Best DVD Player Reviews

DVD Brands and Models

There are changes in the works in the DVD industry: Blu-Ray has become the industry standard, winning out over High Definition (HD) DVD players. Large studios and movie makers have announced that they will only produce movies in the BluRay format.  HD DVD players are still on the market at reduced prices, but with BluRay's recent victory with retailers and studios, there will be fewer DVD titles available in the HD format. Popular DVD player brands include Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic, Denon, Samsung, and many more. But which model should you buy? The models currently available include:

• Blu-Ray DVD: offers five times the optical storage over HD, enhanced sound quality, 720p, 1080i, up convert standard DVD discs, not HD compatible

• HD DVD: high density optical storage, 720p, 1080i, up convert standard DVD discs, not Blu-Ray compatible

• DVD: standard, video in 480p

• DVD/Changer: storage of many discs for organization

• DVD Recorder: playing and recording DVDs

• DVD/VCR Combo: contains both a DVD player and VCR Player

Special Effect Features of DVD Players

While you can easily find a basic DVD player for not much over $50, higher-end DVD players often included a variety of features and special effects that enhance the look and sound of your DVDs and provide a more interactive viewing experience. These include: playback, freeze, step motion, slow motion, fast scanning, parental lock, programmable, digital sound output, analog sound output, DTS sound, and compatibility with CD music discs. These features allow you to get the most out of your DVD collection and give you greater control.

The most important features to consider include the ability to select different languages, subtitles, S video output, component video output, and controls. Look for a DVD player with a sleek, modern design and minimal controls - you should be able to select and adjust all the functions of the DVD player via the remote control.

DVD Player Sound

Digital Theater Sound (DTS) is generally recognized as the best quality sound available on the market today. Most standard DVD players have Dolby Digital sound, which provides excellent quality sound for most listeners. Dolby analog sound is a little lower on the spectrum and is generally found on the least expensive DVD players. Listen to examples of all three and decide which you prefer. If you plan to listen to CDs on your DVD player, don't be afraid to spend a little more for better sound quality! 

Formats for DVD Player Use

DVD players come in a large array of formats from which to select. Most DVD players come in 480p, 720p, and 1080i: the “p” stands for progressive scanning and the “i” stands for interlaced scanning. Traditional analog TVs use interlaced scanning, which creates alternate lines of image and combines them on the screen. This process can sometimes create flickers and imperfections in the image, which led to the development of progressive scanning. Progressive scanning provides a smoother, more detailed, image that better shows fine details and is less susceptible to interlace flicker.

You should also consider the format of the DVDs you intend to play with your new DVD player. Some formats include: DVD, DVD R, DVD RW, DVD R+, DVD RW, CD, CD R, C RW, DVD R, and DVD R DL. Top end DVD players will usually be capable of playing any of these formats. If you record DVDs or want to play recordable DVDs and CDs, be sure to look for DVD players with this capability.

Range of Prices

Prices range from less than $60 to upwards of $3330. Once you have decided on your budget, browse the types and brands that fall within your range, and look for the most bang for your buck!

Buying DVD Players

After considering your budget & desired features, visit your local store and test the DVD players you are considering. Find a DVD player that meets your demands in the following areas:

• Controls: ease of use

• Options: make sure the options meet you demands

• Sound: listen to music to tell quality of sound

Like all purchases, DVD player selection is a matter of preference. After testing DVD players in the store, decide which one best meets your needs and find it for less online!