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Top Universal DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio Players

From Robert Silva,
Your Guide to Home Theater.
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DVD players come in all types of configurations, including DVD/VCR combos, players that play MP3 CDs, Multi-region players, and DVD players that are also DVD recorders. However, a new DVD player configuration is becoming popular, DVD players that can play both of the new high resolution audio formats: DVD-Audio and SACD. Check out the latest crop of affordable Universal DVD players.

1. OPPO Digital DV-980H DVD Player with HDMI and SACD/DVD-Audio

OPPO Digital DV-980H DVD Player with HDMI and SACD/DVD-Audio - Included Accessories
Photo (c) 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. OPPO Digital DV-981HD DVD Player with HDMI Output and DVD-Audio/SACD Playback

OPPO Digital DV-981HD DVD Player with HDMI and SACD/DVD-Audio - Front and Rear
Photo (c) Oppo Digital
The OPPO Digital DV-981HD bridges the gap between standard DVD quality and Blu-ray/HD-DVD, in terms of what you see on the screen. This DVD player brings out the most from standard DVD, courtesy of its on-board Faroudja video processing. In addition, HDMI connectivity delivers the possible signal from DV-981HD to an HDTV. Other features, such as DVD-Audio, SACD, and Divx playback add great audio and video flexibility. The DV-981HD is perfect to use with a flat panel HDTV and surround sound system. For less than $230 it performs as well as, or better than, more expensive units.

3. Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi Universal DVD Player with HDMI Interface

Not only does the 79AVi feature progressive scan, DVD-Audio, and SACD playback capability, but it also comes equipped with both HDMI and iLink connection interfaces. In addition, if you can't take advantage of either the HDMI or iLink features, the 79AVi also has composite, S-Video, and progressive scan component video outputs. If you are looking for a top-of-line DVD player with flexible connection options and top performance, then consider the Pioneer DV-79AVi as a possible choice.
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4. Denon DVD-2930CI Upscaling DVD Player with DVD-Audio and SACD Playback

The Denon DVD-2930CI is a excellent DVD player, bolstered by its Realta REON HQV video processor, 1080p Upscaling, DVD-Audio, SACD,and Divx playback capability. However, for a DVD player it is expensive ($799 list price), especially since some true high definition Blu-ray Disc players are about half the price. On the other hand, if you have an extensive DVD collection and what to get the most out of it, in terms of video and audio quality, then the DVD-2930CI is a DVD player that may be for you. It is certainly worth a look.
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5. Integra DPC-8.5 Universal DVD Player

The integra DPC-8.5 is a 6-Disc DVD player with the ability to play DVD-Audio, SACD, MP3, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, and JPEG photo CDs. It also has outstanding video performance from its progressive scan capability and its bass management function delivers SACD and DVD-Audio sound the way it was intended to be heard. The DPC-8.5 also weighs in at 16 pounds, which is heavier than most standard DVD players.

6. Yamaha DVD-S1800 DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio Player

The DVD-S1800 plays standard DVD and most Recordable DVD formts, CDs, DVD-Audio, SACDs, VCDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, MP3-CDs, and is Divx certified. On the video side, this unit includes Faroudja DCDi processing, Video upscaling to 1080p via HDMI, as well as both NTSC and PAL output capability for non-region coded discs. For analog audio output, the S1800 features Burr-Brown Digtital to Analog converters, and internal DTS and Dolby Digital decoders (if needed). The DVD-S1800 is a flexible universal DVD player that both video and audio enthusiasts will enjoy.
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7. Harman Kardon DVD48 DVD Player

Harman Kardon makes great home theater receivers, but they also make great DVD players. The DVD48 is a top-of-line unit that offers both great features and performance. The DVD48 plays standard DVD and most Recordable DVD formats, CDs, DVD-Audio, SACDs, VCDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3-CDs. This player features video upscaling to 1080p via HDMI, as well as both NTSC and PAL output capability for non-region coded discs. In terms of connectivity, the DVD48 can accommodate just about any setup with HDMI or Component outputs, two channel and six channel analog audio outputs, digital optical and digital coaxial audio outputs, and even S-video and Composite video outputs. However, to access 1080p upscaling, you must use the HDMI output connection.
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8. Marantz VC6001 5 Disc Universal DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio Changer

If you have a little extra cash, here is an interesting DVD player to consider. The Marantz VC6001 is a Five-Disc Carosel DVD changer sports a host of features, including DVD, SACD, DVD-Audio, MP3-CD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, VCD, and JPEG-CD playback compatibility. Bass management for SACD and DVD-Audio is also included, as well as Faroudja DCDi video processing and 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling via HDMI outputs. If you are looking for a versatile five disc DVD changer with good performance check out the Marantz VC6001.

9. Pioneer Elite DV-48AV Universal DVD Player with HDMI Interface

Pioneer was the first to introduce the affordable Universal DVD player (the DV-47A ), and carries on its tradition in these types of DVD players with the DV-48AV. In addition to SACD and DVD-Audio, the 48AV also has the ability to play CDR/RW, MP3-CDs, and DVD-R/DVD-RW discs. This player also outputs a progressive scan video signal and offers 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling via its HDMI output. It is also important to note that the DV-48AV complies with HDMI ver 1.2a, which allows the transfer of all audio and video signals from the DVD player via a single HDMI connection to a compatible home theater receiver. The DV-48AV, with its DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio and Upscaled DVD playback capabilities, might be a worthy addition to your home theater system.
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