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, many of today's inexpensive players have a wealth of features, including video upscaling. 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. OPPO Digital DV-980H Upscaling DVD Player with SACD and DVD-Audio
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.
2. Philips DVP5990/37 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 DVP5990. This player will play just about any commercial or home recorded DVD and CD (sorry, no Blu-ray or HD-DVD). In addition, the DVP5990 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 DVP5990/37 is definitely worth checking out, whether you are on a budget or not.
3. Toshiba XD-E500 Upscaling DVD Player With Extended Detail Enhancement
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
With improved 1080p video upscaling capability over previous Toshiba upscaling DVD players, the XD-E500 delivers a very good picture on an HDTV. In addition, the user also has some control over sharpness, color, and contrast, which compensate for variations in DVD source quality. Although not as good as Blu-ray, the Toshiba XD-E500 provides good viewing of DVDs. For more details on whether the Toshiba XD-E500 is right for you, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as a Photo Gallery. Note: If the XD-E500 is hard to find, also check out its newer version, the XD-E600, which adds a USB port playing digital content from flash drives. (Compare Prices)
4. Samsung DVD-1080P9 Upscaling DVD Player
The Samsung DVD-1080P9 has everything you would expect from a DVD player (DVD, CD, DVD-R playback) and Dolby Digital/DTS bitstream output. However, this unit also offers 720p 1080i, and 1080p upscaling via the HDMI interface. The 1080P9 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. Sony DVP-NS710H/B DVD Player DVD Player with HDMI and 1080p Upscaling
Looking for an upscaling DVD player for less than $80? If so, then check out the Sony DVP-NS710H. The DVP-NS710H is a single tray player, with HDMI and progressive scan component outputs, and is playback compatible with most types of CDs and recordable DVD formats. In addition, the DVP-NS710H also featues 1080p upscaling capability through its HDMI output. In addition, for audio, this player has a Digital Coaxial audio output, so make sure your home theater receiver has a digital coaxial audio input. With most Blu-ray Disc players priced at $199 or higher, an upscaling DVD player may be a more attractive alternative for the time being.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. Yamaha DVD-S661 Upscaling DVD Player
If you have an HDTV with HDMI inputs, check out the Yamaha DVD-S661. This unit offers 1080p upscaling and plays DVD-Video/DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/-RW discs, CDs/CD-R/RW/WMA/MP3CDs, VCDs, and is also Divx Certified. The DVD-S661 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. Another convenient feature is the inclusion of a USB port that allows playback of music, still, and videophiles from USB flash drives. The Yamaha DVD-S661 is more expensive than other DVD players in its class, but is solidly built, and definitely worth consideration.