How to Buy an HDTV DVD Player

The marriage of the widescreen LCD television and an HDTV DVD player is an unbeatable combination for home entertainment. You can turn your family room into a multimedia theater with the bright, clear images of your favorite movie or sports event. If you prefer, you can buy a set-top HDTV DVD player for your existing high-definition television.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look for an HDTV DVD player combination that is EPA Energy Star compliant. These devices can be costly to run, and this certification means that it meets the standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for energy efficiency.
2. Check for features such as 1440 x 900 resolution that supports 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i output. Depending on the DVD player and the HDTV, you may have to play with the options to find the best one for your setup. The basic rule, though, is that the higher the output, the better the picture.
3. Explore the option of a built-in DVD player that supports a variety of functions including CD, CD-R, DVD-R, CD-RW, DVD-RW, MP3 and Video CD. Choose a DVD player that features AVI and DivX capabilities to play burned DVDs as well.
4. Choose an HDTV DVD player that has a digital comb filter to eliminate detail noise. It should also reduce the dot crawl and color bleed to produce high-quality pictures and sound.
5. Expand your options when you buy an HDTV DVD player combination that offers PC input. Your television can become a computer monitor which makes the choices of viewing virtually unlimited.
6. Buy a large widescreen LCD panel that has at least a 16:0 aspect ratio with a minimum 1366 x 768 resolution. Use the DVD player to display your digital photos in life-size proportions when you choose a 37-inch widescreen television or larger.
7. Select a widescreen HDTV that offers clear viewing from a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees. A contrast ratio of 1,000:1 gives incredible depth to make images clearly defined.
8. Purchase a DVD player with hi-def conversion capabilities to take your standard DVD movies to the level of HDTV format. This hi-def conversion enhances the regular resolution to unbelievable clarity. Many brands are available that offer Dolby Digital sound, HDMI (high definition multimedia interface), choice of regular or widescreen viewing, a digital photo viewer and a unit to play MP3 files.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop online for the ease of comparing features and prices before you buy an HDTV DVD player.
• Broaden your viewing pleasure by getting a combination HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc player.

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