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Entry-level DVD players range from about $140 to $200 and represent the best value or "bang for the
buck". If you're looking for a basic
DVD-Video player for a simple, TV-only entertainment system or an entry-level
home theater, entry level DVD players will do just fine. Unless you
have a large-screen TV (36-inch or larger) or a digital
TV with progressive scan capability and demand the best
possible picture, these affordable models should more than meet
your needs.
Panasonic DVD-RV31 ($180, on sale for
$130)  DVD
player with CD-R/CD-RW compatibility
and MP3 decoder
Recommended by
TimeForDVD.com
The Panasonic entry-level DVD player is among the best
in value for entry-level
models. If you're just looking for a basic single-disc DVD player
that does just about everything well and features
CD-R/CD-RW compatibility and MP3 decoding, look no further. It also has a virtual surround
sound feature, to create better ambiance with just a pair of stereo speakers.
The scan and slow motion effects are among the smoothest in the
industry. Read our full review
and see why we recommend this model.
As low as $129.99 online
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| Full review
Pioneer DV-440 ($180)  DVD
player with CD-R/CD-RW compatibility
and MP3 decoder
This new entry-level DVD player from Pioneer is giving the
Panasonic
DVD-RV31 (above) a run for its money. It features CD-R/CD-RW
compatibility and MP3 decoding as in the Panasonic, but offers a better
audio digital-to-analog converter (24-bit/192kHz Burr-Brown DAC) and a full one year warrantee on both parts and labor
(versus the Panasonic's 90-day labor and one-year parts). With its
very slim profile (only 2 1/4
inches high, which is the slimmest we've seen) and affordable price, you
should be able to easily fit this DVD player in your home entertainment
system and budget.
As low as $179.95 online
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Toshiba SD1700 ($180, on sale for
$140)  DVD
player with picture zoom
If you don't need CD-R/CD-RW compatibility and MP3 decoding, you can
save yourself even more money, while still getting a solid performing
top-brand DVD player, with the Toshiba SD1700. It may not have those
features (but not everyone wants them) and does not have an optical
digital audio output (a coaxial digital audio output is still available),
but it does have a cool picture zoom feature.
As low as $139.94 online
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DVD Player Shopping Guide:
Entry-level DVD players | Multi-disc changers & mega-changers
Progressive scan DVD players Sign up for our FREE e-Newsletter
and we'll notify you when
we recommend new DVD players or home theater equipment. DVD
player pictures courtesy of Crutchfield
and Toshiba.
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