Choosing A DVD Player Is Easy
Apr 24 '01 (Updated Dec 15 '04)
The Bottom Line Toshiba and Panasonic have excellent model lineup that starts at below $100 and saving couple of dollars can be expensive in the long run.
There are several questions you should ask yourself while deciding on which DVD player to buy.
1. Progressive scan. Do you need progressive scan? If you have a standard-definition TV, then you will not be able to use progressive scan for now (but you might want a player with one nonetheless). If your TV accepts EDTV or HDTV signal, then go for a player that has progressive scan, use the component video connection and turn the progressive scan on. Fortunatley, even inexpensive DVD players have progressive scan capability now.
1. Number of discs. Do you need a DVD/CD changer or the one-disc player will do? One-disc models cost the least, followed by the 2-5 disc changers.
If you want a changer, keep in mind that the carousel-type changers (usually hold 3 or 5 discs) are least expensive and most reliable. The tray-type changers (like Toshiba 2150 and 2200 or some JVC models) can be noisy and slow.
And the "megachangers" that hold hundreds of discs are quite expensive.
2. Outputs. Do you need a component video out? The answer depends on the TV you have or plan to buy. And the need to have an optical or coaxial digital audio out will depend on the sound system you plan to use. If it is a Dolby Digital or DTS system, you will need a digital output in the DVD player, otherwise analog outs will do.
But in most cases the DVD player features all necessary inputs, so it is usually a non-issue.
3. Looks, size and color. If you have that silver Sony Wega TV, you will want a similar-colored DVD player. Fortunately, many DVD player models are offered in both silver and black.
4. Features. This is the most important area. The features you might want are:
Progressive Scan - you will be able to use it only with compatible TVs (EDTV or HDTV)
Zoom - you have to decide if zoom is important for you, not all DVD players support this feature
CD-R and/or CD-RW playback - many models support it currently
MP3 playback - previously only Apex, Sampo and other no-name manufacturers supported it, but now it is virtually standard with most players having MP3 playback interface and some featuring even WMA playback
Number of fast scan and slow motion speeds
Ease of use and good remote - poorly designed remote controls can drive people nuts. Example: Sharp DV600U
DVD Audio or SACD playback
Built-in decoder(s) - I would recommend to get a Dolby Digital or DTS receiver instead
DVD Recording - decide if you need a DVD recorder and what format you prefer (DVD-RAM, DVD-R/W or DVD R/W).
Fortunately, the DVD players are pretty cheap now and have most features listed.
5. Amount of money you are willing to spend.
I recommend against buying any non-brand name model. Toshiba and Panasonic have excellent model lineup that starts at well below $100 and saving couple of dollars is just isn't worth it in the long run.
Good picks:
1. Single-disc models with progressive scan:
Panasonic DVD-S47 DVD Player with MP3, DVD-Audio and SVCD Playback - about $100, MP3, WMA, CD-R/W, VCD, XVCD, SVCD, DVD-Audio playback, zoom. Black or silver case, 5-speed slow motion. Fast operation, excellent picture and sound.
2. Changers:
Sony DVP-NC685V 5-disc DVD/Super Audio CD Changer - $240. 5-disc changer, progressive scan, MP3, CD-R and CD-RW, Super Audio CD playback.
3. Recorders:
Panasonic DMR-E55 DVD Recorder / Player - $240. Progressive scan, plays MP3, CD-R and CD-RW. Records on DVD-R and DVD RAM discs.
Pioneer DVR-320-S DVD Recorder / Player - $310. Records on DVD-R and DVD-RW discs, has FireWire (i.Link) digital input for camcorders.
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