DVD Player Reviews

Standard DVD players have largely been replaced by high-definition Blu-ray and HD DVD players. High-Definition DVD players suit those with a HDTV.

These are two competing and incompatible HD DVD formats; not unlike the scenario of r VHS vs. Betamax. Whilst individuals have their own personal preferences, the final winner will most likely be that which movie makers adopt, thereby providing DVD movies in one format only.

This review looks at:

• Standard DVD Players
• Combo DVD Players
• Common DVD Player Features
• Cost of DVD Players
• Top Rated DVD Players

Standard DVD Players

Most reviewers are no longer covering many standard DVD players. You will find the most standard DVD Player reviews in the Consumer Reports magazine, however, the most in-depth reports are mostly found on CNet.com

The real performance of DVD players is rather technical; full details can usually be found in Videophile magazines like Home Theater and Sound & Vision. Whilst they may include review some standard-definition DVD players, but concentrate more on high-definition and luxury DVD players.

You can still use a standard DVD Player with an HDTV by using an upconverting standard-definition DVD player. These process the resolution of a standard DVD disc (about 640 x 480 pixels) to fit the available pixels on your TV. This does not create a High-Def image, but does mean you can at least play your regular DVDs. Fortunately, this upconverting feature is now almost standard, even in budget DVD players.

More on Standard DVD Players

Combo DVD Players

A combination VCR / DVD player saves space but fall into the FCC mandate requiring digital tuners in all products that include an analog tuner.

Manufacturers are mostly only offering models that lack tuners altogether, meaning you will also need an external tuner or a cable or satellite box if you plan to record to the VCR.

In addition, if you currently get your TV over the air with an antenna, you will not be able to record with the VCR.

This combination of constraints has frustrated a lot of owners of the Sony SLV-D380P (*est. $90), the Toshiba SD-V295 (*est. $90) , and the Sony SD-V295's, although they are happy with the performance.

Note that because of the new FCC mandate, you are better off with separate devices.

Common DVD Player Features

DVD players offer a standard range of features, with individual manufacturers then attempting to differentiate their product with a few extra ones. Unfortunately this is often at the expense of basic requirements to deliver the best image quality possible. For instance Helios DVD Players.

Most standard DVD players performance rate between very good and excellent. The key is the combination of television, DVD player and DVD media format.

• If you have a standard analog TV - an inexpensive basic DVD player is all you need.
• If you plan to own an HDTV by the end of 2007, you have more choices.

More on DVD Player Key Features

Cost of DVD Players

Prices for high-definition DVD players currently [Sep 2007] start at about $300. Once the format war settles, one can expect prices to drop. Just when that will be is anyones guess.

While this may appear somewhat expensive, prices have dropped to around $75 for good-performing upconverting DVD players, while great performers cost just a little bit more.

Cost of Upconverting DVD Players

The very best upconverting DVD players may be able to deliver an image rivals HD DVD Players, apart from fine detail of a high-definition DVD, however, such DVD players can cost as much as the least expensive Blu-ray and HD-DVD players.

Cost of HD DVD Players

The DVD format war is largely controlling the prices of DVD Players. Once the format war settles, one can expect prices to drop. Just when that will be is anyones guess.

Prices for high-definition DVD players currently [Sep 2007] start at about $300. While this may appear somewhat expensive, prices have dropped to around $75 for good-performing upconverting DVD players, while great performers cost just a little bit more.

Top Rated DVD Players

Among current DVD players, the Denon DVD-557 and Philips DVP5960 are highly rated.

Best DVD Player Overall

The OPPO DV-970HD is the best standard DVD player for the money.

High-end DVD player for HDTVs

Although it is expensive for a non-high-definition DVD player, critics say that the OPPO DV-981HD's performance with standard-definition DVDs is unbeatable.

Best Budget Upconverting DVD Player

The Philips DVP5960/37 is noted in reviews as a competent player with above average performance.

Best No-Frills Player

The Philips DVP3140/37 DVD player gets the star for performance and ease of use, at a low price.

400-disc DVD/CD Changer

For multi-purpose use, the Sony DVP-CX995V DVD Player takes the award.

DVD Player Reviews | Standard DVD Players | Denon | Helios | OPPO | Panasonic | Philips | Sony |

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