Samsung DVD-P701

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  David Carnoy
• Reviewed on: 11/26/2001

Samsung's DVD-P701 can count itself among a new but emerging class of DVD decks: the low-priced progressive-scan player. And while this model may not offer any huge advantages over competing products, with its solid performance and features, it's certainly an appealing choice for owners of high-end TVs.Samsung's DVD-P701 can count itself among a new but emerging class of DVD decks: the low-priced progressive-scan player. And while this model may not offer any huge advantages over competing products, with its solid performance and features, it's certainly an appealing choice for owners of high-end TVs.

Some style
From a design standpoint, the DVD-P701 isn't a stunner, but it is attractive, with a fairly slim profile and a silver-toned exterior, though we wish it came in black. The front of the unit is adorned with a limited number of buttons, which is a good thing, plus a jog dial that allows you to rewind and fast-forward at various speeds.

The remote, which also has a jog dial, isn't the best we've seen, but it is stylish and isn't overburdened with buttons. The biggest complaint we have about it is that none of its buttons are backlit, making it difficult to operate in the dark. It's also worth pointing out that the jog dial isn't quite as smooth as it could be. The scans in forward and reverse were a little jerky, and the remote's shuttle ring had a hair-trigger tendency to jump to 138X fast-forward speed without warning. Still, having the shuttle on the remote is a nice convenience.

One other small gripe: the DVD-P701 doesn't load DVDs as fast as we'd like. Loading times ranged from 10 to 30 seconds, depending on the menus involved.

Stacks up well against competing products
The DVD-P701 has all the connectivity options you'd expect in an entry-level progressive-scan player, including the requisite component-video connectors and both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. Feature-wise, the DVD-P701 compares favorably to other players in its class, such as , which also offers the MP3 CD-R playback support that this unit does. (As with many other players, the DVD-P701 can't fully display longer track names). Continue reading

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Recent user reviews

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 10 reviews
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• 2.0 stars

  "Beware this unit"

  on July 20, 2003

• 0.5 stars

  ""Very bad quality, down down down.""

  on October 22, 2002

• 5.0 stars

  "Looks, features and value"

  on March 30, 2002

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