DVD Players

According to the professional reviews we read, most standard DVD players fall into a narrow performance range between very good and excellent. If you have a standard analog TV, reviews tend to agree that an inexpensive basic DVD player should be fine. If you are one of the 36 percent of households expected to own an HDTV by the end of 2007, you have more choices.

Many current DVD players are upconverting models that can optionally scale the relatively low resolution of regular DVD movies to match the higher resolution of an HDTV. While initially expensive, prices have dropped to around $75 for good-performing upconverting DVD players, while great performers cost just a little bit more. The very best upconverting DVD players can deliver an image that won't have the fine detail of a high-definition DVD, but will otherwise rival it in most ways. However, those DVD players can cost as much as the least expensive Blu-ray and HD-DVD players.

The other option is, of course, a high-definition DVD player. While prices are dropping rapidly, most remain relatively expensive. In addition, a war between competing and incompatible formats (Blu-ray and HD-DVD) rages on. On the other hand, high-definition disc players deliver the very best images of all when playing high-def discs, and many do a great job with standard-definition DVDs as well. See our companion report on HD DVD and Blu-ray players.

Standard 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 high-definition and upconverting DVD players. You don't need that technology.

Very few professional reviewers spend much time reporting on non-upconverting DVD players, but DragonSteelMods.com, a site that reviews computer and some consumer electronics gear, gives the Philips DVP3140/37 (*est. $40) a thumbs-up and a Recommended rating. Reviewer Kristofer Brozio says it is a great basic DVD player. Installation and use are easy. Picture quality is "fine," and boot-up is fast. He adds that it had no problems recognizing or playing any discs he tried. A nice bonus is that it can read DivX-encoded videos authored on a PC (DivX is a compression format used when saving large files to recordable CDs or DVDs). Although the player is lightweight, build quality seems good. One concern Brozio has is that the disc tray is rather thin, making it susceptible to breaking.

The Philips DVP3140/37 also does generally well in user reviews. A small minority at CircuitCity.com were not happy with the image quality, but far more say that given the price, performance is great. Many are also pleased that it is easy to use. It receives fewer reviews at Amazon.com, but user reaction thus far is similar.

In our last report, we named the Sony DVP-NS55P/S as the best basic DVD player. That model has now been replaced by the DVP-NS57P/S (*est. $60) . Like its predecessor, this model can read commercial DVDs, audio CDs and MP3 files. In addition, if you like to burn home movies onto DVD-R/RW or DVD+R/RW discs with a DVD burner, you'll be able to screen home movies with your DVD player. The Sony can also display JPEG photo files burned onto discs. One new and potentially significant feature is a drive system that Sony claims does a better job in compensating for warped discs.

Thus far, the Philips DVP3140/37 seems to rate slightly higher, but the Sony DVP-NS55P/S has received fewer reviews, particularly at CircuitCity.com. That said, most seem pleased with the DVP-NS55P/S, although a few users report units that failed to work or that suddenly stopped reading discs a month or two into ownership. A couple of owners also complain about the lack of an S-video output.

Other similarly priced DVD players don't fare quite as well. The Toshiba SD-4000 (*est. $40) features DivX playback capabilities like the Philips DVP3140/37, but is compatible with fewer DVD and CD formats. Although there's not a ton of feedback for the SD-4000, users at Amazon are particularly harsh. The biggest issue reported is that the audio and video on DVDs are sometimes out of sync.

If a slim profile doesn't matter to you, and an evening of watching Lord of the Rings movies is on your agenda, a multi-disc player cuts down on the manual disc-swapping. Multi-disc changers are also a good idea if you plan to use your DVD player to listen to CDs. You can load five or six discs at a time. However, few manufacturers are making 5-disc changers anymore.

One of the few remaining models on the market is the Sony DVP-NC85H/B (*est. $125) . We didn't find this model included in any professional reviews, but it gets lots of feedback and good scores for movie playback from owners at CircuitCity.com and Amazon.com. The big complaints we found regard CD playback. The player's shuffle mode is limited to a single CD, whereas you can set some players to shuffle play among all five CDs. This is a deal-breaker for many who bought this player for CD playback as well as DVD playback. This 5-disc DVD player is available in black or silver.

Another option is the Panasonic DVD-F87S/K (*est. $125) . This 5-disc DVD player has DVD/CD capabilities in addition to reading MP3, WMA and JPEG files. Conveniently, it continues playing one disc while you change the other four. In an older review at Sound & Vision magazine, reviewer Ken C. Pohlmann "fell in love" with the changer's fast-forward/reverse modes. Unlike the Sony above, this model does allow random play from all five loaded CDs. Reviews on Amazon.com had good comments about its sound, performance and low cost, but we read a few complaints that it didn't last that long. (The 'S' and 'K' at the end of the model number denote silver and black finishes.)

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, since you won't be able to record with the VCR.

The result has been a lot of frustrated owners. For example, the Sony SLV-D380P (*est. $90) gets only a handful of reviews at Amazon.com, but almost all are negative and revolve around that issue. At CircuitCity.com, the Toshiba SD-V295 (*est. $90) fares a little better, albeit again with just a handful of reviews. Owners again are disappointed about the lack of tuners, but generally pleased with the Sony SD-V295's performance.

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.

Upconverting DVD players

Standard DVD discs are recorded at a resolution that's somewhere between what you'll see on regular broadcast television and HDTV broadcasts. Regular DVD discs have about 640 x 480 pixels of information -- that's less than the 1024 x 768 or 1920 x 1080 pixels supported by your television. To address this issue, DVD deck manufacturers are incorporating chips that allow for "upconverting." Upconversion is the process of enhancing a standard DVD signal stream to output as a high-definition signal. While this doesn't mean that upconverting players can somehow magically convert a standard DVD into a high-def movie, it does mean that standard DVDs usually display a smoother, richer image on an HDTV (upconversion won't make any difference on a non-high-def television).

Upconverting DVD players use an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) output, which keeps the video and audio signal all-digital as it travels to the TV. One of the big features of HDMI, as far as content providers are concerned, is its built-in copy protection called HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection).

Other connections, such as component, composite and S-video, are analog connections, so when used to hook into HDTVs, there's a digital-to-analog-to-digital conversion, which causes some degradation of the signal. Theoretically, an HDMI-equipped DVD player will avoid signal degradation by keeping the video stream all-digital.

Be aware that your HDTV must have an HDMI or HDCP-compatible DVI input to take advantage of upconversion. For copyright reasons, signals output via other connectors are capped at standard resolutions. If you have an older HDTV with a DVI port instead of HDMI, you can use a simple DVI-to-HDMI adapter to connect the player. Some early-generation HDTVs don't have HDMI or DVI at all.

In reviews, OPPO DVD players are consistently named as some of the best-performing upconverting DVD players. The highest-rated DVD player in reviews is the OPPO DV-981HD (*est. $230) . Although it's expensive, critics are simply wowed by the upconverted images it produces. You can count Al Griffin at Sound & Vision among the player's fans. He says that while competing high-definition disc formats continue to battle, the OPPO DV-981HD is an excellent choice for HDTV owners who "prefer to wait things out on the sidelines."

CNet.com notes that the OPPO DV-981HD matches or betters the performance of high-end DVD players costing much more. However, Matthew Moskovciak adds "if you don't have an HDMI-capable TV, there's really no reason to get the OPPO." This player is clearly designed to be paired with such TVs, since there are no component video outputs. Connectivity is otherwise pretty good, with both S-video and composite video outputs. On the audio side, there are both optical and coaxial digital outputs, and stereo and multichannel (5.1) analog outputs.

The HDMI output can also send multichannel DVD-Audio and SACD (Super Audio Compact Discs) to an HDMI-equipped audio receiver. (DVD-Audio and SACD are high-definition audio formats that music enthusiasts say offer more realistic, room-filling sound that makes listeners feel like they're in the room with the musicians.)

All critics agree that the images produced are smooth and sharp, and largely free of artifacts such as jaggies, but the OPPO DV-981 HD-DVD player does have one issue -- the processor it uses is well known for macroblocking problems, particularly with DLP TVs. Macroblocking is an artifact where transitions between shades of a color are not smooth. CNet.com says it did not see the effect in any of its tests. However, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity did spot it when paired with a DLP front projector, but not when a non-DLP TV was used.

OPPO's DV-970HD (*est. $150) is a less expensive but still impressive DVD player. One big difference between it and the DV-981HD is that the maximum HD output is 1080i. That means you'll be relying on your HDTV's deinterlacer to take the last step to 1080p (if your TV is capable of that resolution). This player includes a 4-in-1 memory card reader for playing photos from a memory card. The OPPO DV-970HD also includes SACD and DVD-Audio high-resolution audio playback. The OPPO DVD player includes an HDMI cable in the package, which in itself is remarkable. No other manufacturer includes the cable in the box -- a big inconvenience and an added $30 expense.

In reviews, the OPPO DV-970HD trails the DV-981HD, but not by that much. In tests at CNet.com -- the only professional reviewer to evaluate both DVD players -- bench testing revealed a few more shortcomings. However, the results were still very good overall. In a viewing test, Matthew Moskovciak put the DV-970HD in a head-to-head comparison with the much more expensive Denon DVD-2930CI (*est. $680) and found that even on a 50-inch screen, "it was extremely difficult to pinpoint any scene where the DVD-2930CI was demonstrably better."

Another bonus is that both OPPO models are multi-region players. The vast majority of DVD players play only region 1 (U.S.) DVDs, but the OPPO can play discs from Europe and Asia as well. By default, the player is set for region 1, so you need to change the setting in the menu to enable region-free playback. The OPPO DV-970HD also has a USB port, so you can play video that's been downloaded to a USB hard drive or flash drive. Owners commenting to Amazon.com say that both OPPO players are great, and they get higher cumulative scores than the vast majority of DVD players. A few owners -- as well as some professional reviewers -- say the DV-970HD feels flimsy and looks "cheap" in some respects.

Both OPPO DVD players are more expensive compared to the competition. Among lower-priced upconverting DVD players, we saw the most professional and user praise for the Philips DVP5960/37 (*est. $65) . This upconverting DVD player can upconvert to 480p, 720p and 1080i (but not to 1080p), and can play discs encoded with DivX video. The Philips DVP5960/37 also gets relatively high scores at CNet.com, but editors note what they call a "shift bug" -- a small black bar that appears at the top or bottom of the screen on widescreen movies. The bar is only a few pixels high, so it doesn't bother everyone. Testing at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity reveal the Philips DVP5960/37 DVD player to be a competent performer overall.

One nice feature is this model's USB port, which makes it possible to connect a USB hard drive or flash drive and play video from that device. Owners say it doesn't work with every USB drive, but most flash drives and hard-disc drives work just fine.

One issue with the Philips DVP5960/37, according to several owners, is that if you are connected with HDMI, the player won't pass 5.1 surround sound via its digital audio outputs-- a definite problem if you have a surround-sound system that relies on that connection. It's not an issue if your A/V receiver has an HDMI input and can process sound delivered via that connection. Either way, for many owners the convenience of the USB port outweighs that shortcoming.

Last time around, we noted that the Sony DVP-NS75H received generally positive reviews from professionals and users. One issue was that resolution topped out at 1080i. Now, Sony has refreshed that model as the 1080p-capable Sony DVP-NS77H (*est. $100) . The only other significant change is the inclusion of a revised drive system that's supposed to minimize disc-reading errors. The DVP-NS77H is too new to have received much user feedback, but early owner reviews are good.

The Samsung DVD-1080P7 (*est. $95) is another choice among 1080p-capable upconverting DVD players. The DVD-1080P7 has yet to undergo much professional scrutiny, but has a goodly amount of user feedback at Amazon.com and especially at CircuitCity.com, where it scores pretty well. Picture quality is generally described as excellent, especially considering the price. Unlike the Philips DVP5960/37, passing digital audio simultaneously with HDMI does not appear to be an issue. We did see complaints, however, that the Samsung DVD player's remote is not very good and that the player has problems playing user-authored dual-layer DVDs.

Sony makes an interesting upconverting DVD player that might be a good choice if you have a DVD and CD collection that's gotten out of hand. The Sony DVP-CX995V (*est. $320) is a 400-disc changer. Reviews are actually mixed on the Sony DVP-CX995V jukebox DVD player. Some are fairly happy with performance (it can upconvert video to 1080i and can play SACDs) and the ability to greatly reduce clutter, but others note shortcomings. CNet.com, for example, says that the DVD player had trouble passing all of the horizontal resolution of a DVD, though they add that "most uncritical viewers will find the video quality perfectly acceptable." Users are also split; some absolutely love the changer, others are irritated by some usability issues.

As you move up in price, excellent audio also becomes a big part of the picture. Part of that is the ability to play SACD and DVD-Audio, but even some lower-priced DVD players, such as the OPPO DV-970HD, are beginning to get that ability. More notable is high-end circuitry that can do an astonishingly good job of converting digital bits into audio that's faithful to the original.

Among players that don't completely ascend into the stratosphere price-wise, we found pretty high praise for the Denon DVD-3930CI (*est. $1,110) . Unless you have an HDTV and a collection of SACD discs, however, spending this much on a non-HD-DVD player doesn’t make much sense. But for audiophiles, the Denon might be worth the price. Among the comments we saw, Audioholics.com says that the Denon is "simply such a stellar performer, it doesn't leave much left to be desired."

Important Features: DVD players

Experts say you should consider the following features when shopping for a player:

• Upconverting DVD players can fill the gap until the high-definition DVD format war is over. The new HD DVD and Blu-ray players are much improved over first-generation models, and prices have been dropping quickly. But there's no end in sight for the format war. Critics say that because of this, upconverting DVD players can be an excellent alternative. The best won't provide all of the details of a high-definition DVD, but they will rival the picture quality in many other ways.

• Upconversion allows you to get higher-definition output to your HDTV from non-HD-DVD discs. Reviews say that the amount of image improvement you'll see with an upconverting DVD player depends on your HDTV, but since upconverting DVD players aren't much more expensive than non-upconverting players, most reviews say it's a worthwhile feature -- as long as you don't expect miracles.

• Get an HDMI output. These are now standard on virtually all upconverting DVD players. HDMI is an all-digital connection that protects signal quality as it passes from deck to display. It also carries the audio signal, allowing for one-cable setup between source and destination. Most manufacturers do not bother to include the cable, however, which costs $20 or more. With most players, you can also connect to your TV with component video or S-video, but neither of those connections will carry upconverted video. If your TV has a DVI port but not HDMI, you can get an inexpensive adapter.

• For standard players, look for component video outputs. Now found on most models, these outputs break down color signals for better accuracy, but they can only be used in conjunction with TVs that have corresponding inputs.

One major complaint about DVD players concerns their ability to play damaged discs -- like those rented over and over again from Blockbuster or NetFlix. And unfortunately, reviewers don't often test DVD players on such less-than-perfect discs. Opinion sites abound with comments from angry owners who experience such problems, but there's no ready solution. Reviewers agree that the problem has gotten much better, but chances are you'll occasionally encounter a disc your player will reject. Sony is offering a new drive transport that they claim will help, but there's not enough information available yet to see if that claim is accurate.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
5	OPPO DV-981HD (*est. $230)	details
4	Philips DVP5960/37 (*est. $65)	details
3	OPPO DV-970HD (*est. $150)	details
2	Philips DVP3140/37 (*est. $40)	details
1 each	Denon DVD-1930CI , Denon DVD-3930CI , Denon DVD-2930CI , Denon DVD-557, JVC XV-N650B , LG DN788 , Helios H4000 , Onkyo DVSP404 , Pioneer DV-400V , Samsung DVD1080P7 , Sony DVP-CX995V , Sony DVP-NS9100ES , Toshiba SD-5000 , Yamaha DVD-S659BL, Zenith DVB712

Although we found few reviews for the latest standard DVD players, the Philips DVP3140/37 seems to stand out in reviews as a great low-cost pick. Among upconverting DVD players, the OPPO DV-970HD and OPPO DV-981HD have received excellent reviews, and most experts say they perform comparably with higher-end DVD players. OPPO is also unusual in that an HDMI cable is included in the box. The Philips DVP5960/37 is an inexpensive upconverting DVD player that might not satisfy videophiles, but provides pretty solid image quality for nonpicky viewers.

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