Oppo DVD players comprise a breed that is constantly on the look out for opportunities to beat the top electronics companies at their own game. These players do come with a good deal of impressive specifications that make them a sensible choice. The latest Oppo DVD player to make a mark is the Oppo DV-980H, which comes equipped with a host of high-end features at a reasonable price, making it a great value for your money.

Most of the Oppo players have a different design than the other, and the Oppo DV-980H is also no different. Customers would be especially impressed by the build quality and compactness of the device as they are made of the highest quality metal that have a nice feel to it.

The presence of DVD region coding has, however, failed to get the nod of the users, as it more often than not is restricted to Hollywood movie studios. In this manner the Panasonic DVD-S54 and other big name players prove themselves more capable. Moreover, the lacking feature in the Oppo player looks archaic and out of sync with the other specifications. On the other hand, the inclusion of analogue 7.1 audio outputs is a welcome move. In case you are looking for something that will give you more options to play audio tracks the unit is a must as it has on board Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES logos, which supports multiple channels.

Then again like many others, the Oppo supports MPEG-4 playback in the form of DivX and XviD encoded video. You are also provided with the discretion to watch a slideshow of images or listen to MP3s from a USB stick.

JVC has achieved a very important milestone with the launch of the NX-BD3 system that is DivX certified, and consequently has left its footprint on the home cinema arena. The DivX is of immense significance as it implies that the product has undergone a series of rigorous testing and has come out unscratched. You can thus, rely on this certification alone and feel assured of a high-quality DivX media experience, including reliable video playback, interoperability with other DivX Certified devices and the visual quality users expect from DivX.

The Blu-ray player is of profile 1.1 compliant, with the option of upgrading it to profile2.0. The unit thus supports 24fps video, apart from colour and Deep Colour via a single HDMI 1.3a output. Some of the JVC NX-BD3’s other important connections include an optical audio output, analogue audio input, and HDMI-CEC input. Moreover, DiVX files on CD, DVD or Blu-ray are supported as well, and you can also enjoy the added benefit of a tuner while tuning into your AM/FM set.

The unit is highly competent at playing back high-quality DivX video which provides the discerning audience a wonderful opportunity to enjoy premium quality home entertainment programmes. The NX-BD3 is modeled based on the world’s first DLNA Blu-ray cinema system, and allows consumers the titillating prospect of playing back content over wired or wireless home networks, and thereby virtually bring your wide repertoire of video confined on the PC to the living room. Users of NX-BD3 will now also have little difficulty in having access to high-quality video content whether it is from a CD or DVD source.

If you look around for the latest entertainment gadgets, you will definitely come across a number of Blu-ray devices. So does that mean that the DVD players are out of the scene? No, they aren’t. This can be said with so much conviction because a reputed brand like Panasonic is still manufacturing some really versatile DVD players launching them side-by-side with its Blu-ray range.

Among others, the S54 DVD player is one of a kind. The sleek and sturdy DVD player offers amazing features and a slim build. It looks appealing with a reflective fascia that an info display panel. However, the inside specifications are no less interesting with features like progressive scan and HDMI. The Panasonic DVD-S54 also includes a Dialogue Enhancer, a Dynamic Range Compression and a progress indicator. There is an option for playing both the slow and fast audio and a quick replay mode. Moreover, the player is HDMI capable and can go well with the various HDTV models. Then there is a coaxial digital audio that supports some of the high-quality formats like the Dolby Digital and DTS. You experience the delight of versatility with this sophisticated model of Panasonic as it can play various types of CDs and DVDs including MPEG4, DivX, SVCD and MP3.

So don’t forget to check out the Panasonic DVD-S54 DVD Player before finalizing your decision of purchasing a home entertainment system.

Pioneer has unleashed a killer of a product in the form of the DV-575A! What makes it a real threat to its rivals is the stunning fact that, in spite of being available at a price that can be considered a steal, it has a profusion of quality features all in one go. You will be amazed to find that the unit dishes out DVD-Audio and SACD alongside vanilla DVD-Video and CD like a true master. Skeptics, especially those who are not used to surround sound, may try to downplay this achievement, but surround sound fanatics can satisfy their cravings for quality performance like never before.

Despite coming at about one-third the price of the DV-575A, the next best specified player, you will hardly find any remarkable compromise in its specifications. The Pioneer DV-575A still displays progressive scan outputs, a high-quality video 12-bit/108MHz digital/analogue converter, apart from having a very good 24-bit/192 kHz audio digital to analogue converter in every channel. Signals are processed using the contemporary Dolby, DTS components, and the unit is also apt at processing the native formats for DVD-Audio and SACD. The only memorable miss that can be used as a pretext to separate it from modern high-end players are the digital video and audio connections like HDMI and i.Link.

Nevertheless, the manufacturers have got a grasp of people’s preferences and have included a few tricks usually the exclusive domain of high-end players. A prime example thereof is the the DivX feature, increasingly regarded as the MP3 of cinema replay.

You will be satisfied by the audio performance delivered by the unit, though it is in no way outstanding. The pictures are also colourful enough with a good deal of contrast, whereas the sound is pleasingly crisp, detailed and clear.

Continuing its unprecedented march towards the summit, LG has recently come up with one of its much awaited products, the HT762TZ Champagne Flute home cinema system. The high point of the unit is undoubtedly its superb design, as it is ably supported by a host of complementary features. The design is all the more impressive when you consider that each of the two 100W speakers are styled to resemble the shape a champagne flute glass.

The setting of the unit is rather uncomplicated, and you will find the entire gamut of surround effects, audio modes and configuration typical of LG, are all easily accessible through the remote. The arrangement is really special as it can stimulate a 10.1 environment from a 5.1 signal, and a 5.1 environment from a stereo signal. Moreover, the LG HT762TZ can inherently adjust to compensate for weak bass and enhance specific parts of the sound image. In summary, you can achieve some dramatic results without dropping a sweat.

The audio part of the unit is well balanced, with clean and distinct mid-range and high tones and a sub that contributes beautifully, without being overbearing. The unit is also great at upscaling the standard definition discs via the optimum HDMI connection and you will get the impression of watching a full HD disc. It further includes an amplifier, along with a built-in FM radio. You will have few anxious moments when it comes to playback compatibility, as it supports contemporary formats like DivX and MP3, either when burnt to DVD or attached using a USB flashdrive.

The unit nevertheless has a few minor issues concerning the configuration, but these in no way come as a hindrance, as the richness of the unit effectively negates them.

As a Home Cinema enthusiast myself, I can comprehend what goes behind your mind while deciding on a particular set amidst a sea of pretenders. The task gets all the more complicated with a profusion of varied information and rumours, and you are left bemused as to which information to rely on. There is no such confusion associated with the Sony DAV-DZ660 though, as it is an out and out entertainer from start to finish. Moreover, designed in a way to dazzle, it has a multitude of features that should make a mockery of its rivals. The fact that it is customised to integrate seamlessly with a BRAVIA TV is quite obvious.

The most intriguing facet of the unit is that it delivers some soul stirring sound which absolutely rocks. It pumps out an amazing 850W from 4 speakers, that are supported by a 120W subwoofer. What is also significant is that the Sony DAV-DZ660 is adept at decoding even the most sophisticated of formats including Dolby Digital Prologic II and DTS. The built-in upscaler feature, on the other hand, ensures that the average disc contents are upgraded to 1080p signal via the HDMI cable for a superb picture quality on your high-def TV.

Versatility is another one of the unit’s strong points and provides multiple format and codec support to DVD, CD, Video CD, SACD, MP3, apart from allowing playback of contemporary formats like DivX and JPEG.

The inclusion of the Dialogue Enhancer feature has a visible impact on the sound quality as well. As a result the sound quality appears much clearer. Meanwhile, the Portable Audio Enhancer function plays a crucial role improving the quality of compressed music such as MP3s. Further, the FM / AM radio tuner, with an RDS option, allows you to preset no less than 30 stations.

One quality in Pioneer worth emulating is the way it has been delivering incredible high-end DVD players. The brand is also no less competent when it comes to conjuring up players at the lower end of the price spectrum, and more often then not leaves an undeniable footprint, consequently giving the AV community a lot to celebrate. Moreover, it is a common trait of the brand to pack each deck with a dazzling array of features that make them stand out from the pack.

Available in silver or black colours, the DV-600AV DVD comes out unscratched in the design quotient, and is both stylish and slim. Most of the playback and menu keys are found surrounding the Pioneer DV-600’s disc tray. Then, there is also a USB port nestling among them, which allows you to connect USB pen drives or MP3 devices and play music and photos.

The most amazing aspect of the unit, considering its price, however, appears to be the multichannel DVD-Audio and SACD playback, a feature that music lovers, as well as movie fans, will deeply cherish. The fact that there aren’t many ‘universal’ players at this price just adds to its product value.

Compatibility concerns, on the other hand, are well taken care of by the extensive support formats included in the unit, such as MP3, WMA, JPEG and all versions of DivX, in addition to Windows Media Video (WMV) and MPEG-4 AAC files. The player also supports all the common disc formats except DVD-RAM. Though it isn’t game for protected contents and so it won’t play stuff you may have bought from the iTunes Store.

Blu-ray Players have long consolidated their position in the battle of supremacy over HD-DVD players. The victory of Blu-ray is quite understandable when you consider that it offers not just high quality image and sound, but an equally impressive interactive picture-in-picture commentary. Moreover, in recent times it has also integrated internet access and networking (BD-Live) with the player, thus giving it an insurmountable edge over any contemporaries, and especially DVD players. The DMP-BD55 is significant on a number of fronts and, like its predecessor DMP-BD30, has incorporated a host of new and interesting features. The one feature that will take your breath away is the newly introduced and fully functional Profile 2.0 player with BD-Live capabilities.

The unit also has on-board highly efficient decoding devices that are more than capable of decoding all high bit rate (HBR) codecs. Then there are also the contemporary 7.1-channel analogue outputs, which can be used with home cinema processors and receivers which lack HDMI inputs. Moreover, the Panasonic DMP-BD55 also entrusts you with a great amount of flexibility and leverage to conveniently watch your favourite movies. The unit, in addition, has the innovative DivX video file playback, a feature not available in the step-down BD35 model.

The unit is, furthermore, is shipped with default settings that work perfectly with most TVs and systems that you will come across; which is always a good thing. It also very easy to operate as all the prominent features are structured in an unobtrusive and easy to use manner. You can directly pass DTS and Dolby bitstreams to your A/V receiver or surround processor for decoding by simply selecting the “Bitstream” option for each and turn off secondary audio.

The recently launched Pioneer DV-490V is a fairly attractive unit with its conspicuous appearance and a number of intriguing features. Measuring a tad over 1 inch tall and 8 inches deep- it is smaller than the DVD players launched half a decade ago by quite a distance. All the important controls, including rewind, fast forward, stop, play and the like are located on the front. The one major feature missing in this otherwise versatile gadget is an LED that lets you know when the unit is powered up. Instead the LED feature included within lets you know when the HDMI connector is being used.

The unit like its contemporaries is compatible with most of the media files available in the market today, including DVDs, DVD-R/RW, CDs, CD-R/RW, WMA and MP3 audio types. To add to that, it can even playback movies encoded in DivX, which is really remarkable. Guys who like to flaunt their pictures will be fascinated by the built-in PhotoViewer as this unique feature supports JPEG pictures. The unit also has onboard encoders for Dolby Digital and DTS including a 24-bit/96kHz audio converter. It does, however, lack an onboard encoder for Dolby Digital Plus or DTS-HD, unlike more advanced units such as the Pioneer DV 989 AVI. But considering that it is a budget DVD player, this should not be any cause for concern, as you are literally saving hundreds by opting for a more affordable model.

When it comes to video, the unit has quite a number of tricks up its sleeve, including the especially noticeable MediaTek MPEG decoder feature. This amazing feature up-converts non copy-protected DVDs to either 720P or 1080i depending on your preferences; thereby, improving the image quality and consequently its overall performance.

Anyone looking for a decent DVD player to brush up their home cinema system would do well to have a peek at the newly launched DVP5982 1080p Upscaling DVD Player by Philips. It is abundantly clear from the name itself that unit’s main focus is to upscale average image quality into the HD standard, by optimally increasing the picture resolution. Upscaling as a concept is really gaining ground, as it can make otherwise outdated resolutions look modern and great again. HD images are invariably full of life and you can also enjoy every frame with a great deal of detail. The player is really almost identical to the Philips DVP5980, and both include an upscaling feature. Apart from this intriguing aspect, the device is also DivX Ultra certified and supports video downloads from your PC in Mpeg4 format.

The unit is compatible with a large number of formats, including DVD, DVD-R/+R, CD, CD-R-RW, and MP3/WMA. The 192kHz/24 bit audio DAC feather enhances the analogue sound input, whereas the High definition JPEG playback feather ensures that the images are in true HD resolution. The player’s image quality is further optimised by the newly incorporated Progressive Scan component video feather. To add to that, it also has a USB port, which can be used to directly play photos or music from USB flash drives. The unit also boasts a comprehensive audio setting that efficiently merges with the HD images, to provide the most fulfilling audio-visual performance comprehendible.