Samsung DVD-F1080 review

It's only £70, but this compact, stylish DVD player puts up a good show and is ideal for use in the smallest of living spaces Tested at £70.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Price and looks bang on for a second-room player; performance is mostly there, too

Pros

  • +

    Stylish design, compact unit

  • +

    1080p video output

  • +

    dynamic colours

  • +

    insight

Cons

  • -

    No DTS support

  • -

    some trouble with motion

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We had to check that this was indeed a standard DVD player and not a portable. The dimensions, curves and finish are in line with Samsung's home cinema in a box systems. It all makes for a small, easily accommodated machine.

The remote isn't quite so fancy and isn't the most clearly laid out but it does the job; you can also use the clever touchscreen buttons on the unit itself.

Don't be fooled by the looks, this machine means business on the inside, too. There's an HDMI output, which thanks to the internal scaling, is capable of outputting video content right up to 1080p, alongside component and composite connections and support for DivX video.

For audio, there's a digital coaxial coaxial output and Dolby Digital decoding, though there's no support for DTS soundtracks.

Still, the DVD-F1080 proves decent enough with movie soundtracks, with clear dialogue and a fair amount of punch.

Picture performance shines
It's the picture where a DVD player earns its corn and the F1080 puts up a good show. In the gory Rambo, the Samsung delivers bright colours – blood red, say – and makes a fair stab at dark blacks.

Detail recovery is impressive, with Stallone's ragged face providing plenty for the player to get its teeth in to. Fast motion causes the Samsung a touch of bother, the image losing a little crispness and stability with fast pans We also see some noise at times, especially when viewing those blocks of black colour.

Still, this is a competent player that represents solid value at £70 – and even more so with the real possibility of finding it cheaper.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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