Whether you are buying your first DVD Player or replacing an old one it’s important to know what’s available on the market at the moment. It’s also useful to know what some of the terminology means – many of us think terms like HD and Progressive Scan sound impressive but don’t actually know what it does!
The fact is these days there is so much more to DVD Players than just watching movies. The newer models offer high quality audio and video connections providing crisp clear images and impressive surround sound. As well as playing recordable and rewritable CD’s they can handle your MP3 mix discs, some can also play WMA (Windows Media Audio) files. Some Players have SACD (Super Audio CD’s) or DVD audio decoding for high resolution multichannel music.
Obviously the perfect DVD Player for you is the one that best meets your needs – it should have the features that matter most to you. For instance, if you still have (and watch!) a lot of VHS tapes then a DVD/VCR Combo Player is a good choice. These are extremely affordable and provide the familiarity of a VCR Player with the enhanced music and movie quality of DVD. You can use it to record your favourite TV shows on VHS, watch movies on DVD and listen to your audio CD’s. If you want to archive your VHS tapes consider a DVD Recorder which offer convenient tape-free recording with the functionality of a DVD Player. You can also back up home movies onto DVD. There are a variety of writeable and rewriteable formats available to enable you to use the right disc for the right job.
If you travel a lot a Portable DVD Player could be the answer. These are compact and lightweight and some also offer dual headphone jacks enabling more than one person to listen at the same time. Many of these portable players are car-friendly – as well as having rechargeable batteries some also come with features like cigarette lighter power adapters and car mounting kits.
If you have a High Definition TV HD DVD is a high definition disc format designed to maximise your viewing experience when using HDTV. Another option is a DVD Player with Video Upconversion which will convert DVD video to a resolution that more closely matches that of your High Definition Television. The signal remains digital as it travels through the connections to your television for the cleanest possible transfer.
If your TV is Enhanced Definition (EDTV), High Definition or HDTV-ready a Progressive Scan DVD Player is an option. In fact, even if your existing TV is not progressive capable your next one almost certainly will be which means you would get a great picture now and an even better one when you upgrade your television. So what is Progressive Scan? Progressive Scan displays the entire frame in one sweep (unlike Interlaced Scan which splits each video frame into two fields) and since the whole picture is displayed together it has less flickering and clearer details. To view the progressive scan signals you need a progressive capable TV so if you don’t have one at the moment choose a DVD Player that allows you to select either 480i interlaced scan for use with a conventional TV or 480p progressive-scan output for compatible TV’s.
A big part of choosing the right player is ensuring it has all the necessary connections to perform with your other audio visual equipment. Nearly all current DVD Players have at least three video jacks – composite, S-video and component. Component inputs are typically only found on mid-priced to high end TV’s made in the last few years. The component connection provides the best picture quality. If your TV only has an antenna style RF input you will need to install an RF modulator between the TV and DVD Player. Also a DVD/VCR Combo might be worth considering as some can pass DVD signals through their RF output.
Current players have a digital audio output – coaxial, optical or both. This enables them to send Dolby Digital or DTS signals to your receiver for multichannel surround sound. All DVD Players include standard stereo audio jacks for connecting to stereo receivers and stereo TV’s. Some players also have built in decoding with 5.1 channel analog outputs to connect directly to 5.1 ready receivers. These models usually also play multichannel DVD Audio or SACD discs. Some high end players have IEEE1394 jacks (known as FireWire or i.LINK); these single cord connections carry 5.1 channel music to a compatible receiver.
By: Lorraine Simpson
Saturday, December 27, 2008
An Introduction To Portable DVD Players
Portable DVD Players
Undoubtedly, DVD players are one of the most popular electronic gadgets. PDAs, plasma televisions, laptops, personal computers and cell phones are some of the other popular electronic gadgets. With the DVD players you can enjoy watching movie without conceding home comfort.
Viewing a popular entertaining movie during journey relieves you of the boredom. Portable DVD player offers you an opportunity to view your favorite movie even during plane, bus or cruise ship journey. A headphone is the common feature of portable DVD players. This helps you avoiding distractions caused by the chatters of co-passengers.
You must check for the following whenever you are buying a portable DVD player.
• Select the portable DVD player with your desired screen size
• Consider the weight and dimensions of portable DVD player
• Confirm about the disc formats (CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-R etc) supported by portable DVD player you intend to buy.
• Check for the output offered by the DVD player based on requirement (either for audio or video)
• Check that portable DVD player has built-in screen. Many portable DVD players come with this feature. Larger screen are considered as best option.
• Portable DVD players with virtual surround sound offers you clear sound and enhance the enjoyment of viewing movie.
Usually, LCD screen with 16:9 wide screen ratio active matrix is used in most of the portable DVD players.
Portable DVD Player Reviews: Many reviewers agree that picture quality, screen size, quality of batteries (life, size and connectivity) used in the portable DVD player, sound quality are the main features of portable DVD players. You will find number of portable DVD player reviews on web sites. Not necessarily all the reviews will be in agreement with the consumers as a particular portable DVD player review may be posted on the site with an aim of product promotion.
Dual Screen Portable DVD Player: As indicated from the nomenclature, these dual screen DVD players have two separate LCD screen. This type of DVD players is manufactured primarily for use of car travelers. Both screens are connected to the common DVDE playback unit via video/audio cables. Usually, screens are mounted on the back side of front seat. These dual screen portable DVD players have two sets of wireless headphones. If the batteries of DVD player exhaust, you can power it with the help of cars electric port. Two screens can be used independently as per your requirement. For example, you can enjoy the viewing of movie on one screen and your kids can play video games on other.
Dual screen portable DVD players are more popular amongst kids and teenagers. The reason behind this popularity is that children can play video games or view movie during journey and they can take it to outdoor weekends.
Best portable DVD Players: Portable DVD players with following features are regarded as best portable DVD players.
• Built-in stereo speaker system with cordless headphones for optional quiet and personal listening
• DVD players that provide movie viewing option in progressive scan on LCD through s-video or AV output connection. Some portable DVD players have feature of Dolby Digital sound decoding system with digital coaxial audio output connection
• Portable DVD players that have anti-skip protection to ensure the optimum viewing quality
• Portable DVD players with weatherproof bags. These weatherproof bags protect the DVD player from damaging effects caused by dust, moisture and water.
Portable car DVD players: Dual screen portable DVD players are considered most suitable for travelers who undertake frequent car journeys with their families. In fact, apart from necessity, it has become a symbol of status. To attract more customers, some car manufacturers offer built-in portable DVD players in their new models. Portable car DVD players are nice way to lessen your boredom during journey. You can spend some pleasant time while viewing your favorite movie and children can enjoy their video games (if you have dual screen portable car DVD player. Some of the DVD players are quipped with digital picture zoom interactive feature. 3D virtual surround, Slow motion (1/8, 1/4 1/2) and parental locks are the common features of most of portable DVD players.
By: Samantha Clark
Undoubtedly, DVD players are one of the most popular electronic gadgets. PDAs, plasma televisions, laptops, personal computers and cell phones are some of the other popular electronic gadgets. With the DVD players you can enjoy watching movie without conceding home comfort.
Viewing a popular entertaining movie during journey relieves you of the boredom. Portable DVD player offers you an opportunity to view your favorite movie even during plane, bus or cruise ship journey. A headphone is the common feature of portable DVD players. This helps you avoiding distractions caused by the chatters of co-passengers.
You must check for the following whenever you are buying a portable DVD player.
• Select the portable DVD player with your desired screen size
• Consider the weight and dimensions of portable DVD player
• Confirm about the disc formats (CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-R etc) supported by portable DVD player you intend to buy.
• Check for the output offered by the DVD player based on requirement (either for audio or video)
• Check that portable DVD player has built-in screen. Many portable DVD players come with this feature. Larger screen are considered as best option.
• Portable DVD players with virtual surround sound offers you clear sound and enhance the enjoyment of viewing movie.
Usually, LCD screen with 16:9 wide screen ratio active matrix is used in most of the portable DVD players.
Portable DVD Player Reviews: Many reviewers agree that picture quality, screen size, quality of batteries (life, size and connectivity) used in the portable DVD player, sound quality are the main features of portable DVD players. You will find number of portable DVD player reviews on web sites. Not necessarily all the reviews will be in agreement with the consumers as a particular portable DVD player review may be posted on the site with an aim of product promotion.
Dual Screen Portable DVD Player: As indicated from the nomenclature, these dual screen DVD players have two separate LCD screen. This type of DVD players is manufactured primarily for use of car travelers. Both screens are connected to the common DVDE playback unit via video/audio cables. Usually, screens are mounted on the back side of front seat. These dual screen portable DVD players have two sets of wireless headphones. If the batteries of DVD player exhaust, you can power it with the help of cars electric port. Two screens can be used independently as per your requirement. For example, you can enjoy the viewing of movie on one screen and your kids can play video games on other.
Dual screen portable DVD players are more popular amongst kids and teenagers. The reason behind this popularity is that children can play video games or view movie during journey and they can take it to outdoor weekends.
Best portable DVD Players: Portable DVD players with following features are regarded as best portable DVD players.
• Built-in stereo speaker system with cordless headphones for optional quiet and personal listening
• DVD players that provide movie viewing option in progressive scan on LCD through s-video or AV output connection. Some portable DVD players have feature of Dolby Digital sound decoding system with digital coaxial audio output connection
• Portable DVD players that have anti-skip protection to ensure the optimum viewing quality
• Portable DVD players with weatherproof bags. These weatherproof bags protect the DVD player from damaging effects caused by dust, moisture and water.
Portable car DVD players: Dual screen portable DVD players are considered most suitable for travelers who undertake frequent car journeys with their families. In fact, apart from necessity, it has become a symbol of status. To attract more customers, some car manufacturers offer built-in portable DVD players in their new models. Portable car DVD players are nice way to lessen your boredom during journey. You can spend some pleasant time while viewing your favorite movie and children can enjoy their video games (if you have dual screen portable car DVD player. Some of the DVD players are quipped with digital picture zoom interactive feature. 3D virtual surround, Slow motion (1/8, 1/4 1/2) and parental locks are the common features of most of portable DVD players.
By: Samantha Clark
DVD Recorder Buying Guide
With a DVD Recorder, you can have the recording features of a VCR except in a much more crisp, clear picture. Not only can you record your favorite TV shows straight to a DVD, you can also watch movies just like any other stand alone DVD Player.
There are a lot of things you may need to consider before buying the DVD recorder that’s right for you. Below you will find a list of things our product specialists recommend our customers to look for before making a purchasing decision.
Disc Compatibility: You should consider the types of discs the DVD Recorder is compatible with. Try to find a recorder that is compatible with a wide range of formats, including the DVD-R/RW format (which is compatible with most DVD players and computers).
Built-In VCR: If you have a large collection of VHS tapes and want to convert them to DVD, or simply want an all-in-one media player, consider a DVD recorder that comes with a built-in VCR.
Hard Drive: If you want to record television shows and view them at a later time, a DVD Recorder with a hard drive may be for you. A recorder with a hard drive allows you to record, play, and delete files without ever having to burn them onto a DVD. And if you want to keep the files you simply burn them to a DVD for archiving. Another thing to note, a hard drive gives a recorder the ability to function as a basic DVR (Digital Video Recorder).
Editing Capabilities: See if the recorder has any editing features available to make your DVD’s a bit more enjoyable. Of course no DVD Recorder can compete with a full on video editing software on a computer, but having the basic editing options can really enhance the quality of your videos.
Electronic Program Guides: Electronic guides such as TiVo® and TV Guide On Screen® provide you with simple ways to set your recordings and can do keyword searches to help you find what you want. A DVD recorder that supports these kinds of services will allow you to record your favorite movies or TV shows whether or not you are home.
IR Blaster: IR Blaster is a feature that comes on some DVD Recorders, which use the same type of signal as your remote to automatically change the channel on your cable box to the appropriate channel when a show or movie needs to be recorded. This way you can record your shows when you are gone even if your TV is set to another channel.
Available Inputs: You may want to connect a digital camera or camcorder to the DVD recorder, so check if the recorder has the appropriate inputs for the devices you want to connect.
Definitions:
IR Blaster (Infrared Blaster): An amplifier of infrared (IR) signals.
VHS (Video Home System): Widely used method of recording audio and video electrical signals onto magnetic tape for use with VCRs.
VCR (Video Cassette Recorder): A magnetic recording and playback machine. Generally used for recording and viewing full-motion video, but useful (when adapted) as a data backup device.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder): A video recording device that uses a hard disk drive or optical disk drive, instead of a VCR tape, to record programs.
By: David Rahimi
There are a lot of things you may need to consider before buying the DVD recorder that’s right for you. Below you will find a list of things our product specialists recommend our customers to look for before making a purchasing decision.
Disc Compatibility: You should consider the types of discs the DVD Recorder is compatible with. Try to find a recorder that is compatible with a wide range of formats, including the DVD-R/RW format (which is compatible with most DVD players and computers).
Built-In VCR: If you have a large collection of VHS tapes and want to convert them to DVD, or simply want an all-in-one media player, consider a DVD recorder that comes with a built-in VCR.
Hard Drive: If you want to record television shows and view them at a later time, a DVD Recorder with a hard drive may be for you. A recorder with a hard drive allows you to record, play, and delete files without ever having to burn them onto a DVD. And if you want to keep the files you simply burn them to a DVD for archiving. Another thing to note, a hard drive gives a recorder the ability to function as a basic DVR (Digital Video Recorder).
Editing Capabilities: See if the recorder has any editing features available to make your DVD’s a bit more enjoyable. Of course no DVD Recorder can compete with a full on video editing software on a computer, but having the basic editing options can really enhance the quality of your videos.
Electronic Program Guides: Electronic guides such as TiVo® and TV Guide On Screen® provide you with simple ways to set your recordings and can do keyword searches to help you find what you want. A DVD recorder that supports these kinds of services will allow you to record your favorite movies or TV shows whether or not you are home.
IR Blaster: IR Blaster is a feature that comes on some DVD Recorders, which use the same type of signal as your remote to automatically change the channel on your cable box to the appropriate channel when a show or movie needs to be recorded. This way you can record your shows when you are gone even if your TV is set to another channel.
Available Inputs: You may want to connect a digital camera or camcorder to the DVD recorder, so check if the recorder has the appropriate inputs for the devices you want to connect.
Definitions:
IR Blaster (Infrared Blaster): An amplifier of infrared (IR) signals.
VHS (Video Home System): Widely used method of recording audio and video electrical signals onto magnetic tape for use with VCRs.
VCR (Video Cassette Recorder): A magnetic recording and playback machine. Generally used for recording and viewing full-motion video, but useful (when adapted) as a data backup device.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder): A video recording device that uses a hard disk drive or optical disk drive, instead of a VCR tape, to record programs.
By: David Rahimi
Features To Look For In Portable DVD Players
If you have ever been on a long car trip with a couple of kids in the backseat, you know what a great piece of modern technology a portable DVD player is. Having a portable DVD player can pull kids attention away from each other, or worrying about how long until we get there, and get them focused on the movie, giving you some nice peace and quiet for the drive ahead. Portable DVD players can also be handy for anyone who travels on a regular basis, especially if you spend a lot of time in airport terminals or bus stations. Portable DVD players now come standard with many new vehicles on the market today.
Portable DVD players are still kind of pricey, so it is a good idea to have a budget and some well researched knowledge before going on your shopping trip. Many local department stores sell them in their electronics departments, and they can be put on layaway, which can help you purchase the portable DVD player you want without breaking your budget or robbing a bank.
Any type of large electronics purchase should be looked at as an investment, so it is important to try to get the most for your money. You should also look for a portable DVD player with a good warranty, and maybe even research the manufacturer first to see how well they stand behind their products and what kind of customer service they provide.
Many portable DVD systems now offer dual screens, which is great, especially if you plan to use it in your vehicle. These models are more expensive, but are a good investment if you have more than one child. It could prevent a lot of complaining about not being able to see the screen, which would definitely be a plus for the parent in the car.
You will also need to decide what size screen you need on your portable DVD player, depending on its’ function, and where you plan to use it at.
Another plus to portable DVD players is that many have the capability to also serve as CD/MP3 players as well, giving them a dual purpose.
There are many features available with portable DVD players, and you have to decide what will work best for your needs and fit in your budget. No doubt about it though, purchasing a portable DVD player can be a very worthwhile investment.
By: Mike O'Brian
Portable DVD players are still kind of pricey, so it is a good idea to have a budget and some well researched knowledge before going on your shopping trip. Many local department stores sell them in their electronics departments, and they can be put on layaway, which can help you purchase the portable DVD player you want without breaking your budget or robbing a bank.
Any type of large electronics purchase should be looked at as an investment, so it is important to try to get the most for your money. You should also look for a portable DVD player with a good warranty, and maybe even research the manufacturer first to see how well they stand behind their products and what kind of customer service they provide.
Many portable DVD systems now offer dual screens, which is great, especially if you plan to use it in your vehicle. These models are more expensive, but are a good investment if you have more than one child. It could prevent a lot of complaining about not being able to see the screen, which would definitely be a plus for the parent in the car.
You will also need to decide what size screen you need on your portable DVD player, depending on its’ function, and where you plan to use it at.
Another plus to portable DVD players is that many have the capability to also serve as CD/MP3 players as well, giving them a dual purpose.
There are many features available with portable DVD players, and you have to decide what will work best for your needs and fit in your budget. No doubt about it though, purchasing a portable DVD player can be a very worthwhile investment.
By: Mike O'Brian
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