Different Types of Dvd Players

With so many sizes, features and formats for DVD players today, it can get confusing to figure out the right model at the best price.  The technology has greatly improved over the past few years and prices have gone down, so shoppers will be pleased at the vast selection of DVD machines there are to choose from. 

DVD Machine Size and Shape 

While DVD players were traditionally slim and wide, there are now a variety of sizes and shapes to choose from.  There are vertical DVD players than come with a stand to hold them in a secure position.  Users on the go can choose portable DVD players and users with minimal space can select slim DVD players and space saver options. 

Getting Connected 

It is important to choose a DVD player with the right audio and video connections to perform with other A/V components.  The component video connection is the best but users needs to be certain that both their DVD player and television have these connections.  For audio, there are two types of digital connections, the coaxial and optical, which should match the ones on the A/V receiver.  DVD players may also have front audio/video input jacks. 

DVD Machine Features 

DVD machines offer a myriad of features depending on the needs of the user and the technology capabilities of their home entertainment system.  DVD machine features to choose from include: 

• single or multi-disc players than enable the user to watch movies and play CDs;
• certain DVD players allow the user to adjust audio and video settings such as brightness or black level;
• while all DVD players can handle purchased discs, not all are capable of playing homemade discs and this feature should be checked prior to purchase;
• some DVD players also have the capacity to record;
• a remote control to work the DVD player from afar;
• built in surround sound to enhance a home entertainment system;
• digital zoom to enlarge part of the picture on the television screen;
• frame by frame fast forward to watch a scene in detail;
• slow motion;
• progressive scan;
• time-slip recording and EZ editing;
• a DVD/VCR combination unit that allows users to still appreciate their old VHS tapes;
• video upconversion to closely match the resolution of HDTV; and
• the ability to play CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 files, DVD-Audio discs, Super Audio CDs (SACDs) and Windows Media Audio files.  
   

DVD,  HD DVD and Blu-Ray 

In comparison to VHS videos, DVD movies are detailed, clear and visually crisp with digital soundtracks that bring the theater experience home.  They are also an affordable option now that HD DVD was introduced in March, 2006. 

HD DVD uses a high-density optical disk format for high definition video.  It is the successor to the standard DVD format and uses a blue laser with a shorter wavelength to store over three times more data than its predecessor.  Its competitor is the Blu-Ray disc player first released in June, 2006 and is also meant to be used with high definition televisions for a superior picture. 

Currently there is a “format war” going on between HD DVD and Blu-Ray to try to figure out which format which become the leading carrier for high definition content to users.  This format war is similar to ones in the past, such as cassettes versus CDs and VHS tapes versus DVDs.  High definition is the wave of the future because as of October, 2007, 327 HD DVD titles were released in the United States. 

As of September, 2007, Toshiba reported that HD DVD player sales were ahead of Blu-Ray.  According to Toshiba marketing VP, Jodi Sally, Blu-Ray has had great success but, “When new models hit stores there will be a surge in demand.  There were some weeks when we lagged.  But overall HD DVD continues to dominate.” 

Brands and Prices 

There are a variety of brands and prices when it comes to DVD players, depending upon the features and style.  The most popular DVD player brands are Toshiba, Sony and Panasonic.  However, there are many other reliable brands available on the market, such as the frequently purchased portable Coby DVD player for under $40.  Traditional DVD players may be purchased for $100 to $200 or more if they are being incorporated into a home entertainment system.  HD DVD players and Blu-Ray players are available for $299 or higher.  Users can find economy DVD players for about $40 or high definition players that offer a theater experience at home for over $1,000. 

Regardless of the DVD player chosen, it is sure to offer hours of entertainment watching movies, shows and family films alone or with friends and family. 

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