Introduced in 1997, DVD is the ultimate format to watch movies with. Nothing comes close to the high quality video and sound that DVD offers (with the exception of HDTV and the issue prone HD-DVD and Blu-Ray formats). DVDs are capable of storing up to 38 times more data than a CD, and it's this immense data storage that allows DVD to deliver high quality audio and video.

High-definition DVD formats have their issues making them the less than ideal solution for movies. Until the format wars play out, the HD versions are for hobbyists and aficianados of home theater. See the February 2006 Spotlight for more info.

Filmlike Video
Watching a DVD movie on a properly calibrated TV is blissfully sweet. The picture quality rivals that of most movie theaters. In fact, when you go to the movies, you'll notice grain on the film that's not present on DVDs. Also, colors are more vibrant and richer compared to the big screen. After being exposed to the DVD format you'll have little reason to bother going to movie theaters.

Digital Audio
DVD supports both Dolby Digital and DTS digital 5.1 channel surround sound formats. All DVD players sold today support both Dolby Digital and DTS so you shouldn't need to worry about this feature. In the past, DTS DVDs were more expensive than their Dolby Digital DVD counterparts, but now if a disc is available in DTS it it simply integrated into the DVD.

What To Look For
The nice thing about DVD players is that the difference in audio and video quality between similarly priced units is very small. When you step up the price you will usually get better sound, video, and a few more outputs. As with everything, you pay for what you get. You can virtually buy almost any name brand out there without being disappointed when you get it home. You'll want to use the DVD player's build quality, remote, outputs, and features to guide your buying decision.

Build Quality
Build quality defines the look and feel of the overall unit. Avoid flimsy and cheap feeling DVD players. Test out the DVD tray and make sure it feels solid as well. Making sure components have a solid build quality usually ensures a longer life-span. Chances are if it feels like it's going to break... it usually will.

Remote
Look for a remote that is easy to use and has all the features you want or need. The remote should have different sized buttons so you can "find by feel" in dimly lit rooms. Backlit or glow-in-the-dark remote buttons are always a big plus.

Outputs
All DVD players will offer at least one (1) S-Video, RCA Composite video, analog left and right channel, and digital audio output. More advanced players will offer both types of digital audio connections (Optical and Coaxial), Component video connections and HDMI connectivity for player that offer upconversion to an HD signal.

Go to Connections for a guide on the different types of connections.

Progressive-Scan
If you have an HDTV, you have the capability to get the best performance from the DVD format. A progressive-scan DVD player sends the full quasi high-definition signal of a DVD to your HDTV for an absolutely stunning picture. You get a totally clean, smooth and filmlike image with no visible lines of resolution. The picture quality approaches that of HDTV broadcasts and is truly amazing.

Quality progressive-scan players are available at the same price as standard DVD players, so if you own an HDTV you owe it to yourself to purchase one. An added bonus is that many of the progressive scan DVD players offer enhanced audio capabilities such as HDCD, SACD, and DVD-Audio.

The main spec to look for in a progressive scan player is "3:2 pulldown". The allows the DVD player to compensate for the different frame rates of film and video. Without 3:2 pulldown a progressive-scan DVD player displays a terrible picture that suffers from image defects which makes the image worse than non-progressive players. Do not buy a progressive scan DVD player without 3:2 pulldown.

Upconversion Players
If you have a newer TV with an HDMI connection then an upconversion DVD player may be of value to you. These players not only offer a source that's progressive-scan, but they also upconvert the signal to a high-definition format. You won't get more detail than what is already there, but you can get a better picture. Plus, since the upconverting DVD player connect with an HDMI cable, the signal path is purely digital resulting in a cleaner picture.

Upconversion DVD players cost a little more than good progressive-scan DVD players, but nothing that will break the bank.

HDCD, SACD and DVD Audio
These new audio formats offer superior audio by providing more depth, clarity, and accuracy than possible with standard audio recordings. Expect to hear more nuances, subtle details and better dynamics.

HDCD is a 2-channel stereo format that offers more compatibility and can be easily added to any system. The bad part is that HDCD only offers an incremental increase in sound quality.

SACD and DVD-Audio require your receiver to have a 6-channel direct line input for multi-channel audio, but both formats offer a 2-channel (stereo) option as well.

SACD offers 2-channel (stereo) high-definition audio on some discs while DVD-Audio discs almost always have a high resolution 2-channel version included. With SACD and DVD-Audio the difference in sound quality is amazing. Simply put, SACD and DVD-Audio are high-definition audio!

If your an audiophile type person, getting one of these formats is definitely something to think about. If you're not, simply ignore these features when purchasing a DVD player.

The only downside of both SACD and DVD-Audio is that not many discs are available, and not many stores sell them. There are currently more online stores than brick and mortar stores selling SACD and DVD-Audio.

Recordable DVD Players
DVD-R decks can come in handy for those that need a cut and dry direct transfer of VHS tapes and TV shows. For recording TV, a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) such as TIVO would be a better option. For those looking to make good home movies with a mini-DV camcorder, a DVD-R deck is extremely limiting, offers very limited editing options, and zero color-correction and effects options.

For those who need simple recording options a DVD-R deck may be for you. If you have a mini-DV camcorder you can get much more from your movies via the video editing capabilities of a computer with video editing software and a DVD burner. With a computer, you get video editing, color correction, audio manipulation, DVD menu creation, and much more. DVD-R on a computer simply offers much more capabilities, options, and quality than a DVD-R home theater decks.

High-Definition DVD (HD-DVD and Blu-Ray)
The best mastered DVDs can look very HD-like, but high-def DVD formats have been released and the format war has begun. As it stands when compared to the image quality of a movie theater the current DVD format almost matches perfectly, but that's only with the best mastered DVDs. The good news is that most DVD masterers have gotten very good at the mastering process, so there are a lot of movies on DVD of this caliber.

High-def DVD is a hard sell when consumers compare a well mastered DVD to an HD version of the movie. Sure the clarity is better with HD, but not to the extent that DVD was over the VHS format.

The way any high-def DVD format will reach the mainstream consumer is through integration with the standard line of DVD players. Consumers will eventually just buy any DVD player that will have the option to play both standard DVD and high-def formats, and can then choose whether or not to buy the HD-DVD movies.

For an in depth review about the HD-DVD format read the July 2003 Spot Light: HD-DVD Format Wars or the February 2006 Spot Light: High-Definition DVD Formats Not Consumer Friendly.

Price of the Player
Don't expect a $30 DVD player to play like a $100-$300 DVD player. The cheapest DVD players do suffer from major video quality issues that those interested in video quality will see. While a $30 DVD player may be a good buy for a kid's room, and someone who doesn't care, these things shouldn't be considered for home theater purposes.

Look to spend around $80-$400 on a DVD player depending on the options you want. Those looking for superb CD audio playback will most likely be in the higher-end of the pricing spectrum as the build qualities that create great analog sound still cost money.

DVD Player Quick Take

Pros:
1. The best video and audio format available for movies
2. Almost all movies available in widescreen format
3. Can take the place of both VCR and CD player for pre-formatted software
4. Audio quality better than that of most equally priced CD players
5. Almost every movie is available on DVD

Cons:
1. DVD-R is better executed on a computer and DVRs are better for recording TV shows.

Advice:
A DVD player is the core of a home theater and just as important as the TV. The DVD format has single-handedly changed the home theater industry with its high-quality and affordable price. Now anyone can gain access to theater quality movie playback. While DVD players have come down dramatically in price, more expensive units offer better video and better audio playback capabilities.

Recommended Brands (listed alphabetically)

• OOPO
• Panasonic
• Pioneer
• Toshiba
• Samsung