DVD continues its penetration into retail stores and consumer's homes at an accelerated pace. Even if you don't have a high-end TV or home theater system, you can still enjoy the benefits of the DVD revolution. However, if you do have a higher end system or TV, even today's inexpensive players have a wealth of features. Here are some entry level players to consider.
Photo (c) 2008 - Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The OPPO DV-983H is a power house of a DVD player. HDMI connectivity and 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling using Anchor Bay VRS technology enables the DV983H to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as SACD and DVD-Audio playback, as well as a rear mounted USB port for importing images and sound from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player to use with that new flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. The OPPO DV-983H takes DVD player performance to the highest level. For a more detailed look at the DV-983H, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my supplementary Photo Profile.
Photo (c) 2007 - Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The OPPO OPDVDV980H is a feature-packed DVD player that delivers what it promises. HDMI connectivity and upscaling enables the DV980H to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as SACD, DVD-Audio, and Divx playback, as well as a front mounted USB port for importing images and sound from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player to use with an HDTV or Video Projector, and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. The OPPO DV980H is an excellent all-around DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-Audio player, and is priced less than $170. For a more detailed look at the DV-980H, check out my Short and Full Reviews.
A 1080p upscaling DVD player for less than $75? Yep, and 1080p upscaling via HDMI isn't the only practical feature of the Philips DVP5982/37. This player will play just about any commercial or home recorded DVD and CD (sorry, no Blu-ray or HD-DVD). In addition, the DVP5982 is both NTSC and PAL compatible and can be made region code free via a remote control accessible hack. Two additional bonuses include Divx Ultra Certification and playback of still images, music, and video images stored on a USB flash memory drive or external hard drive with USB and FAT32 file compatibility. The Philips DVP5982/37 is definitely worth chcking out, whether you are on a budget or not.
The Helios X5000 is more than a typical DVD player. Not only does it deliver great video and audio via DVD upscaling, HDMI connectivity, and Wolfson Digital-to-Analog audio conversion, but features, such as extensive recordable DVD compatibility, DivxHD, WMV9HD, and Wired and Wireless Networking add great flexibility. If you are looking for a device that can interface with your home theater and PC, check out the Helios X5000. The X5000 is a very innovative product.
The Samsung DVD-HD1080P7 has everything you would expect from a DVD player (DVD, CD, DVD-R playback). However, this unit also offers 720p 1080i, and 1080p upscaling via the HDMI interface. The HD1080P7 is good choice if you have a large screen HDTV. However, even if you don't have an HDTV, this unit has all the output options of a standard DVD player and is priced about the same as many "budget" units. This is definitely a DVD player to consider.
The Helios H4000 is feature-packed DVD player with several innovative features. The H4000 can deliver 720p/1080i/1080p upscaled images through HDMI connectivity and/or Component video connections. In addition, other features, Region Code Free and PAL/NTSC compatibility add to its flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player, whether to use with that new flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, make sure you check out the Helios H4000 as an option.
The Sony DVP-NS90V really packs it in for the price. The 90V is a single tray player, with progressive scan component outputs, AV synch adjustment, and is compatible with most types of CDs and recordable DVD formats. In addition, the DVP-NS90V also has 720p/1080i upscaling capability through its HDMI output as well as 5.1 channel SACD playback via its set of 5.1 channel analog outputs. If you are looking for great performance, without the big price, check out the Sony DVP-NS90V DVD player.
Here an upscaling DVD player that has been getting high marks from users and reviewers alike. The DVD-S97S can play back just about everything you can throw at it, including DVD-RAM, DVD-Audio, and HDCD-encoded CDs (of course it can play standard DVDs and CDs as well). In addition, this player features video upscaling to 1080i via HDMI outputs and also features 5.1 channel analog audio outputs for accessing DVD-Audio signals or accessing its own built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoders. If you are looking for an upscaling DVD player that can play also back DVD-RAM or HDCD encoded CDs, you might want to check this one out.
If you have an HDTV with HDMI inputs, check out the Yamaha DV-S5950. This unit plays DVD-Video/DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/-RW discs, CDs/CD-R/RW/WMA/MP3CDs, VCDs, and is also Divx Certified. The DV-S5950 is also compatible with both NTSC and PAL (Note: It is not Region Code Free out of the box). All the needed analog and digital audio outputs for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound access are included as well as an easy-to-use remote control. The Yamaha DV-S5950 is solid performer for the price.
The LG DN798 continues the current trend of bargain-priced upscaling DVD players. With 1080p upscaling capability through its HDMI output, the DN798 delivers great images on an HDTV. However, this player has an additional feature that is very practical: a front panel USB input. This input allows access to digital still images and digital audio files stored on flash drives or digital camera memory cards inserted into a USB card reader. For less than $100, this play is very practical for addition to a basic home theater system and HDTV.
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