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.
NOTE: If you are looking for a portable DVD player, check out the suggestions from Nino Marchetti, About.com Guide For Portable Electronics.
1. OPPO Digital DV-980H DVD Player with HDMI and SACD/DVD-Audio
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
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-58AV Universal DVD Player with HDMI Interface
The DV-58AV is the currrent top-of-line DVD player from Pioneer (excluding their Blu-ray Disc player line-up). In addition to DVD playback, with 1080p upscaling, the DV-58AV also has excellent playback of standard audio CDs. Also, the DV-58AV also includes both DVD-Audio and SACD playback capability. In addition, DVD-Audio and SACD signals can be accessed via HDMI or 5.1 channel analog outputs. If you are looking for a top-of-line DVD player with flexible connection options and top performance, then consider the Pioneer DV-58AV as a possible choice.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.
5. Integra DPS-6.9 Upscaling DVD, SACD, and DVD-Audio Player
The integra DPS-6.9 is a single disc capacity 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 1080p upscaling capability (via HDMI) and its audio circuitry deliver SACD and DVD-Audio sound the way it was intended to be heard. Other features found on this player is the inclusion of the RS-232 interface, which makes it easy to integrate this player into a custom home theater installation asd well as both RCA-type and BNC connections for component video output. Integra products can only be purchased through custom-installation dealers. Consult your local home theater installer for availability.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.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.