"The everyday consumer's guide to
DVD & home theater"
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article last updated on 2.2.2002 | formatted version
DVD Player Shopping Guide
Do you DVD? Helping you choose the right DVD player
There are some 125 DVD player models marketed under as many as 50 brand names worldwide. To help you get a head start on your shopping, we would like to show you the different types and categories of DVD players. Click on the categories below to see some notable models in each category. (Remember, these are not necessarily recommendations.)
If you're just looking for a basic DVD-Video player and don't want to
waste money on gimmicky bells and whistles, look no further than these
no-nonsense entry-level DVD players that sell for about $140-$180.
Though their video performance do vary, most have good picture
quality. Some of these models even feature compatibility with CD-Rs and
CD-RWs and decode MP3 files. Some have virtual surround
sound, to create better ambiance with just a pair of stereo speakers.
More
entry-level DVD players >>
Multi-Disc DVD Changers & Mega-Changers
If you want your DVD-Video player to double as a CD changer, consider one of
these multi-disc DVD changer models. They can hold 5 discs or up to 403 discs! Many will allow you to
continue playing one disc, while changing out the others, for
uninterrupted entertainment. Five-disc DVD changers costs about $50
more than a similarly equipped single-disc player and starts at only $220.
More
multi-disc DVD changers >>
Are you looking for the best picture quality possible to go with your new
progressive scan capable (480p) digital TV or HDTV? These models are
surprising affordable, starting at only $220.
More progressive
scan DVD players >>
DVD Integrated Home Theater Systems - Coming Soon
Would you like to make life simple? You can buy a complete DVD player and home theater system
that comes in one box for about $600-$1500. Even hookup and set-up
are simple and nearly fool-proof, thanks to color coding of terminals and
speaker wires. Buy one of these integrated DVD home theater systems,
hook it up, and you're done.
Portable DVD Players - Coming Soon
Gotta have your DVD movies on the go? Check out these portable DVD-Video
players. They come with built-in widescreen color LCD displays in
7-inch and up to 9-inch screens. Some models can even play DVD-Audio.
Pick up one of these and go.
DVD-Audio/Video Players - Coming Soon
Do you want to enjoy what the multi-channel DVD-Audio format has to offer
today? Check out
these models DVD-Audio/Video players can can playback DVD-Audio, DVD-Video,
and audio CDs.
DVD-Video/Super Audio CD Players - Coming Soon
So you decided to give the Super Audio CD format a try and want to buy a
DVD player that doubles as a stereo and/or multi-channel Super Audio CD
player? Look no further, these DVD-Video/SACD players start at just
$400.
DVD-Audio/Video and Super Audio CD Players - Coming Soon
Can't decide between DVD-Audio and Super Audio CDs? You won't have
to with these models. They can playback DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super
Audio CDs, and audio CDs. Amazingly, one model starts at only
$350. Check out these "universal" DVD-Audio/Video and SACD
players.
DVD/VCR Combination Units - Coming Soon
So you're a little tight on space and want to buy a combination DVD-Video/VCR
combination unit. These models start at $400.
High-End DVD Players - Coming Soon
Are you looking for the best that DVD has to offer and have a
state-of-the-art home theater system? When performance is your top
priority and price is less of a concern, only these DVD players will do.
DVD Recorders - Coming Soon
So you know that there are three recordable DVD formats (DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and DVD-RAM), that they are mutually incompatible, and it's a three-way format war. And you also know that not every format (i.e., DVD-RAM) is backwards compatible with most existing DVD players.
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