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DVD Players - Introduction

As with video recorders in the 1980s, the DVD player has become an essential part of the modern home entertainment system. Crisp, clean pictures and expansive surround sound options have made DVD the format of choice for the home viewer.

There are many models of DVD player on the market today, with different specifications and features. This means that whatever your needs, there is a model to suit you.

What is a DVD Player?

A DVD player is a device that reads Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) and reproduces the data in the form of an audio visual presentation on your TV screen. The DVD player brings you high quality visual and audio reproduction without the degradation problems that you face with a VHS tape.

A DVD disc can play two channel CD quality sounds or even compressed 6-channel surround sound for formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS. The device can also play CD-Rs, CD-RWs, MP3s and Video CDs, making it a versatile component of your home entertainment system.

Advantages of a DVD Player

Digital televisions can unlock a greater range of features on your DVD Player. Widescreen digital televisions allow you to play films in the 16:9 aspect ratio as opposed to the traditional 4:3. The progressive scan feature on many DVD players gives great picture quality by increasing the picture sharpness.

The concept of ‘extras’ on a home movie release can be directly attributed to the emergence of the DVD format. Before the arrival of DVD, a VHS cassette would only show the actual film itself, whereas now a DVD will also include interviews, commentary, galleries and trailers in addition to the main feature. DVD players have controls built in to allow you to navigate through these options.

Disadvantages of a DVD Player

The main drawback with a standard DVD player is the fact that you cannot record with it. If the ability to record is a feature that you need, take a look at our page on DVD Recorders.

Further Information

You can also find some hints and tips on what to look for when choosing a DVD player on our How to Choose section.

If you want to buy a DVD player, you can find out more about some of the top online suppliers, including details of their delivery times and postage and packaging costs, in our Where to Buy section.

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

You can find out more about specific manufacturers and brands of DVD player in our Brands and Top Models sections.