DVD Players
The old VCR player that you had for years cannot playback DVD videos. Wanting to watch the latest DVD movies as they come into the market, you’ve decided to get a DVD player that can support them. With rapid change in video technology, it pays to know getting some of the best DVD players so that watching DVD movies will always be a pleasure.
DVD Player Buying Guide
1) Single or Multi-Discs?
Single-disc DVD players can only play one CD / DVD at any one time. Unless you have your whole life doing nothing except watching DVD movies, you’re more likely to watch one CD / DVD in your free time.
Multi-discs DVD players on the other hand can allow between 2 - 403 discs to be played continuously. Since DVD players can also play audio CDs, they act as mega-changers for heavy entertainment.
2) Media Format
Currently there are many media formats such as audio CDs, video CDs, CD-R/RWs with MP3, WMA & JPEG files, HDCD, Super Audio CD (SACD), DVD-Audio and DVD-Video, DVD+/-R/RWs etc. Your choice of DVD players should depend on your frequent media format usage since not all DVD players can play in every format.
3) Video Features
In order to playback the best possible pictures from DVD, certain features make the difference.
a) Video Processing - There are 2 factors that determine quality video reproduction namely digital-to-analog converters (DAC) and video processing speed. Most DVD players uses 10-bit DAC for light gradations and color fidelity of the film source at 27MHz processing speed for decoding of compressed MPEG-2 video signal. The higher the DAC and video processing signal, the better the video reproduction in terms of quality.
b) Progressive Scan 2:3 Pulldown - They work by converting the interlace (480i) scan signal that are found in DVD-Video into the progressive (480p) scan signal that are used in HDTVs to create sharp, high-quality pictures with less scan lines and motion artifacts.
c) Component Video, S-Video & Composite Video - These video outputs connect directly to HDTV or receiver for superb viewing experience.
4) Audio Features
To take advantage of the surround sound experience, these features add up to produce rich sound for excellent audio experience.
a) Audio Processing - For the best in audio reproduction, most DVD players uses 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converters (DAC) at 96kHz sampling rate for surround sound effects.
b) Audio Format - At the very least, the DVD players must be able to decode Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound for best audio pleasure.
c) Digital Audio Output - There should be an optical or coaxial digital audio output to connect to the receiver or HDTV for playback in 5.1 channel surround sound.
DVD Player Reviews & Ratings
We found the best DVD player reviews from those at CNET and Consumer Reports and PC Magazine. Professional testers there reviewed some of the best DVD player models from established and well-known makers such as LG, Oppo, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony and Toshiba. DVD player ratings based on HD picture quality, film and video DVD at 480 and ease of use determines the best DVD players in their class.
Best Blu-Ray Disc Player
DVD Player Reviews #1: Topping the list with generous reviews from DVD player experts and consumers is the best rated Sony BDP-S1 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player. For outstanding HD experience, look to this Sony Blu-Ray disc player to perform. Delivering 1080i/1080p signal output (via HDMI) for that crisp, detailed pictures for all to enjoy. Supports MPEG-2/4-AVC & VCI. and compatible with standard DVDs through 1080p upscaling. Offers uncompressed multi-channel linear PCM digital audio output for an exciting surround sound experience. Supports DVD, DVD+/-R/RW, MP3 and JPEG images. 5.1 channel decoding capability.
DVD Player Reviews #2: Setting the standard of excellence with impressive reviews from DVD player professionals and users is the best rated Panasonic DMP-BD10AK 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player. For great high-definition entertainment, look to this Panasonic Blu-Ray disc player to rock you. Processes videos at 297MHz/14-bit and able to decode Dolby True HD and pass out 7.1 channel decoded signal audio output at 24-bit/192kHz for a intensely detailed, natural color reproduction and rich surround sound effect. Upconvert all DVD signals to 1080p resolution (via HDMI) for high-definition viewing pleasure.
Best HD DVD Player
DVD Player Reviews #3: With virtually no competition but still receiving outstanding reviews from consumers and DVD player experts is the best rated Toshiba HD-XA2 1080p HD DVD Player. To get the best out of your DVD for complete enjoyment on your HDTV, you’ll definitely need this Toshiba HD DVD player. Delivering up to 1080p resolutions via HDMI upscaling to match your HDTV for sharp, detailed images of unsurpassed clarity. With built-in processors that can decode up to Dolby True HD (the highest) for that wonderful surround sound magic.
Best Home DVD Player
DVD Player Reviews #4: A consumer favorite with excellent reviews from DVD player experts and users is the best rated Oppo DV-981HD Universal DVP Player. Perfect for those wanting to watch DVD movies without investing in Blu-Ray orHD-DVD palyers. With HDMI 1.1 interface, it delivers up to 1080p output signal for the best in picture playback quality. Supports multiple media formats including Audio CDs, DivX, SACD, WMA etc. Decodes and output in 5.1 surround sound channel. Only drawback is that there is no composite video output but S-Video output, optical & coaxial digital audio output for Dolby surround sound.
Resources: DVD Player (Wikipedia)