Upscaling DVD Players - Although DVD players are quickly giving way to Blu-ray Disc Players, DVD continues to an integral part of the home entertainment scene. Even if you have an HDTV, an upscaling DVD player make your DVDs look their best. Here are some great upscaling DVD players to consider.
NOTE: If you are looking for a portable DVD player, check out the suggestions from About.com's Portable Electronics site.
1. Philips DVP3560 1080p Upscaling DVD Player
A 1080p upscaling DVD player for less than $75? Yep, and 1080p upscaling via HDMI isn't the only practical feature of the Philips DVP3560. This player will play just about any commercial or home recorded DVD and CD (sorry, no Blu-ray or HD-DVD). In addition, the DVP3560 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. The Philips DVP3560 is definitely worth checking out, whether you are on a budget or not.
2. Panasonic DVD-S68 Upscaling DVD Player with CD Ripping
The Panasonic DVD-S68 DVD Player provides great performance and flexibility for a modest price. Features include: HDMI with 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling, DVD-Video/-R/-RW, CD/-R/-RW, VCD, WMA, MP3-CD, JPEG-CD, and Divx playback. In addition, the DVD-S68 also features a USB input for playback of digital music files. In fact, you can even rip your CDs to a USB connected flash drive. Also, both analog and digital audio outputs are provided for easy connection to home theater systems. If you are looking for a good DVD player, especially with HDMI 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling, for under $100, check out the Panasonic DVD-S68 DVD Player as a possible choice.3. Sony DVP-SR500H Upscaling DVD Player
If you are aren't ready to make the jump to Blu-ray, or just prefer DVD, the DVP-SR500H might be what you need. The DVP-SR500H is a slim-line player that features HDMI with 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling and playback compatibility with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, VCDs, and CDs (including CD-R/RW and JPEG Photo CDs). In addition, the DVP-SR500H has a variety of picture settings for fine tuning the quality of image, as well as a useful A/V synch feature. If you are looking for an upscaling DVD player for about $60, check out the Sony DVP-SR500H.4. Samsung DVD-C500 DVD Player
The Samsung DVD-C500 has everything you would expect from a DVD player, including DVD/CD playback and Dolby Digital/DTS bitstream output. However, this unit also offers 720p, 1080p, and 1080p upscaling via the HDMI interface. The DVD-C500 is a good choice if you have a large screen LCD, Plasma, or DLP television, but can't afford a full-fledged Blu-ray Disc player. 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.5. Toshiba SD7300 Upscaling DVD Player
Since the introduction of Blu-ray Disc players, prices for DVD players have dropped fast. The SD7300 is an great example of a good quality DVD player that can be had for less than $50. First off, the SD7300 features 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling via HDMI output that delivers a very good picture on an HDTV. Although not as good as Blu-ray, the Toshiba SD7300 provides good video upscaling of DVDs. However, if you don't have an HDTV, you can also connect this player to your TV using component or composite video connections and to your home theater audio system using the digital coaxial or analog audio outputs. Another bonus is the incoporation of a card slot for playing digital music files (MP3) and image files store on SD or SDHC memory cards.6. LG Electronics DN898 Upscaling DVD Player
The LG DN898 continues the current trend of bargain-priced upscaling DVD players. With 1080p upscaling capability through its HDMI output, the DN898 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.7. Onkyo DV-CP706 6-Disc DVD/CD Changer with Upscaling
The Onkyo DV-CP706 is a 6-Disc changer than is both a great DVD player and a very good CD player. With its 6 disc capacity you can preload any combination of DVDs and CDs you want. One practical example: Watch a movie, and then listen to the soundtrack recording afterwards. In addition, this player also features 1080p upscaling for DVD playback via its HDMI output, which makes it a good companion for an HDTV. Also, the DV-CP706 is able to playback a variety of CD format discs, including MP3, WMA, and HD JPEG. Whether planning a DVD viewing marathon or want some background music for a party or while you are taking care of household chores, the DV-CP706 can deliver.