How to Choose a Blu-Ray Player

With the format war between Blu-Ray and rival HD-DVD format over, the time is right to step up to high definition DVD viewing. Which Blu-Ray player is right for you? Use these tips as a guide.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. What kind of TV do you use for viewing? Truly realizing Blu-Ray's video output requires an HDTV. Also, most players require an HDMI input to maximize video playback. Check these requirements before searching for a player.

2. Are you looking to buy immediately? As Blu-Ray is a relatively new format, players are aggressively priced for niche customers. If you can afford to wait, prices will drop as more consumers purchase the format.

3. Blu-Ray players are not all created equal. Each complies with a Profile that determines its functionality. Profile 1.0 compliant players lack the secondary audio and video decoders necessary for picture-in-picture functionality. However, these players are cheaper than Profile 1.1 players, which has this added option.

4. Future players will also be Profile 2.0 compliant, which requires that the player be connected to the Internet to download additional movie content and trailers. If you're looking for this added capability, you will need a home wireless network.