Samsung Expands Hi-Def DVD Player Line

By Ian Bell Updated January 17, 2005

The players employ a digital process that upgrades the standard DVD resolution to high-definition resolution with 1080i, 720p, and 768p signals – the latter a Samsung exclusive in the category.

Samsung’s high-def conversion DVD players serve to open a vast library of DVD material to these consumers by up-converting a DVD’s native resolution (480p) to output high definition formats (720p/768p/1080i). Significantly, this process takes place entirely in the digital domain, which eliminates data loss and other artifacts associated with analog conversion.

“Samsung’s new high-def conversion DVD players are the perfect solution for anyone who has upgraded to HDTV and want to get the most out of their DVD collections, too,” notes Claude Frank, Samsung Electronics America’s Director for Digital Audio/Video. “Samsung has always been committed to embracing the latest innovations and capabilities in its DVD line, and our new up-conversion players ensure that consumers who have invested in HDTV get the very best in DVD video and audio playback as well.”

Both players offer up-conversion to all high definition formats (720p/768p/1080i) and include HDMI outputs for single-cable connection of uncompressed digital video. The DVD-HD950 adds a white LCD screen, 6 channel out and DVI outputs, plus support for DVD-Audio and SACD playback – a boon for audiophiles.

The DVD-HD850 will be available in March for an MSRP of $199. The DVD-HD950 will be available in May for an MSRP of $249 The DVD-V9500 will be available in June for an MSRP of $249.

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Audio / Video

There’s a rare deal on the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones today

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones seen in black.

The massively popular Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones rarely appear in headphone deals, so if you've had your eye on them for quite a while, you're in luck because they're currently $51 off on Walmart. From their original price of $400, you'll only have to pay $349, but only if you hurry because we don't expect stocks to last long. You're going to miss out on the offer if you take too long, so don't hesitate -- add the wireless headphones to your cart and check out as fast as you can.

Why you should buy the Sony WH-1000XM5
The best headphones that you can buy right now are the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, and it's not even close. At the heart is their outstanding wireless sound, supported by top-quality active noise cancellation that uses two processors and eight microphones to block all unwanted sound, as well as crystal-clear hands-free calling using four beamforming microphones and advanced audio signal processing. The wireless headphones also offer Bluetooth multipoint connection so that you can quickly switch between different devices, touch controls for functions like adjusting volume and calling your digital assistant, and Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention features to stop your music and let ambient sound in without having to take them off.

Audio / Video

Sony’s premium soundbars will finally get support for VRR, ALLM

Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos soundbar close-up of top panel.

It's been a long time coming, but the wait is almost over. Sony's premium home theater soundbars are set to receive a software update that will add support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low-latency mode (ALLM), two HDMI 2.1 gaming features that have been absent since these products launched.

The soundbars in question are the Sony HT-A5000, HT-A7000, and the multi-wireless speaker HT-A9 system. All three are scheduled to receive the update this fall, but Sony has declined to share specific timing, saying only that there will be more information closer to the rollout date.

Audio / Video

What is Roku? The streaming platform explained

A roku powered TV hanging on a wall running Roku OS 12.

How do you get your Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or Prime Video fix? Chances are it's through a streaming device or smart TV, and there's a good chance that it's through a Roku device or one running its pioneering streaming operating system. At this point, cord-cutting is old news, and Roku was one of the earliest companies to drive the adoption of web-based streaming with its self-contained, app-driven devices.

Today, watching something "on Roku" is standard parlance and the company's popular platform can be found baked into some of the biggest TV brands in the world as well as in its own lineup of streaming devices sticks, and set-top boxes. Even so, that doesn't mean you totally get what a Roku actually is. What is Roku? How does Roku work? Do you need a subscription to use it? Is it just a device you buy, or is it software?