How to Compare DVD Players

Confusion--that's the key word to remember when buying a DVD player for your home theater system. With all of the new technologies available, most of us need a tour guide to lead us through all of the techno-babble that confronts us as we try to make an informed decision.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Compile a list of the features you want. Nothing is worse than coming home with a "great deal" that can't deliver the features you're looking for. Make sure the audio and video specs fit the higher-end capabilities of the system you're using it with.

2. Check the specs of your TV or monitor. If it's a high-definition set that can handle 1080p resolution, you may not be happy with a standard DVD player and want to aim a bit higher.

3. Check the inputs of your TV, monitor and receiver. You don't need a DVD player with an HDMI output if there aren't any HDMI inputs on the units you're connecting it to. The same goes for composite and component audio and video cables.

4. Check the Internet for professional and user reviews of DVD players. A good source for these reviews is listed below.

5. Check the region code for the DVD player. A few models can play DVDs licensed for any region, but there are others that can only play DVDs licensed in specific regions of the world.

Resources

• Compare reviews of DVD products to help you make the right choice.