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HDMI High Definition Compatible DVD Player

How to Choose and Buy an HDMI DVD Player

Here are some hints and tips on buying an HDMI compatible DVD player: HDMI = High Definition Multimedia Interface.

HDMI Connector

The HDMI compatible DVD player is designed to take advantage of High Definition TV and the superb quality picture that it delivers. To take advantage of this new technology, the DVD player will have to be coupled with an HD ready TV equipped with an HDMI plug.

The High Definition Multimedia Interface combines high definition video with multi channel audio and command data in one connection. This dramatically reduces the amount of cabling required for a home cinema system. There are also significant advantages over analogue connections by using the HDMI connector. This includes transmitting uncompressed audio digital video and audio, and the fact that satellite broadcasters and Hollywood studios are beginning to embrace the technology.

Widescreen Options

Many DVDs are ‘widescreen enhanced’, meaning that the picture is compacted into a horizontally narrow frame, making the picture appear taller and thinner. This is remedied by using a widescreen TV which displays the picture so it fills the screen. However, most people still have a ‘square’ TV in the 4:3 aspect ratios. The DVD player is then used to ‘unpack’ the picture and present the picture in a letterbox format.

If you are thinking about buying an HDMI DVD player optimised for High Definition Widescreen TV, it’s wise to buy a compatible TV as well, as the new features that you get from an HDMI DVD player will be wasted when using a non-compatible TV.

Ease of Use

When looking to buy an HDMI compatible DVD player, ease of use is a major consideration and you should ask the following questions:

• Is the player easy to use?
• Is the front panel clearly labelled and easy to understand?
• Are the set-up and on screen configuration easy to understand?
• Can the DVD player successfully navigate on-disc menus and features?
• Is the instruction manual written in plain English with any jargon clearly explained?

Regions

Originally, in order to protect differences in price, release dates and information, regional codes were placed on DVDs and DVD players. This meant that certain DVDs could only be played in certain countries, with Europe and the UK selling region 2 players that were compatible only with region 2 discs, for example. However, multi-region DVD players are now available that can play discs from all regions. This means that when looking for the cheapest DVDs you can look at retailers outside the UK and if you are a world cinema fan, this type of DVD player may be well worth investigating.

DVD Disc Types

As well as different formats of HDMI DVD player, there are also different formats of disc. The most common types are DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM. It’s worth checking out that any DVD Player that you’re considering is compatible with the types of disc you are most likely to use.

Guarantee

Most HDMI compatible DVD players come with a manufacturer’s guarantee. Check to see that you are happy with the length of the guarantee. If you aren’t, make sure that you can extend it before you buy the product.

Further Information

You can find out about some of the most popular brands and models of HDMI compatible DVD player on the market in our Brands and Top Models sections.

For details of some of the top online suppliers, including details of their delivery times and postage and packaging costs, visit our Where to Buy section.

You can learn more about other types of DVD player available in our Types section.

To find out about some of the different accessories that you can buy to go with your new DVD player, visit our Accessories section.