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Blu-ray/HD-DVD/DVD Player and Recorder Reviews

Product reviews and profiles of Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD, DVD players, DVD recorders, DVD player/VCR combinations, and DVD recorder/VCR combinations.
Pioneer BDP-320 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review
The BDP-320 offers practical features and good performance. This player is provides native 1080p output for Blu-ray Discs and 1080p upscaling for DVDs. The BDP-320 offers onboard decoding and undecoded bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD via HDMI. The BDP-320 aheres to Profile 2.0 specs and also incorporates PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System) for jitterless signal transmission between the pl…
Harman Kardon BDP1 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review And Rating
The BDP1 is the first Blu-ray Disc Player from Harman Kardon. The BDP1 plays Blu-ray Discs, provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via its HDMI 1.3a output, and is compatible with DVDs and audio CDs. DVDs are also upscaled up to 1080p via HDMI. In addition, the BDP1 has a front mounted USB port for both BD-Live memory expansion and access to still images, music, and video file…
Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review And Rating
The Panasonic DMP-BD60 is a feature-packed Blu-ray Disc Player that performs well. Besides Blu-ray playback, the DMP-BD60 also provides 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs via HDMI output. Also, a front mounted SD card slot for importing images, video, and music, is provided. The DMP-BD60 provide additional flexibility with its Viera Cast feature for accessing internet content, such as YouTube, Bloo…
OPPO Digital BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player - Blu-ray Done Right
The OPPO BDP-83 is a feature-packed Blu-ray Disc player that really delivers. Blu-ray playback is excellent, and utilizing Anchor Bay VRS technology, the BDP-83 also delivers excellent upscaling for standard DVD playback. Also, other features, such as SACD and DVD-Audio playback, as well as aa 2 USB ports for importing images and sound from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. The OPPO BDP-83 takes Blu-ray Disc player flexibility and performance to the highest level.
OPPO Digital BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with Anchor Bay VRS a…
The OPPO BDP-83 is a feature-packed Blu-ray Disc player that really delivers. Blu-ray playback is excellent, and utilizing Anchor Bay VRS technology, the BDP-83 also delivers excellent upscaling for standard DVD playback. Also, other features, such as SACD and DVD-Audio playback, as well as a USB port for importing images and sound from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. For a c…
Insignia NS-2BRDVD Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review and Rating
The Insignia NS-2BRDVD plays Blu-ray Discs at full 1080p/60 or 1080p/24 resolution, provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via its HDMI 1.3a output, and is fully playback compatible with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, standard music CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output. The NS-2BRDVD adheres to Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) specifications. To find out if this player is right for you, check out my review.
Sherwood BDP-5003 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review and Rating
The BDP-5003 is Sherwood's first venture into Blu-ray Disc player territory. Features include playback of Blu-ray Discs at full 1080p resolution, bitstream output for Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD via HDMI 1.3a output, and compatibility with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output. The BDP-5003 adheres to Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) specifications. For more about the BDP-5003, check out my review.
Yamaha BD-S2900 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review and Rating
The BD-S2900 is Yamaha's first Blu-ray Disc player. This player features 1080p/60 or 1080p/24 resolution for Blu-ray Discs, provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via its HDMI 1.3a output, and is compatible with standard DVDs, CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. The BD-S2900 upscales standard DVDs up to 1080p. The BD-S2900 adheres to Profile 1.1 (Bonus View), and is not upgradable to Profile 2.0 (BD Live). To find out if this Blu-ray Disc player is right for you, check out full review.
Toshiba XD-E500 Upscaling DVD Player - Product Review and Rating
With the demise of HD-DVD, Toshiba is now focused on improving the upscaling capabilities for DVD. 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. The Toshiba XD-E500 does provide good viewing of DVDs, but is not the breakthrough that its marketing materials suggest.
Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Review and Rating
The Samsung BD-P1500 plays Blu-ray Discs at full 1080p resolution, provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via its HDMI 1.3a output, and is fully playback compatible with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output. The BD-P1500 adheres to Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) specifications, and is firmware upgradable via internet download. For more about the BD-P1500, check out my review.
Samsung BD-P1500 480i/480p Deinterlacing/1080p Scaling Tests …
The Samsung BD-P1500 plays Blu-ray Discs at full 1080p resolution, provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via its HDMI 1.3a output, and is fully playback compatible with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output. For a look at how well the Samsung BD-P1500 converts 480i DVD v…
Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Disc Player - Photo Gallery and Report
The Samsung BD-P1500 plays Blu-ray Discs at full 1080p/60 or 1080p/24 resolution, provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via its HDMI 1.3a output, and is playback compatible with DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output. The BD-P1500 adheres to Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) specs, and is firmware …
Close Encounters of the Third Kind 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition
Close Encounters of the Third Kind 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition - Blu-ray Disc - Photo Gallery
OPPO Digital DV-970HD DVD Player with HDMI output and SACD/DVD-Audio Playback
The OPPO DV-970HD is a DVD player that will upconvert signal output to either 720p/1080i via its HDMI output. If you own an HD-compatible TV with HDMI (or DVI) input, you can watch DVDs in higher resolution. This works well with Plasma/LCD monitors and DLP video projectors. This unit has all video outputs and features you would expect, and then some, including: CD/CDR/CDRW/MP3/JPG playback and the addition of DVD-Audio, SACD, and DIVX playback. For more details, check out my review.
HELIOS X5000 HD Network Media DVD Player - Product Review
The Helios X5000 is more than a typical DVD player. Not only does the X5000 deliver good video and audio via DVD upscaling and HDMI connectivity, but innovative features, such as complete recordable DVD compatibility, DivxHD, WMV9HD, and both Wired and Wireless Networking add great flexibility. If you are looking for a device that is compatible with most disc-based video formats (except for Blu-ray and HD-DVD) and interfaces with your home theater and PC, then check out the Helios X5000.
NeoDigits Helios H4000 DVD Player with HDMI Output - DVD Player Product Review
The Helios H4000 is feature-packed DVD player with several innovative features. The H4000 can deliver 720p/1080i/1080p upscaled images through HDMI 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 Helios H4000.
Pioneer Elite DV-46AV DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio Player with HDMI - Review
The Pioneer Elite DV-46AV, in addition to Standard DVD, SACD (Super Audio CD) and DVD-Audio playback, also has the ability to play CDR/RW, MP3-CDs, and DVD-R/DVD-RW discs as outputting a progressive scan video signal and 720p/1080i upscaling via its HDMI output. The DV-46A, with its excellent DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio and Upscaled DVD playback performance, is worthy of consideraton for inclusion in your home theater system.
OPPO DV-981HD DVD Player with HDMI, SACD/DVD-Audio, and Faroudja -- Review
The OPPO DV981HD is feature-packed DVD player that delivers what it promises. HDMI connectivity, upscaling, and Faroudja processing enables the DV981HD to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as SACD,,DVD-Audio, and Divx playback add great audio and video 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 the OPPO DV-981HD out.
Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD Player - Product Preview
The HD-A1 is the new entry-level HD-DVD player from Toshiba. The HD-A1 plays HD-DVDs at full 720p or 1080i resolution via its HDMI output. In addition, the HD-A1 is fully playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as being able to playback standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p or 1080i via the HDMI output.
Samsung BD-P1200 Blu-ray Player with HQV Processing - Product Profile
The BD-P1200 is the second generation Blu-ray format player from Samsung. The Samsung BD-P1200 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. The BD-P1200 is also playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as being able to playback standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Other bonuses: Standard DVDs are upscaled via the HDMI output. The Samsung BD-P1200 also utilizes Silicon Optix HQV processsing for enhanced image quality.
LG BH100 Blu-ray Disc - HD-DVD Combo Player - Product Review of the LG BH100
The BH100 is the new hybrid Blu-ray Disc / HD-DVD combo player from LG. Dubbed "Super Multi-Blue", the BH100 plays both Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. The BH100 is also compatible with standard DVDs and DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW recordable formats, but is not compatible with standard audio CDs. In addition, standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p or 1080i via the HDMI output. To find out more about the BH100, check out my Review.
LG BH100 Blu-ray Disc / HD-DVD Combo Player - Overview and Perspective
The BH100 is the new Blu-ray Disc / HD-DVD combo player form LG. Dubbed "Super Multi-Blue", the BH100 plays both Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. The BH100 is also playback compatible with standard DVDs and the DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW recordable formats, but is not compatible with standard audio CD playback. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p or 1080i via the HDMI output. To find out more check out the my product profile.
Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD Player - Product Profile
Toshiba HD-A2 - Product Profile. The HD-A2 is the second-generation entry-level HD-DVD player from Toshiba. The HD-A2 plays HD-DVDs at full 720p or 1080i resolution via its HDMI output. In addition, the HD-A2 is playback compatible with standard DVDs and several recordable DVD formats, as well as be standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p or 1080i via the HDMI output. To find out more about the HD-A2, check out my product profile.
Panasonic DMP-BD10 Blu-ray Player - Product Preview
The DMP-BD10 is the first Blu-ray format player from Panasonic. The Panasonic DMP-BD10 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. In addition, the Panasonic DMP-BD10 is fully playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as being able to playback standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Other bonuses: Standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p via the HDMI output. To find out more, check out my product preview.
Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player - Product Preview
The BDP-HS1 is the new Blu-ray format player from Pioneer. The Sony BDP-S1 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. The BDP-S1 is also playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, but, unlike other Blu-ray/HD-DVD players, does not have provisions for standard CD playback. In addition, standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p via the HDMI output. To find out more about the Sony BDP-S1, check out my product preview.
Pioneer BDP-HD1 Blu-ray Player - Product Preview
The BDP-HD1 is a Blu-ray format player from Pioneer. The BDP-HD1 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. The Pioneer BDP-HD1 is also playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, but is not compatible with standards CDs. To find out more about the Pioneer BDP-HD1, check out my product preview.
Samsung BD-P1000 Blu-ray Player - Product Preview
The BD-P1000 is the new Blu-ray format player from Samsung. The Samsung BD-P1000 plays Blu-rays at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. In addition, the Samsung BD-P1000 is fully playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as being able to playback standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p via the HDMI output. To find out more, check out my product preview.
Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD Player - Review
Toshiba HD-XA1 - Review. The HD-XA1 is a new entry-level HD-DVD format player from Toshiba. The HD-XA1 plays HD-DVDs at full 720p or 1080i resolution via its HDMI output. In addition, the HD-XA1 is fully playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as being able to playback standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled to 720p or 1080i via the HDMI output. To find out more about the HD-XA1, check out my review.
Pioneer Elite DV-46AV DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio Player with HDMI - Review
The Pioneer Elite DV-46AV, in addition to Standard DVD, SACD (Super Audio CD) and DVD-Audio playback, also has the ability to play CDR/RW, MP3-CDs, and DVD-R/DVD-RW discs as outputting a progressive scan video signal and 720p/1080i upscaling via its HDMI output. The DV-46A, with its excellent DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio and Upscaled DVD playback performance, is worthy of consideraton for inclusion in your home theater system.
NeoDigits Helios H4000 DVD Player with HDMI Output
The Helios H4000 is a DVD player with upconverion video output to either 720p/1080i via HDMI output and 720p/1080i/1080p via component output. If you own an HD-compatible TV with HDMI or DVI input, you can watch DVDs in higher resolution. This works well with Plasma/LCD monitors and DLP video projectors. The H4000 offers extensive playback options, including: Most recordable DVD formats and CD/CDR/CDRW/HDCD/MP3/JPG discs.
Pioneer DV-490V-S DVD Player with HDMI Output
The Pioneer DV-490V-S is a great basic DVD player, offering not only CD and DVD playback, but, with its HDMI output, you can take advantage of the increased capabilities of an HDTV. In addition, other useful features, such as its JPEG/MP3 Slideshow function, as well as Divx file playback, make the DV-490V-S a great deal for $99. For additional details, check out my review.
Pioneer DVR-233-S Entry Level DVD Recorder - Product Review
If you are looking for solid entry level DVD recorder, check out the Pioneer DVR-233S. Features include DVD-R/-RW recording. Inputs include composite and S-video. Outputs include composite, S-video, and component video (both interlaced and progressive scan), as well as including both analog and digital audio outputs. For more details, read my review.
Presidian PDR-3222 Entry-Level DVD Recorder - Product Review
The Presidian PDR-3222 is a DVD Recorder, sold primarily through Radio Shack, that offers multi-format DVD recording at an extremely low price point. Although the PDR-3222 doesn't offer many of the more advanced features and conveniences of higher-end, name-brand, units - it still offers some good benefits for someone looking for a very basic DVD recorder. For more details, check out my review.
NeuNeo HVD2085 DVD Player with HDMI Output - Product Review
The NeuNeo HVD2085 a is feature-packed DVD player with several innovative features. The HVD2085 can deliver 720p/1080i upscaled images through HDMI connectity and 720p/1080i/1080p upscaled images through the Component Video connection. Other features, such as Region Code Free and PAL/NTSC compatibility add to its flexibility. For a closer look at the NeuNeo HVD2085, check out both my review.
OPPO Digital OPDV971H DVD Player with DVI Output and 720p/1080i Upscaling - Review
The OPPO Digital OPDV971H is a DVD player that will upconvert signal output to either 720p/1080i via its DVI output. If you own an HD or HD-upradable TV with DVI or HDMI input, you can watch DVDs in higher resolution, thanks to a Faroudja de-interlacer/scaler. This works well with Plasma/LCD monitors and DLP video projectors. This unit has all video outputs and features you would expect, and then some, including: CD/CDR/CDRW/MP3/JPG playback and the addition of DVD-Audio and DIVX playback.
Pioneer DVR-533H-S DVD Recorder/Hard Drive Combination
DVD recorders have come down in price and matured in performance over the past year. Starting with a foundation in Laserdisc, and jumping into both DVD playback/recording technology early, Pioneer has had extensive experience with optical disc video formats. The DVR-533H, Pioneer's stylish entry-level DVD Recorder/Hard Drive combo, carries on this tradition as a reasonably priced unit that provides performance and flexibility for those entering the world of DVD recording.
JVC XV-NP10S Progressive Scan DVD Player - Code Free Version
The JVC XV-NP10S is a great DVD player, offering not only CD and DVD playback, but, with its memory card reader you can also play back your digital camera photos. In its Region Code Free version with it built-in PAL-to-NTSC converter, this DVD player is very practical for those that have the need for a unit that will play any commerical DVD from any region of the world on an NTSC TV.
Philips DVDR985 DVD+R/+RW Format DVD Recorder - Product Review
Despite the quagmire over standards and compatibility with current DVD playback technology, Philips shakes up the market with a reasonably priced high-performance DVD recorder.
Tatung DV-990 Region Code Free/Multi-System DVD Player
The Tatung DV-900 is a true World-wide compatible DVD player. This is a very practical DVD player for those that have the need for a unit that will work anywhere in the world and/or will play any commerical DVD from any region of the world.
Kiss Technology DP-470 DVD Receiver - Product Review
The Kiss Technology DP-470 DVD Receiver is an innovative home theater component that incorporates a standard DVD/CD player with some additional, practical, features, such as a built-in 5-channel surround sound amplifier, AM/FM tuner, and Divx file compatibility. To find out more, check out my full review of the DP-470.
Samsung DVD-HD931 DVD Player - Product Review
The DVD-HD931 performs well as a standard DVD player, with extensive playback options, great video quality, and the outputs you need to connect to any home theater system. However, this DVD player is different. HD931 has the ability to do two things that very few DVD players can: Direct digital video output and resolution upscaling. For more details, check out my review.
Zenith XBV343 DVD/VCR Combo
The Zenith XBV343 is an example of a good performing DVD/VCR combo unit at a very reasonable price. For less than $150, you get a DVD player with progressive scan, compatibility with most recordable DVD formats (DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW), as well a 4-Head VHS HiFi VCR with Quasi-SVHS playback. This is definitely a unit to consider.
Home Theater Review - Philips DVDR75 DVD Recorder
DVD recorders are fast becoming one of the hottest products in consumer electronics this year, especially as prices keep coming down. Recently, a reader purchased a Philips DVDR75 DVD Recorder and wanted to share his experience with the other users of the About.com Home Theater site.
Review - Tatung DV-990 Code Free/Multi-System DVD Player
The Tatung DV-990 is a true World-wide compatible DVD player. This is a very practical DVD player that will work anywhere in the world and/or will play any commerical DVD from any region of the world.
Home Theater Review - Philips DVDR-985 DVD Recorder
Despite the quagmire over standards and compatibility with current DVD playback technology, Philips shakes up the market with a reasonably priced high-performance DVD recorder that delivers what it promises.
Home Theater Review: Vialta ViDVD
DVD players now come in many different variations, from traditional single disc units to DVD/VCR combos. Check out another variation in DVD players with the internet-enabled units from Vialta.

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