DVD Players buying guide

Home > Buying Guides > Electronics > Home Theater

Home DVD Players

Contents

1 Choosing a DVD Player
2 DVD Player Types
3 Important Specs
    3.1 Top Manufacturers
    3.2 Picture Quality
    3.3 Sound Quality
    3.4 Disc Formats
    3.5 HDMI and DVI for HDTV
4 Video Reviews
5 Related Buying Guides

Since DVD recorders have become the hot new product to buy, DVD players have fallen to the wayside and their prices have dropped considerably. The differences between models are minute with most players on the market today getting good to excellent reviews for playing commercially-produced DVDs. There are some characteristics that make some players better than others; however, certain specs are not as important as DVD player manufacturers may claim.

Choosing a DVD Player

Choose a layout. Below you can learn about the different types of DVD player layouts available. If you can't decide, opt for the more advanced style of the bunch. DVD players with more features may prove to be more useful than you think down the road.
Pay attention to formats. If you are getting a basic DVD player, make sure to note which types of DVDs and CDs it can play. Some simple models may not read MP3s or recorded DVDs, like DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW. See the section on Disc Formats to learn more.
TV and DVD compatibility counts. If you have or plan to buy a TV that supports high definition or progressive scan, you'll want a DVD player that is up to snuff with this cutting edge technology. Otherwise, don't waste your money on a higher grade DVD player; it won't improve the picture unless your TV is of the same quality.
Warranties are only so important. Warranties are usually one year for parts and 90 days for labor. Since DVD players have a limited lifespan, don't bother with the extended warranty. At some point you'll simply have to replace the player, thus defeating the purpose of paying extra for the warranty.

DVD Player Types

There are a few kinds of DVD players available including single-disc, multi-disc, and VCR/DVD combo players. Since the quality of players overall is very good, you can decide what to get based on the layout that you want. When it comes to the features of the players, regardless of their format, you will need to pay closer attention to how you choose since it may make a difference in picture quality.

Single-Disc DVD Player

Plays one DVD at a time.
Most basic model; usually costs less than $100 and many cost as little as $50 or less. Ideal for anyone on a budget or for people just looking for a temporary solution until upgrading to an HD system.
If you have a digital TV, look for players with progressive-scan for the best picture quality.
Check out: Sony DVP-NS55

Multi-Disc DVD Player

Comes in either five or six-disc capacity.
Easily doubles as a CD changer for parties.
Works well for movie marathons as well. (Anyone for Lord of the Rings or Entourage?)
These usually cost anywhere from $60 to $300.
Costs quickly soar when you start adding on HD features.
Check out: Panasonic DVD-F87

DVD/VCR Combo Player

If you're not rushing out to buy DVDs of movies you already own on VHS, a space-saving combo player might be a good choice for you.
Make sure the components of both players are what you need.
Average cost is around $100 but you can easily spend more depending on the type of DVD player included in the system.
Check out: Samsung DVD-V5500

DVD Home Theater System

Why buy two units when you can buy one and get the benefits of both?
Get a surround sound home theater system plus single-disc or multi-disc player for anywhere from $300 and up.
Note that wattage is usually lower on a combo system than on a proprietary AV receiver.
Check out: JVC TH-C5

DVD Recorders

For most people who like to watch and record DVDs, this is the best route to take.
The technology is current, but isn't ready to expire by next year.
You can enjoy watching DVDs and home movies or record your favorite shows or films with ease.
Cost varies from $100 to $500.
Most models are single-disc style.
Check out: RCA DRC8060N

DVD Mini Systems

Compact, discreet, and streamlined, mini systems are a lot like an audio shelf system, except that they play DVDs as well as CDs.
The integrated speakers make this a great solution for small spaces or the fashion-conscious.
Price ranges from $300-$500.
Check out: Sharp SD PX2

Video Game Consoles

Check out the new Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 if you want the best of both worlds: the ability to play video games and watch DVDs on one compact system.
The downfall is that these systems don't always accept all file formats and they could leave you hanging when you least expect it.
Cost is reasonable if you're a serious gamer: $300-$700.
Check out: Playstation 3

Important Specs

After deciding on a layout for your player, you should also consider picture and sound quality, and formats. Besides those specifications, which are explained in detail below, always be certain that the model you are interested in seems user-friendly and intuitive enough for your needs. If it's not easy to use, you may miss out on some of the features you are paying for. Speaking of paying, do be sure to stick to your budget. There are many options available in all price ranges and there should be something on the market to fit your needs.

Top Manufacturers

Popular Models (C-net)

Picture Quality

Most DVD players produce decent images -- that is if you don't have a large screen television. By large screen, that means anything 27" or larger. On a small screen you won't be able to see much of a difference between one DVD player's quality and the next. However, when you really want to get the best picture you can, opt for a model with progressive scan. If you own an HDTV, a DVD player with progressive scan is the best option as any HD-ready device will pick up the slightest defects in a picture's quality most often occurring from an interlaced scan.

Progressive scan and interlaced scan are terms commonly used when referring to DVD players, camcorders, computer monitors, and televisions. It defines the way in which the data is transmitted to the screen from the digital device. The difference between progressive and interlaced scan is that interlaced scan will produce and refresh an image at 30 lines per second, taking two passes to produce the line. However, progressive scan moves twice as fast and only requires one pass to produce the same line. What you get is a cleaner, crisper, steadier image.

Component video inputs are found on many of the newer TVs, especially LCDs, plasmas, and anything that is HD-ready. When looking for a DVD player to step up to the plate, make sure that it has component video outputs to match. This will enhance the picture quality to its fullest. If component video outputs aren't available, the next step down are S-video outputs. While not as good at color rendition, they will still be better than composite video outputs.

Sound Quality

How much does it matter? It doesn't if all you have in your living room is a TV and a DVD player. However, as soon as you start to add on a home theater system or AV receiver and speakers, you'll quickly notice the difference between a basic DVD player and one equipped for transmitting top-notch sound. Here are some features to look out for and what they can do to enhance your DVD experience.

Dolby Digital Decoding & DTS (Digital Theater System) Decoding

Unnecessary if you plan to plug the DVD player directly into the TV, but a must-have if you are going to connect to your Dolby Digital receiver or digital-ready receiver or preamplifier.
DTS is becoming quite common and it produces a warmer sound than Dolby Digital in a 5.1 format. Most if not all new DVD players come with this feature. It's a must-have if you want to be able to properly play DTS DVDs with your digital-ready or 5.1 ready receiver or home theater system.

Virtual Surround Sound

Imitates surround sound from your two-speaker system by creating "phantom" speakers.
Many names including VSS, TruSurround/SRS, Virtual Enhanced Surround (VES), and Spatializer N-2-2.
Not necessary if you already have real surround-sound set up, but a nice feature if you don't.
Available on many players.

Optical (Digital) and Coaxial (Analog) Outputs

Digital is often the best choice as it will produce the clearest sound, however, some will argue that.
Look for both if you want the most flexibility between digital and analog audio controls.

Disc Formats

Not all DVD players can play all discs and choosing between on and the other will all depend on what formats you want the machine to play. All can play commercially produced DVDs and CDs, but some models may have trouble with other formats, including homemade DVDs and CDs. If you have no intention of using anything but your basic disk formats, you can opt for a lower cost, less comprehensive machine, which will still play most CDs and DVDs. Otherwise, you might want to look into one of the more costly machines can play almost all disk formats including:

DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-RAM
CD, CD-R/RW, SACD, HDCD
VCR, SVCD
MP3, WMA, JPEG
Divx, Xvid
Blu-Ray

HDMI and DVI for HDTV

You'll see HDMI used often when talking about high definition DVD players as well as the term "upconverting DVD players" . This is becoming standard in DVD players, but your TV has to have an HDMI-input in order to use this kind of player as well. It is commonly available in HDTVs. Whether your choose DVI or HDMI, both systems have pretty similar results at the moment, but you'll see fewer and fewer DVI DVD players on the market as HDMI takes over.