Standard DVD Players

Top-rated single-disc DVD players

If you don't have an HDTV and don't plan to get one anytime soon, you can ignore all the fracas about Blu-ray and upconverting DVD players. Although such players can also output their images in standard definition, you don't need to spend extra for the technology.

That said, fewer and fewer non-upconverting DVD players remain available, and no current model that we found gets any coverage from professional reviewers. User reviews are available, but those don't paint the most complimentary picture for most non-upconverting DVD players. One exception is the Sony DVP-SR200P/B (*Est. $40), which scores solid but not exceptional praise from users at both Amazon.com and BestBuy.com.

In terms of features, the Sony DVP-SR200P/B is fairly bare bones. Connectivity is limited. The most serious omission is the lack of an optical digital audio output. While a coaxial digital audio output is present, that greatly limits flexibility if you want to hook it up to a home-theater system. There's also no HDMI output, but because most consumers will not be using this player with an HDTV, that's not a deal-killer. Format support for homemade discs is typical, and a basic browser makes it easy to play back MP3 files or view JPEG photo files. While the player cannot upconvert, it is a progressive-scan DVD player, which means that it can output video in a progressive format for compatible TVs. Standard video creates the image from two interlaced frames (the i in 480i), while progressive video (the p in 480p) paints the image in one pass; both types of video are standard resolution, though 480p is also referred to as enhanced definition. Other noteworthy features include technology to allow better playback of warped DVDs, multiple-speed playback with sound and playback resume (for up to six discs).

While the amount of feedback is not overwhelming, the Sony DVP-SR200P/B DVD player gets the best reception from owners writing at Amazon.com, where almost all of the close to 30 reports grant the player either four or five stars out of five. The few unhappy campers seem to have received defective DVD players. The rest are pleased with the performance, relatively small footprint and value. We found fewer reviews for the Sony DVD player at BestBuy.com, and slightly less satisfaction. Machines that failed immediately or shortly after purchase -- and unhappiness about how the DVD player handled some home-burned discs -- led to the negative ratings. Still, more than 75 percent of owners there say they would recommend the Sony DVP-SR200P/B DVD player to a friend.

While the Sony DVP-SR200P/B progressive-scan DVD player doesn't enjoy a perfect track record, it stands head and shoulders above most similar players with any track record at all. Best Buy's house brand Insignia NS-DVD1 (*Est. $30) DVD player draws more than 100 reviews, and more than half appear to be unhappy with their purchase. Long-term reliability seems to be a top complaint with the Insignia DVD player. The same issue seems to be why just over 40 percent of owners say they would recommend the Toshiba SD-4100 (*Est. $45). At Amazon.com, the Coby DVD-224 (*Est. $30) has the most feedback of any DVD player, but it also has an uninspiring record of user satisfaction. While more than 135 users give it great grades, nearly as many (almost 125) give it the bottom rating. The reason -- you guessed it -- is poor reliability.

If you need a VCR as well as a DVD player, you can save space by going with a combo player. However, to get around an FCC mandate requiring digital tuners in all products that include an analog tuner, manufacturers are largely offering only models that lack tuners altogether. That means you'll also need an external tuner or a cable or satellite box if you plan to record to the VCR. If you currently get your TV over the air with an antenna, this is a problem, because you won't be able to record with the VCR.

Note that because of the new FCC mandate, all current DVD/VCR combos are new units and don't have much of a track record. In the past, combo DVD player/VCRs have not had a sterling reputation with users. Accordingly, you might have better luck with separate devices. If you want a combo DVD player/VCR, see the ConsumerSearch report on VCRs for some suggestions.