- The DVD player first emerged in 1997 after being in development for five years. The DVD format was the first to use digital video encoding, which allowed for multi-format, multi-layer and superdensity discs. DVD players were soon developed that were able to read the specialty disc. DVD players use a standard lens that reads the code and displays the corresponding images on a screen. DVD players currently come in a variety of different models, despite having like components.
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There are several types of DVD players, including standard DVD players, recordable DVD players and upscaling DVD players
Standard DVD players generally consist of a standard DVD reading lens, and can include several extra functions including various playback speed settings, freeze frame and extra video inputs.
Recordable DVD players have a separate CD-writable laser that allows the user to record home movies or television. Recordable DVD players frequently come bundled with VHS players so users can transfer old VHS tapes to DVD.
Upscaling DVD players are the most recent model, and take standard-definition DVDs and reformat the video code for high-definition TVs. Although these players cannot compete with current Blu-Ray pictures, the format reduces shuttering from standard-to-HD transfers, and can upscale up to 720p resolution. - DVD players were the second personal video players to come on the market after VHS players, and they began the digital video revolution that was the basis for current digital video technology. DVD players also created the baseline standard for layered media, which is the basis for the Blu-Ray media.
- There were several new features that DVD players introduced in the late '90s, including digital video, menu-based media navigation, and disc-based video. Many of these features were revolutionary, and it took a full seven years for the VHS format to finally stop production after DVDs were introduced.
- Although DVD players may seem like new media, many believe they will be completely phased out by 2012. Because standard DVD players are not optimized for HD television sets, many are pushing for the new Blu-Ray standard. Although Blu-Ray discs only represent a small percentage of the current market, price drops and increasing HD-TV sales have been making a very significant impact on regular DVD player sales.
