The DVD-R157 is a step up from the entry level DVD-R155 in Samsung's range of home DVD recorders. The two units share the same sleek, slim design and many of the same features. Unfortunately, we found that the two DVD recorders also share some similar performance problems.

The unit adds support for DVD+R and DVD+RW recordings over the DVD-R155. It records to DVD-R and DVD-RW format discs, including dual layer DVD-R disc with up to 8.5 GB storage capacity. At the lowest quality setting, a dual layer DVD-R will let you record more than 14 hours of programming. This DVD recorder offers a number of convenience features such as one touch recording from the EZ Record function. This has the DVD-R157 recording a show just one second after pressing the record button, so you'll never miss the opening scenes of your favorite TV show.

The Samsung DVD-R157 is not equipped with an internal tuner, so you'll need to use it with your existing external cable or satellite receiver box. As a DVD player, the DVD-R157 offers multiple format playback. It boasts compatibility with DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R and CD-RW, including those loaded with MP3 digital audio files or JPEG digital images. If you want to watch the DivX content you've downloaded from the Internet on your TV, you'll appreciate the DVD-R157 compatibility with DivX and MPEG-4. Hook the DVD recorder up to your home theater system using the HDMI connection and you'll be able to enjoy high quality audio and video from a single cable. The upscaling feature of the DVD-R157 means you'll also be able to watch standard definition DVDs at 720p or 1080i high resolution with a compatible HDTV. We found the DVD-R157's upconversion feature worked well, but was hampered by some performance glitches from disc playback. Occasionally, the Samsung DVD-R157 will freeze during playback and on other occasions it failed to read compatible discs.

Like its sibling DVD recorder, the DVD-R157 is simple enough to suit even novice users. The menu system is basic but well laid-out and simple to navigate. The unit offers a front Firewire connection, so you can quickly hook up a DV camcorder and make DVD copies of your home movies.

The Samsung DVD-R157 has a solid feature list for a DVD recorder in this price range, but the performance problems make it less of a good value buy.

Pros: HDMI upscaling to high definition 720p and 1080i, DivX compatible
Cons: Poor performance

Warranty
90 days, labor; 1 year, parts