So you want to know what to look for when buying a DVD player. With a wide variety of options out there; progressive scan and blu-ray, a novice might have some trouble choosing from all the options. This article will cover the five major options, including must-have items, and those items that don't really matter.
Instructions
1. Choose your format. The DVD category has expanded; now there's also Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Last thing's first: Forget the HD-DVD. It's a dying format after most major movie studios and manufacturer's have discontinued the format. If you can afford it, choose a Blu-Ray model; these play the high-definition Blu-Ray discs as well as regular DVDs. Downside is Blu-Rays are about 50% more expensive than DVDs, and this price difference is greater for the players themselves.
2. Decide if you want to record. While recordable Blu-Ray players are not really an option given the price and lack of availability, having a recordable DVD player is a nice feature to have. You can record shows or movies from the television directly onto discs for your own collection. While these tend not to have the best picture or sound quality, they're still pretty good.
3. Remember brand power. While most people will tell you they can't tell the difference in picture and sound quality from one DVD player to the next, keep in mind that Sony created the technology that led to the invention of the DVD and Blu-Ray technologies. While it may be a bit more expensive, stick with the best.
4. Consider a progressive scan option. This is only for regular DVD players, but most models today come with progressive scan. What this means to you is a slightly better picture if you have a television that supports high-definition. Progressive scan looks a bit softer and clearer on your HD-TV.
5. Consider sound. If you plan to connect your DVD player to a surround sound system, you will want to ensure that your player allows you to run digital sound. Most high-end DVD players and most, if not all, Blu-Ray players come with the HDMI format already installed; this will allow you to connect your player to your receiver or television with one wire for all of your video and audio needs. If not, however, you will want to ensure the player comes with an Optical Digital Out; this will give you far superior audio quality compared to the coaxial digital out port.
Tags: progressive scan, your player, Blu-Ray players, come with, connect your
