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.

Despite Onkyo’s decision to take the plunge into the untested waters, by manufacturing Blu-ray players, the company still continues to deliver one quality upscaling DVD player after another. The DV-SP406 DVD Player is a true reflection of that and encompasses almost all the important criteria that you desire from a quality player. Moreover, the price tag of the product is kept at a reasonable level, making it all the more alluring.

The one feature that has made a difference is the1080p upscaling feature, which will especially come in handy for those movie buffs that are not yet ready to make the transformation to Blu-ray, but otherwise have hi-def TVs and projectors. Apart from the upscaling feature, the Onkyo DV-SP406 DVD player has many other contemporary features that will keep you interested. You will especially take heart at the multimedia playback capability of the unit as it supports almost all the popular formats including (DVD+RW/+R, DVD-RW/-R, CD, CD-R/-RW and Video CDs). The icing on the cake appears to be the ability of the player to spin DVD-RW discs recorded in the Video Recording (VR) format. It is not all though as you can enjoy various formats like MP3, WMA, DivX and JPEG files.

The aesthetically build unit, displays a USB port on the front panel making it easy on you part to play the above mentioned media formats. The operation of the device is also ridiculously simple. Important connectivity of the player includes an HDMI, component and composite outputs, plus a SCART socket that offers RGB output.

The latest offering from Panasonic, the DVD-LX8 9″ LCD Portable DVD Player, is not your typical DVD player in the sense that it is bigger than most portable disc players, but still quite a lot smaller than a laptop. The speciality of the player, with a 9-inch, 16:9 aspect-ratio (wide) screen, is its unique “Mono Arm” feature, which allows you to enjoy the drama unfolding on the screen from a wide range of viewing angles. This speciality means that you can use the device in various settings like say, suddenly bright and suddenly dark airplane cabins.

The compatibility of the device is another of its notable features as it competently handles popular formats including DVD-Video, high-resolution DVD-Audio, DVD-R, and DVD-RAM playback, in addition to playing standard and recordable audio CDs, including MP3- and WMA-encoded discs with the minimum of fuss. Then its built-in rechargeable battery, which has an impressive life span of 2.5 hours, means that you can have unlimited fun before the battery finally burns out.

The unique design of the player predisposes it with the discretion to take advantage of both audio and traditional video DVD formats, and delivers an amazing audio-visual reproduction. Obviously the DVD-LX8’s main strength is its 9 inch screen, which surpasses even the Panasonic DVD-LS82EG’s 8.5 inch screen. Meanwhile, the Audio software titles feature offers you classic music titles in both multichannel and stereo, even though the model is limited to stereo play only. The device in addition is compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks for a enriching surround effect. Then, the device has on-board the customary DTS and Dolby Digital 2-channel decoding and multichannel pass-through features too, among others.

The LG LDA-731 Upconverting HDMI DVD Player is one particular model that I believe you should not regret buying. The player brings to the table a range of high-end features that are skilfully coordinated to give you an amazing movie experience. The one particular feature that will immediately attract your attention is the Up-Conversion feature, The Up-Conversion ability comprehensively upscales average DVD content to a Progressive source at the selected resolution of 480p, 720p or all the way back to an interlaced signal at 1080i. You can get the benefits of upconversion both via the Component cables as well as the HDMI connector.

The DVD player has been incorporated with the much in-demand Zoran’s Vaddis 8 chipset technology which plays a huge role in improving its performance. The technology, which in essence is a multimedia processor, is integrated with a state-of-the-art 8 channel Class D modulator that facilitates connectivity to HDTVs, like the LG 47LG6000, via HDMI and analog component HD-video with six 14-bit 165Mhz video DACs. The feature assists in the upconversion of SD-to-HD as well so that you can experience HD content from standard DVD discs. The display of high definition is further complemented by the HD-JPEG.

The Vaddis 8 apart from the above specialities offers support to DVD-Audio including decryption, decoding, and audio post processing functions. Moreover, playback of HD-JPEG content, backward compatibility with SACD1.3 or lower is possible only because of this feature.

The player also has on-board the Single Pixel Processing (SPP) Progressive Scan feature which ensures unparallel video quality for viewing on a progressive scan television. The SPP feature carries out pixel-by-pixel processing of the video, while the intuitive Vaddis 8 supplies it with superior quality deinterlacing to all areas of the scene, including areas with limited or fast motion.

One of the latest home cinema systems to have come out of Philips, the HTS6515, is a very decent bet if you by its specifications. The product offers you the appealing prospect of listening to some soothing music via the 2.1 speaker system that is imaginatively connected to a central DVD player and controller.

Special care also been taken to ensure the aesthetic appeal of the unit, and is replete with a wall mountable solution thereby doing away with the more conventional boxy under-the-TV systems. The focal point of the Philips unit is the innovatively designed central controller unit which acts as a sleamline top-loading DVD player.

Other important specifications of the system include a large subwoofer and two front “horizontal” speakers. It is however a bit disconcerting to find the system covered in wires, especially considering the amount of emphasis given on design, which on a few occasion create a repelling effect.

Another peculiar situation you may encounter is the system is bereft of any optical connectivity option, which is a necessity to connect the controller unit to the TV and bring back the audio from the TV. Nevertheless, you are saved of facing a nightmarish situation by the incorporation a 3.5mm jack. Moreover, the Philips HTS6515’s video quality is also something to look forward to, as it has been provided with the capacity to upscale average DVD contents to high-definition levels.

Connectivity of the system is rather solid with the prominent among them being an HDMI input, Component video or Scart which comes is handy for old TVs.

Are you confused about selecting a DVD player that can offer high-class audio and video? You need to be smart in your choice and go for a reliable brand that is guaranteed to deliver a durable unit. If you believe in buying the finest things, the Panasonic DVD-S 33 DVD Player is a great option for you. The unit is capable of supporting various media types like CDs and Video CDs among others. The compact model, with total dimensions of 9.1 cm x 23 cm x 43 cm and a weight of 3.9 kg, combines the features of a DVD and a VCR. You get an excellent audio performance with the stereo output mode and a much more advanced surround system.

If you have ever thought that a DVD player is of no good in the era of Blu-rays, the DVD-S 33 will definitely change your viewpoint. Along with providing a stunning picture quality, the Panasonic DVD-S33 player also ensures a sharp and clear sound. No wonder, it comes with an audio and video DAC converter of 24 and 10 bit. Additionally, you also get to enjoy the much advanced features like the multi-camera angle and picture zoom while handling the unit with much ease. To add more versatility to the performance of this model, Panasonic has also incorporated some additional features like progressive scanning, high MAT VCR and language select.

Controlling all these functions with a universal remote, you can expect an amazingly impressive performance with this creation of Panasonic.

One commonly held grudge against TVs that come with a TV/VCR combo, or even TV/DVD player/VCR, is that the VCR part more often than not breaks down, with few ways to fix it. The Westinghouse VK-40F580D is again a TV/DVD player/VCR, but the good thing about it is that the DVD part is quite sturdy. The unit’s DVD section should definitely appeal to customers, especially because the deck happens to be one of the few larger-screen flat-panel TVs with a built-in DVD player.

Design of the deck is bereft of any fancy ornaments, and is instead dressed up in a conservative manner that reflects more of a workman like attitude than say any aesthetic purpose. The company also played around a bit with the design of the menu system, and for the better as it now appears more imaginative and responsive. However, the deck somewhat strangely has an outdated and ordinary looking black plastic stand, which doesn’t swivel.

Feature wise, the built-in DVD player is the main attraction of the unit, and its performance never fails you. The player is also very intuitive and has spontaneous response time. Moreover, this LCD TV DVD combo unit is also provided with the capacity to upscale average video contents to standard levels for a more fulfilling experience. Image quality is taken care of by a native resolution of 1080p, though the image size to an extent restricts you from deriving maximum benefit.

The deck comes with a wonderful range of picture control options as well, including four presets that can be adjusted apart from a fifth one that’s independent per input. Meanwhile, the three colour temperature presets coupled with another custom mode enables you to customise white balance.

Flat-panel TVs are the norm these days, i.e. if you go by popular perception, but have you ever thought that these stunning looking devices have their own innate disadvantages. For one, most of these decks don’t have in-built DVD player, and therefore you are required to place a DVD player and a cable box next to the TV. The combination definitely looks odd with a maze of unkempt cables adding to the awkwardness of the situation. The LG 32LG40 therefore comes as a breath of fresh air as it has a built-in, slot-loading DVD player nicely hidden in the side of the TV. That’s not the only memorable part of this 32-inch LCD, as it also features an extensive range of picture control options that accentuate the colour accuracy and realistic feel of the image.

The LG 32LG40 is precisely for someone who likes to have swanky sets adorning their rooms. The screen of the device is surrounded by a glossy black bezel, while the bottom is filled with a thick strip of deep red plastic, which may remind you of Samsung’s “Touch of Color” design.

The DVD featured in the unit is designed to provide you a no-nonsense access to its various functionalities, though the addition of small DVD-centric buttons seems a bit of an afterthought. The native resolution of the unit stands at an impressive 1,366×768, especially considering its image size.

You are also provided with a multitude of picture adjustment functions as well, available in seven different picture modes, and each of which are independent per input. Further adjustment on this LG LCD TV is possible via two expert modes that include the colour temperature control and three presets. The latter feature facilitates calibrators really hone in on the D65 standard and create a more linear grayscale than would otherwise be possible.

There are many amongst us who believe that home cinema systems are better off tucked away from public gaze. If you happen to belong to this special brigade then you should look no further than the AN-PR1500H home cinema rack by Sharp. A DVD player and 2.1-channel speakers are inconspicuously included within its solid frame, thereby providing you with a convenient, tangle-free home cinema solution. The top shelf of the rack hosts the DVD player and can only be identified via the disc slot on the front panel. You will feel glad that there are a wide range of connectivity options like HDMI, Scart, Component, Composite, S-Video outputs and no less than three digital audio inputs that are more than enough to fulfill your requirements.

Futures that are high on the wish list are also there such as Dolby Virtual Speaker and Audistry Sound Space, which there are also a couple of sound modes as well that more or less make up for the lack of rear speakers. The DVD player included in the Sharp AN-PR 1500 H offers support for for Dolby Digital and DTS, apart from the customary play modes and the ability to upscale pictures to 720p and 1080i. You will however feel stung b the absence of the 1080p upscale feature.

Playback formats supported by the unit includes MP3, WMA and JPEG files, as well as DivX from CD-R and CD-RW. Then, two microphone inputs are also included on the front panel that is specially designed for someone who has a passion for karaoke.

On the downside, the Dolby Virtual Speaker and Sound Space features are not a worthy substitute for the more efficient 5.1 format. Consequently all you get is commendable stereo performance, but shoddy surround sound.

Isn’t it a bit strange to combine something like a LCD projector with a DVD player? I for one have find the combination a bit peculiar and it has therefore contributed to my increasing curiosity to explore and understand the TWD10 from close quarters. The model in question is an LCD projector with a built-in DVD player from Epson. This peculiar combination means the unit has two bits of AV kit built into one box! The company looks bent on saving space and the tangles created by unkempt cables.

There is a subtle colour difference that delineates the projector part from the DVD, and you will be interested to know that the whole projector part can rotate anti-clockwise on the DVD sub-section. This feature comes in handy when you are looking to position the Epson EMP-TWD10 to the side of your screen. Then, there are imaginative vertical and horizontal image shift ‘wheels’ integrated with the projector, as well as keystone correction features that helps you to restore the image in case the projector is not properly inclined with the center of your screen.

The unique status enjoyed by the unit as an AV source as well as an AV display has other connotations as well as it remarkably influences the connectivity. Now you get to have HDMI, though of v1.2 format, component video and D-Sub PC ports, apart from the innovative phono output designed to be used with a subwoofer. A headphone jack and an optical digital audio output are there as well that facilitates you to power in digital audio from the DVDs in the TWD10 plays to your AV receiver, if you have one.

The major attractions on the DVD side includes Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, and is capable of playing all the popular markets available in the market including DVD VR, SCVD, VCD, CD, DivX, MP3, WMA and JPEG formats, in addition to vanilla DVDs.