DVD player information

If you do a lot of time shifting (recording TV) with a VCR, you may be interested in a DVD recorder. Prices are dropping fast for these models, and you can find good recorders for less than $300 -- and sometimes less than $200. DVD recorders work much like VCRs in that they allow you to record television for later viewing. However, the same FCC rules that apply to DVD player/VCR recorders apply to DVD recorders, and some DVD recorders now lack tuners altogether. See our separate report on DVD recorders for more information.

Dropping prices and the resolution of the long-standing format war are starting to make high-definition Blu-ray players a more viable option for some, especially those considering more expensive upconverting DVD players. Many -- but not all -- high-definition Blu-ray players are also good upconverting DVD players. For more information, see the ConsumerSearch report on Blu-ray players.

While most of the information it publishes is reserved for subscribers, Consumer Reports also has a page of advice for DVD players that's free for everyone to read.

AVSForum.com is a great user-to-user discussion site that's packed with helpful information, including a section devoted to standard-definition DVD players. In addition to user reviews of players, hints, fixes and more, there's a handy FAQ (frequently asked questions) thread that newcomers will find particularly helpful.

The HDMI Founders have put together a great FAQ section on this important interface. It's well worth reading by anyone who wants to keep ahead of the technology curve regarding DVD players.

"The Blu-ray vs. DVD View-Off" by Eric Taub in The New York Times' Gadgetwise blog compares the Toshiba XD-E500 DVD player with a Blu-ray player to see if the former's enhanced detail features live up to their promise.

You can find detailed specification information on manufacturers' websites, including lists of the various connectors and readable disc formats of each player:

LG Electronics

Oppo Digital

Onkyo

Panasonic

Philips

Pioneer

Samsung

Sony

Toshiba

Yamaha