The DVD recorder also offers a HDMI connection. When hooked up to a HDTV, the DVD-AR650 will upscale standard definition discs to 720p or 1080i resolution for a near HD viewing experience.

This single deck DVD recorder offers multiple format playback. It can handle DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R and CD-RW, including those loaded with MP3 digital audio files or JPEG digital images, and it is DivX compatible. We did experience some minor bugs in the software of the DVD-AR650 that required us to switch the unit off, wait a few seconds and then power it back on to rectify the problem. A future firmware update will likely eradicate such problems.

Despite the downsides, we rate the Samsung DVD-AR650 as the best value of the new DVD recorders with integrated ATSC digital tuners.

Pros: ATSC digital tuner, HDMI upscaling to high definition 720p and 1080i, DivX compatible
Cons: No true HD reception, no time slip functions with DVD-RAM recording

Warranty
90 days, parts and labor; 1 year, parts