17th October 2005, updated 28th December 2005
I bought the Samsung DVD-R120 DVD recorder a couple of months ago, and most of the time it works OK. But every now and then, I record something but the machine claims the disc contains "no titles". Not very good. This happens particularly with DVD-RAM discs. Strangely, putting the disc in the computer shows that the recording is there, but the Samsung won't play it.
While looking for something else altogether, I found there was a firmware update for the R120 on the Samsung website. It was English language, and came with a 2 page PDF file explaining how to use it. Great! Perhaps this will solve the problem.
I downloaded the firmware update, read the instructions carefully, and did the update. It installed perfectly. But the machine was made useless.
The machine had been turned into a NTSC TV system machine, suitable for the US, but completely useless on the PAL TV system in the UK. There is no way to change it back using the on screen menus. It wouldn't even play the discs I had recorded on it previously.
Searching the internet for help brought up page after page written by people who have done the same thing - all ending up with unusable DVD recorders, because Samsung doesn't mention that the updates are region specific. Or even better, ask if you want to make such a radical change during the update, or make it an on-screen choice.
I searched Samsung for another update - there was nothing listed. I emailed them, and they wrote back telling me to ring their support centre for help. The phone support people told me there was no way of reversing the update. They also told me it was my own fault!! My fault for downloading an update off the Samsung site, reading all the instructions and following them to the letter. Apparently, because the address bar of the browser didn't have 'UK' in it, it was my fault that the update had destroyed the machine.
Samsung would not help. They had my money, and didn't care that an update off their site, targetting my machine and properly applied, had destroyed it. Perhaps they thought I'd just go and buy another of their excellent machines?
Fortunately, there are ways of reversing the update - but Samsung won't tell you about them. After checking a few forums HellF on the cdfreaks forum sent me a zip file which reversed the update (I also received this file from elsewhere - thanks). I'm not sure if the machine is back to how it started, better or worse, but it is working on a UK TV signal now. I can now play the things I had previously recorded.
The ZIP file for reversing the update is no longer available here. See the updated information at the bottom of the page.
Samsung UK support
My enquiry (Fri, 14 Oct 2005):I recently used the firmware update from your site for the DVD R120 recorder. Without any warning this update has converted the machine into a NTSC system and I can no longer use it. The firmware said "English" which seems OK for UK, but it was not. Please can you send me, or let me know where a UK version of this firmware is please?Samsung's response (Sat, 15 Oct 2005):
Thank you for contacting SamsungElectronics. [Solution] Customer Ref:xxxxxxxxxx With reference to your email regarding your DVD recorder, due to the nature of your query, please call our Support Team on 0870 242 0303 for assistance. ------------------------------------------------------------ I hope this has been of some assistance to you. If you do have any further queries,please do not hesitate to contact us.
Samsung US support
My enquiry (Fri, 14 Oct 2005):The firmware update for this DVD recorder has convered it to a NTSC system machine, without warning that this would happen. The file just says 'English', and does not mention which region it is suitable for. The European firmware does not appear on any of your websites, but I have been told that you may be able to send me a copy by email. Please could you send a copy, or let me know where to get it?Samsung's response (Tue, 18 Oct 2005):
As we only deal with U.S. support we are unable to assist in your enquiry. For information on Samsung Electronics products and models distributed and supported in other countries, or other Samsung North American electronics companies and products, please visit www.samsung.com and select the continent and country you want to visit. Contact resources are available at each of the above Websites. I hope this information proves useful, if you have any further issues or queries please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-726-7864
Don't buy things that simply don't work properly.
Don't buy things from companies that don't offer proper support.
I'm thinking of getting a VHS machine again. So much less hassle. I had a JVC that lasted for 14 years before buying this waste of time DVD recorder.
A UK/European update has appeared on the Samsung website for the DVD R120 recorder. I assume that it will be better to use the official update rather than the one in this site. The current link to the update files is here.