How To Choose a DVD Player

A quality DVD player completes a good home theater set up. Not only will it output crisp, vibrant and detailed images, but it's capable of decoding high quality surround sound as well.

Choosing a DVD player can sometimes be a daunting task. With all the models and brands out in the market, a regular consumer would just end up buying a unit that does not even answer his specific needs.

The very first thing is to match your existing television to your choice of DVD player. If you have a high definition TV, then by all means buy that Blu-Ray Disc player. It is definitely more expensive. But given that it will maximize your HDTV viewing experience then the extra cost should not be that bad.

If you cannot afford it, then a DVD player capable of video upconversion would be the next best option. Upconversion function simply means that the DVD player will upgrade the image resolution to match closely to your HDTV’s settings.

If you are the type who listens to music and watches a handful of movies every chance you get, then a multi-disc DVD changer would be best. Carousel models are capable of holding several disks at a time. This way you get to choose from a variety of audio and video materials without having to go to the unit every single time to load and unload a choice disc. Mega-changers are also available and can hold up to 400 discs. The useful memory and search functions are provided to aid the user in finding specific discs from the large collection.

If you are still the nostalgic type who would not want to let go of that VHS collection then a DVD/VCR combo would best fit you. This way, the old fashioned recording of your favorite TV shows onto VHS can still be done. However, since magnetic tapes are slowly being phased out, then the running cost of buying VHS tapes would cost you a lot.

If you want to preserve all those VHS home movies onto high quality DVDs, then the best option would be to purchase a DVD recorder. Not only will you get to digitally archive your VHS, but you get to watch quality DVD images as well.

If you constantly travel yet can’t let go of your hobby, then it might be good to add a portable DVD player in your list of travel must-haves. However, portable DVD players have certain limitations such as small screens and poor audio output. Additionally, you’d have to pack some rechargeable batteries which could take up a lot of space in your luggage.

Whatever model or brand of DVD player you choose, make sure that you get one that promises to provide you with competent after sales support even after your warranty is up.