In order to end up with the DVD player best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of DVD players are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a DVD player.
Research the market: DVD Player essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the DVD player market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
DVD Regions: DVDs are manufactured with a region code, and most players are programmed to accept only one region. For instance, the US is region code 1, and players sold in the US will only play region 1 discs. However, there are universal or multi-region players available, and many players on the market can be unlocked to accept all regions by using a code. If you like to source your discs from international sources, you will need a multi-region player.
Disc Formats: DVD players accept a number of different formats, including DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL.
The 'R' stands for recordable, and the 'RW' for rewritable, so a RW disc can be used for repeated recordings, much like a videotape. DL (Dual Layer) means the discs record on both sides. RAM discs were created for computer data back up and many DVD players won't play them, but some recorders will record on to RAM discs. The + and - refer to different standards, and although there are still arguments over whether one is superior (much like the old Beta vs VHS video debate) there is essentially nothing to choose between them - except when it comes to the question of compatibility.
Check that the player is compatible with the formats you favor, but keep in mind that if you are only interested in viewing commercially produced DVDs then this issue is unlikely to affect you. Purchase a multi-format player if your budget has room for it, but otherwise concentrate on other features.
Some recorders are capable of CD, VCD, MP3 and JPEG playback.
Compatibility: Most DVD players will connect to your television, set-top box and video recorder. However, if you want to connect a digital camera or a home theatre system you need to check what connections are available. Older televisions sometimes lack the connections for DVD players, in which case you will need to investigate alternatives.
Sound/Playback Quality: DVD recorder players come with a range of audio and visual capacities, but quality will also be affected by the capacity of your television and whether you have a surround sound system. HDMI and Component outputs and DV input are just some of the features to look out for.
Function Levels: Extra features include Dolby Digital Decoder, DTS Decoder, DTS compatible, simulated surround sound, parental locks, on-screen display, progressive scanning, dual laser optical pick-up system, resume play, and auto-power save.
Cost: The price you'll pay for a DVD player can vary widely. Standard models will give you the lowest cost options with prices increasing according to the quality/features you want in a player.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a DVD player. For example, will you use the DVD player only for watching your favourite movies or do you want to record TV programs as well?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used a DVD player before? |
| | If you have used a DVD player, work out what you did or didn't like about the DVD player. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What kind of DVDs do I want to watch? |
| | You can simply use the player to watch standard DVDs or you can watch DVDs with added functions such as wide-screen. |
| What kind of TV do I currently have? |
| | It's best to know what kind of TV you will be connecting your DVD player to - is it a standard TV or a home theatre? This can create compatibility issues. |
| Where will my DVD player go? |
| | If you have a TV unit with limited space, the size of the player may be an issue. |
| Is sound or playback quality an issue for me? |
| | Determine if you are you happy with a standard quality DVD player or whether you want one that comes with high-level playback and sound functions. |
| Do I want standard features or extra ones? |
| | A basic DVD player will allow you to navigate round a DVD with no problem but a more advanced player can make DVD navigation a lot easier. |
| Which DVD regions are of interest to me? |
| | This depends on if you plan on watching DVDs from various regions or simply DVDs from one region. |
| Will I use my DVD player for anything else? |
| | You might want to listen to CDs on your DVD player. If you plan on using CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 discs as well as pre-recorded CDs you need to make sure the player accepts these formats. |
| What devices will I connect my DVD player up to? |
| | You can connect your player to a VCR or cable box, for example. |
| What's my budget? |
| | DVD players are available to suit any budget - price increases with added features. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of DVD players and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:Choosing a DVD PlayerChoosing the right DVD playerChoosing a DVD player for videoBuying a DVD player for audioSelecting a DVD playerSelecting region-free DVD playersGeneralA guide to the right DVD player for youThings you need to know before purchasing a DVD playerRegional CodingDoes regional coding matter?