2torial #0724:
Learn2 Shop for a DVD Player

I want my DVD

If you're serious about home entertainment, then you've probably been thinking about buying a DVD player. DVD, which stands for "digital versatile disc," provides quality that looks and sounds better than regular video, is smaller than a laser disc, and will probably dominate the home viewing market in the near future. What's more, the newest generation of DVD players can play your audio CDs as well.

The only problem is, if you're not a technology junkie, the features can be a bit confusing. Luckily, once you're familiar with the main ones, your choice will be a lot simpler. We'll provide you with the information you need to make the wisest decision for your needs and budget.

Don't view a DVD player as a replacement for your VCR just yet. A DVD player offers many wonderful features, but movies are still a bit hard to find, and recording programs from your television isn't yet possible.

Before you run out to purchase a DVD player, you need to assess your entertainment needs. Do you use your entertainment system for viewing your large collection of films and music videos? Or do you just use your VCR to record your favorite television show once a week?

Do you regularly notice the inferiority of the visual and audio quality of your VCR? While it's true that a DVD player will enhance your viewing experience, the most noticeable difference is the sound--and you can only notice this difference if you have a high-quality sound system hooked up to your viewing system. So if you have a television with no stereo hook-up, you might want to upgrade this equipment before making the jump to DVD.

Survey your current system

A DVD player is a high-quality piece of electronic equipment that can be optimized with a high-quality sound system and television. To get the most out of your DVD player, you'll need:

A surround sound speaker system, including two front speakers, two rear speakers, a subwoofer, and a center-channel speaker with a Dolby digital receiver, which separates the sound into several different channels for intensified sound effects.

Beyond that, check your television for S-video compatibility by looking at the back of the set for S-video cable outlets, which will be labeled and look larger than standard composite cables.

If your television isn't S-video compatible, it's most likely composite, or the more basic type of television. If this is the case, you need to make sure the DVD player you buy is composite-compatible as well as S-video compatible. Most players are compatible with both.

If you have surround sound but no S-video, or even just a couple of speakers hooked up to your television, you'll still benefit from DVD. However, if you have none of these things, a DVD player won't enhance your viewing significantly.

Know your options

DVD players vary widely in price, depending on what options you want. Check consumer magazines and the Internet to do some research on the different DVD brands, and then assess which features meet your personal needs. Some common DVD features are:

Chapter preview. All players divide movies into "chapters" or sections, so you can begin viewing at a specific midpoint if desired. This feature lets you watch the first 10 seconds of each chapter, so you can find the part of the movie you want to watch.

Time location. Lets you pick a specific time in the movie and skip directly there.

Component video outputs. Separates the video signal into one black and white and two color components, meaning you get a crisper picture whether you're watching a disc in color or black and white. This feature requires a television with component video inputs, which can usually be found on large screen televisions.

Dynamic audio range. Separate the sound into several frequency channels, which make sound effects more realistic to the ear and keep loud sounds like explosions from seeming too loud.

Multiple discs. Lets you load many discs at once so they'll play continuously, like a CD player.

Understanding the difference in price between expensive and inexpensive DVD players is really quite simple--the more features the player includes, the higher the price. Most basic players have time location and chapter preview, while the multiple disc option and audio priority are usually limited to more expensive models. DVD players of all prices will provide excellent picture and sound quality, but it's up to you (and your budget) to decide how much more you want in terms of special features.

Compare prices and make your purchase

Now that you know what you want, check online and visit local stores to compare prices. While prices will probably be lowest online, the savings usually even out when you add shipping and handling charges--and many shoppers feel more comfortable with returns and warranty issues when they can walk in the door and complain. Also be aware that many electronics stores will match online prices, so bring a printout of the advertised online price when you talk to a salesperson at a store.

Because you've already checked compatibility, hooking up the player should be a cinch. Plug in your cables, pop in your favorite movie, and get ready to be blown away by the latest wave in home entertainment technology.

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