What to look for in a new dvd player?

[stjustorm83]

I want to get a DVD player but don't know how to distinguish the good ones from the bad ones. What should I look for in one? what's a good brand? I don't need anything real special. I know i don't need a cd changer. Im not that lazy. is the quality of the dvd's played, the same for a $70 player compared to a $300 player? also do any dvd players play divx movies? I have the impression that the gap in prices is because of all the extra features on a dvd player. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[irwin]

Divx went out of business, buddy.

[BrewMaster]

Originally posted by passwird
Divx went out of business, buddy.

he might be referring to the ripped movie format. for some stupid reason they gave it the same name (Divx) as the old DVD format (DIVX). now Divx, as far as I know, refers to DVDs that have been ripped. those files are Divx files and you can swap movies in this format just like MP3s. Just my thoughts, because hey, no one actually used that dial-up-to-buy movies thing that he original DIVX had.

[SpeedEng]

get a ps2 or xbox you will get a dvd player and a cool game system at the same time. Grab them at virgin.com with your amex blue and get 30%off

[smeakim]

Well from all the research you will want component output into your TV or Reviever. Also it should be progressive scan. The best performance for price is either the Panasonic DVD RP56 or the Panasoinc DVD RP91. They are more than $70 bucks but for about $225 they are the best. IMO

[spigidygak]

No way, although those are good. Its a proven *near* fact that the Toshiba is the best. Look into the SD1700 or SD2600. Ironic they use the letters "SD" though. . . I just have a demented mind though .

[pennypinch]

Yep. Like your average CD player (and it sounds like you aren't a real hard core audio/videophile), the average DVD player is going to suit you just fine. Like those note above, if you want a DVD player you can grow into, the following are useful:

-Component out (but make sure you have a TV that can handle component video! You're looking for 3 plugs for video, coloured aqua, lime, and red).

-Progressive scan: as I understand it, the output from progressive scans fill every line in a TV. "Normal" scan constantly outputs alternating lines. I do notice a difference when I go back to my parents place, in comparison to my PS2.

-Digital out audio: if you want to send it to a digital capable TV or receiver.

Generally speaking, though, DVD players are a relatively idiot-proof purchasing process. Enjoy yourself, and avoid the really stupid features (like, on my 'rents' machine: who in the hell needs to zoom in on a particular part of the picture?!?!).

[LPMiller]

Originally posted by smeakim
Well from all the research you will want component output into your TV or Reviever. Also it should be progressive scan. The best performance for price is either the Panasonic DVD RP56 or the Panasoinc DVD RP91. They are more than $70 bucks but for about $225 they are the best. IMO

no point in buying a progressive scan player unless your TV is progressive scan/HDTV.

[smeakim]

The deal with those two DVD Players are that the RP56 has the Faroudja chip set which eliminates the Chroma Bug. Most of the time to have the Faroudja chip set would require a DVD Player much much more expensive then the RP56. Go here for a Test and comparision of the different DVD Players.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volu...t-2-8-2001.html