DVD Players and their successor, the Blu-ray player, are an integral part of a home entertainment system. The devices enable you to play movies, either on a disc or streamed directly from the Internet. When you are shopping for a DVD or Blu-ray player, you should base your final decision on price, features and brand.
Blu-ray players run at 1080p which is the highest definition of HD. Prices start at around $100. Thousands of movies are available in the Blu-ray disc format, and more are continually being added. Most models hold just one disc at a time for playback. However, some multi-disc models are available. Blu-ray players with 3D capability are the newest iteration of the device.
Standard DVD players are a good choice if you have a standard (non-HD) TV. It is not the best choice for HDTV owners, however. Prices range from $25 to $75.
Portable DVD players are similar to standard ones, except that their smaller size makes them ideal for watching movies on the go. Some portables can be mounted for use in a car — great for keeping the kids occupied on long drives.
DVRs, or digital video recorders, allow you to record TV shows directly onto the DVR device, which contains a hard drive. Most models can hold at least 100 hours or programming.
Among the features to look for when shopping for a DVD or Blu-ray player are surround sound, internet connectivity, 3D capability and picture control.
Some DVD & Blu-ray players have USB ports, this will enable you to connect your laptop to your TV screen to view photos, video files and presentations.
If you are looking for a standard DVD player, some brands to consider are: Audiovox, JVC, Panasonic and Phillips. Manufacturers including LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba make Blu-ray players.