Buying a DVD Player

When it comes to buying a new DVD player, there are a number of factors you will have to consider. In this article, we will outline what to evaluate as you are shopping around for DVD players.

Important DVD Features

While finding a DVD player that fits into your price range is one of the most important aspects to consider, you will also need to check out the following features:

• Audio Features: If you have a good sound system, then you want to get the DVD player that offers the best sound quality. Check out any surround sound features, the types of audio outputs and the audio digital-to-analog conversion capabilities on various DVD players.
• Ease of Use: Even if you get all of the best features, it won''t help if you can''t figure out how to use them. As a result, play around with the DVD player in the store, check out the remote control and make sure the model is user-friendly.
• Multi-Media Systems: If you want a DVD player that will also play CDs and Video CDs, look for a system that offers compatible media options. Some video game consoles can also play DVDs.
• Multi-Regional DVD Players: If you plan to purchase any DVDs outside of the U.S., you may want to consider a multi-regional DVD player that is compatible with foreign DVD formats.
• Picture Quality: There is no real difference in picture quality from player to player unless you have a high-definition TV. If you have a high-definition TV, consider buying a HD DVD player.
• Portable DVD Players: Do you want to be able to watch DVDs on-the-go? Will you take them with you on vacations? If you think you want to watch movies away from home, then you may want to consider getting a portable DVD player.
• Single Disc vs. Multi-Disc:Decide whether or not you want or need a DVD player that lets you load only one disc at a time or one that lets you load many discs and move between them. Many people who plan to use their DVD players for CDs as well as DVDs like the multi-disc option.
• Special Effects: Some DVD players offer special effects, such as slow motion or frame-by-frame play. Sony and Panasonic are two companies known for offering the smoothest picture quality for these special effects.
• Video Outputs: Although this feature needs to be compatible with the video inputs on your TV, most of the newer models have component video inputs that offer high picture quality. If you find that the video outputs aren''t compatible with the inputs on your TV, get an S-Video input jack. While these jacks offer a slightly poorer picture quality, they get the job done.
• Video Processing: Most DVD players use 10-bit digital-to-analog converters (DAC) and video processing chips that run at 27 MHz. Some newer models, such as the Sony ES DVP-NS999ES, offer new technology for higher quality, going up to 14-bit DAC and 108 MHz video. Keep in mind that these higher powered features will cost you a lot more than a regular DVD player (around $1,000).

Popular DVD Players on the Market

The most popular brands of DVD players include:

• JVC
• Magnavox
• Panasonic
• Philips
• Sony
• Samsung
• Toshiba.

These brands have all proven to be reliable over the years, and they tend to offer all the most popular features.

Cost of DVD Players

Depending on the make and model of the DVD player you want, costs vary enormously. In general, you can get most of the top brands for around $80 to $150. However, if you do a bit more research, some Internet sites, such as Amazon.com, offer DVD players for far less.

Keep in mind that there are no absolute rules to buying a DVD player. What you find easy to use may confuse someone else, and the features you find important may not be important to everyone. Therefore, decide what features are most important to you before you start to shop around. What''s most important is that you get a trustworthy brand that offers the features that are best for you.