While the Samsung DVD-VR330 is unlikely to win any awards for its design or aesthetics, it offers a handful of features you won't find on many other DVD recorders. Most notably, the DVD-VR330 combines DVD recording with a full-function hi-fi VCR.

The DVD-VR330 is compatible with just about every recordable DVD format, including DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and DVD-RAM. This unit is also able to record to DVD-R DL and DVD+R DL (Dual Layer), which provide double the storage capacity of regular recordable DVD. On the playback side, the DVD-VR330 is compatible with all of the above formats, as well as CD, CD-R/RW and discs loaded with MP3 and JPEG files. DVD surround sound signals can be routed to a home theater receiver via the optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. Of course, this combination unit can also play VHS tapes, and you can record to a disc while watching a tape and vice versa.

Playback quality is good for both discs and tapes, and the DVD-VR330 offers the superior picture of progressive scan DVD playback when connected to a compatible TV via the component video output. One complaint involves the slow disc tray, which can make changing discs an annoyingly tedious task. The DVD-VR330 is also rather noisy while recording, so you probably won't want this unit recording in your bedroom while you're trying to sleep.

The DVD-VR330 switches easily between DVD and VCR modes, letting you make one-touch recordings as well as programmed timer recordings. This unit also makes it easy to transfer old VHS tapes to disc for long-term storage. When transferring footage to disc from either tape, camcorder or directly from the TV, the DVD-VR330 automatically creates chapters for easy navigation.

Overall, the Samsung DVD-VR330 does a respectable job playing and recording multiple formats, and it will prove very handy indeed if you have a substantial library of older VHS tapes that you want to archive to DVD.


Pros:  Records to most disc formats as well as VHS, one-touch recording, easily switches from DVD to VCR
Cons:  Slow disc loading, noisy operation, not the best-looking component

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts