DVD Player Guide
DVD players run DVDs or Digital Video/Versatile Discs that offer better video quality than VHS tapes and almost 20 times larger memory as compared to Compact Discs or CDs. DVD players can have other attractive features like karaoke, multiple language tracks, split screens, alternate endings, and multiple aspect ratios (movies can be screened in their original big-screen versions).
DVD players in the UK come in three price ranges beginning from £100. DVD players that come in the first range of about £100 give you relatively limited sound options but the picture quality will be a lot better than VCR. Other options include basic and gee-whiz type features, scanning and zooming. The next range starts at around £150. DVD players in this range come with a more sophisticated video technology. This would eliminate all imperfections; provide you a clearer picture, a greater control over the image, and other facilities like surround sound and digital sound capabilities. The best players come at a price of £200 to £1000. These give the best technology has to offer with features like high-definition, THX sound and gold-plated outputs.
A DVD player must be compatible with your television set. Although most of them come with Composite Video (with a yellow jack) and S-connections, try to find one that also tenders component video outputs. This is important if you have a higher-end TV.
DVD players process sound into six different paths, thus giving you a better sound effect. Both DTS and Dolby Digital are 5.1 channel systems, although DTS provides a better sound. The ‘.1’ stands for subwoofer that produces a theatre like sound effect.
The next thing to check is ‘decoders’. These allow you to decode DVD's digital-audio tracks by connecting the DVD player to an audio-video receiver. The best players have both optical (fiber-optic) and coaxial (75-ohm) digital outputs that help you get maximum options for enjoying music and movies.
Check out other features like ‘soft’, ‘sharp’ or ‘cinema’ outputs; focus and zoom; disc stabilisation; horizontal and vertical sharpness; and black and gamma levels. Always go for well-known brands like Sony, Panasonic, Phillips, Toshiba, and Pioneer. They offer a warranty and honour it if something goes wrong with your DVD player.
Tip: DVD players are available in many price ranges with different qualities of visuals, sound effects, decoders, and other features.
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