Denon in the form of the DVD-557 has unearthed a real gem that is giving the big wigs a run for their money. Making light of the fact that it is all but an entry-level player, it delivers an outstanding performance that leaves you spell bound. What is even more impressive is that it is available at an excellent price making it great value for money.

To start with, the HDMI feature is capable of up-converting standard 480i images apart from 480p DVD images to an impressive 720p and 1,080i resolutions. Moreover, there is also a progressive scan feature supporting the HDMI, with the result being image quality that is rich in texture, clarity and accurate colours. You should however, guard yourself against living under the illusion that the up-conversion would add extra details that are not found in the original DVD. The connotation being that it is not your typical HD DVD or Blu-ray players, such as the Sony BDP-S550, which are capable of high-definition playback. The DVD-557 also comes equipped with a 2MB buffer which ensures you a distraction free video and audio during transitions and layer shifts.

Apart from the DVD-Video compatibility, the unit supports DVD-R/RW and VCD, in addition to audio CD, CD-R/RW and discs holding MP3 and WMA digital audio files and JPEG images. Another lovely aspect of the unit is that, you can take advantage of the easy-to-use onscreen menu system which displays both artist and track titles for quick navigation. You can even enjoy slideshows in it by loading it with a disc containing JPEG images. Furthermore, the unit offers a solid network of playback functions, including random play, disc resume play, apart from an intuitive zoom facility that can enlarge a selected area of the picture by 2X or 4X.

Sony’s new sleek and slender DVPNS30 comes adorned with a number of interesting features and is customised with people’s changing tastes and desires in mind. The product’s future therefore looks quite bright, especially with the inclusion of in-demand features like the Precision Cinema Progressive and new Precision Drive3 system. These two features ensure that you get a picture that’s a faithful representation of the source, be it film or video, and is literally error-free.

The unit also boasts a built-in MP3 decoding feature, and is apt at playing disc formats, including DVD-R/DVD-RW, DVD+R/DVD+RW, together with Kodak picture CD playback. Moreover, the SCART and composite video outputs guarantee compatibility with practically any television.

It’s also great news how it automatically plays data DVDs containing MP3 files and JPEG image files by searching the disc for available files. This is actually a fairly standard feature on most recent Sony DVD players, such as the Sony DVP-GV-HD 700. Moreover, you can also view JPEG files by selecting the appropriate image album. The image can be viewed individually or via a slideshow, and there is also the added option of displaying the date on which the photo was taken.

The 192 kHz 24-bit digital-to-analogue audio converter ensures optimum conversion of all disc formats. The Dolby DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signal feature, on the other hand, adds extra zeal to the excitement and you will feel absolutely floored by the wonderful surround performance.

Finally, the unit offers you a host of valuable accessories including a remote control. You can basically zoom through the sections apart from controlling sound levels, input source and the like.

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.

You will not find it difficult to own a portable DVD player, with screen sizes range from 7 to 10 inches diagonally, that does an adequate job of playing back DVDs. An abundance of models are hitting the market every other minute, but you must be astute enough to differentiate the leader amongst the pretenders in order to enjoy your movies in true cinema style. The Panasonic DVD-LS91 is one such model that proudly stands out from the crowd. Though the unit is to an extent a replica of the LS90, it nevertheless has included the AV input that was missing on the earlier model. Designed in a very gorgeous manner, it has a 9-inch display with a swiveling armature that makes it convenient to view from a variety of positions with minimum fuss. The swivel gives the unit a huge advantage over competitor models, like the Panasonic LS82EB-S, which completely lack the freedom of a swivel screen. The manufacturers have also given plenty of emphasis to the battery, which is of immense importance, considering the player’s portable nature.

The unit has reasonable connectivity, even though you will not find the common component-video output feature. Conversely, you can do just fine with the composite-video output if you only need to hook the player up to a TV. The unit, in addition, has a digital audio output for connecting to an AV receiver, as well as dual headphone jacks so that two people can watch a movie at once.

The playback option of the unit can be a bit of a dampener as it doesn’t support MPEG-4 or DivX video files. Interestingly though, it offers support for re-recordable disc types, which will make an aficionado of Panasonic’s DVD-RAM format pretty happy. Furthermore, you can also playback CD-Rs filled with MP3 and WMA audio files or JPEG images. There are also a few surprises in the form of a few faux-surround modes, which have been a novel addition, that slightly augment the listening experience.

The diminutive DV-578A-S from Pioneer, in all probability, has been launched targeting the lower end of the DVD player market. This presumption carries weight when you consider that it doesn’t have any specific high-end features or for that matter any memorable addition to its virtual twin, looks wise, the DV-563 that was launched last year. It thus, possesses no potential threat to brawny higher-end models, like the Panasonic DMP-BD30EE, that are considered the final authority as far as high-end DVD players are concerned. The best part of the unit is that it is compatible with numerous formats. It effortlessly handles DVD-Audio and SACD discs, plus DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and CD-R/RW, in addition to MP3, WMA, and JPEG files. Then it is also priced pretty decently making it a viable option.

Another good point is that it has an amazing memory. For example, if you stop your movie at a certain time and return much later to watch it, it will start from where you left off. You can also even listen to a few CDs in between! The unit’s bass management feature, on the other hand, can cope with tiny satellite speakers, including the company’s own Energy Take 5.2 satellites.

It put on an impressive performance, as far as controlling image quality is concerned. The unit also posses reasonable connectivity and includes some popular options, like progressive/component, composite, and S-Video outputs, coaxial and optical digital audio outputs, and stereo and 5.1 analogue audio outputs. Furthermore, it has onboard built-in Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 decoders, which allow you to connect everything via the 5.1-channel analogue jacks. You should also be impressed with the unit’s small, gray plastic remote, largely because its minimalist functionality ensures that you can manage most of the features with a single click.

The recently unveiled Panasonic DVD-S97 is the successor to the DVD-RP8, regarded one of the most popular DVD players ever made. This is by no means a small declaration when you find out that after this highly popular model (i.e. RP82) was discontinued, it was selling on E-Bay for much higher than the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price! Like its illustrious predecessor, the DVD-S97 is also a progressive scan DVD-Audio/Video player with Faroudja DCDi deinterlacing. However, it scores over the RP82 through the addition of a number of significant features. One clearly visible feature is its unique Digital video and high-resolution multi-channel audio output over 1.1. The HDMI also plays a vital role in upconverting the video resolution to an impressive 720p and 1080i.

You will also find an improved audio upsampling feature added to the device that plays a vital role in enhancing audio quality. The unit also supports a number of additional audio and video formats such as JPEG, MPEG4, and WMA, in addition to MP3, on multiple media types. It is worth mentioning that the RP82 only supported WMA on US/Canadian models, while this feature is available in all of the S97 models. Of course, one downside of the unit is that unlike its sibling the Panasonic DMP-BD10, the DVD-S97 does not support for Blu-ray discs. The unit does, however, support both PAL and NTSC and has limited support for HDCD. The player also has an onboard Dolby Digital Pro Logic II decoder feature, in addition to the more common Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG Multi-channel. The only drawback, which is in no way significant, is that it is not compatible with Super Audio CD.

The electronic giant Philips has made the world of entertainment more portable with its latest compact PET714/94 DVD Player. The DVDs are displayed on the 7 inch TFT LCD display screen, and the high screen quality more than makes up for the small display size. Moreover, the convenience the portable player offers is also a great advantage, since many do not always have the luxury of watching movies in HD on their private HT-TX715 home cinema system. The combined audio-visual performance, in fact, will leave you spell bound for a portable player, and you will also be surprised by the number of intriguing features this diminutive gadget offers. Furthermore, the company has taken great pains to ensure the unit is convenient and durable enough to be your constant companion.

Among the various features packed inside the unit, it has powerful built-in speakers, which actually deliver a fairly memorable audio performance. Another interesting aspect is that the unit can be used for more than just enjoying movies, since you can also view JPEG photos on its display. Compatibility is a virtual non-issue and the player is compatible with DVD, DVD+R/+RW, Video CD, CD, DVD-R/-RW, MP3-CD, and many other formats. Some of the unit’s accessories include an AC/DC Adaptor, Car Kit, Remote Control, various Cables, and a User Manual. Then there is also a built-in battery with a capacity of 9volts.

Having a DVD player installed in your car is always a tempting option, as it allows you the luxury of watching your favourite movies while on the move. Of course, it also quickly becoming a driving hazard if you as the driver become to distracted, so it is also better that the DVD entertainment be reserved for the passengers. If you are lucky enough to have a high performance DVD player, then you already know how entertaining and relaxing it is. Just think of a scenario where you are driving through a tranquil environment and your favourite movies are being played on the DVD player. Doesn’t this sound alluring enough? To make this fantasy a reality you can simply pick up an get in-car DVD player. Having in-car DVD entertainment is still something of a rarity, where even popular in-car entertainment systems like Kenwood KVT-729 do not go beyond playing simple CDs. Nevertheless, the Sony MV700HR has catapulted to the forefront of the in-car entertainment market with its integrated DVD player and high performance features. The elegantly designed unit comes in a two colours: silver and black. It has a screen and a slim disc placed on opposite sides of a silver hinge and features a 7″ (17.8cm) widescreen Active TFT Matrix LCD display.

An important feature of the unit is that, using its AV connection box, you can insert almost all kinds of AV signals. Moreover, the player is compatible with a large variety of standards including DVD discs, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/+RW, CD-DA, MP3, VCD, SVCD and SACD discs. The included memory stick slot lets you play MP3 music of your choice with the in-car entertainer, or view JPEG pictures on its 7 inch screen. . The unit’s display is well presented in both dark and very bright conditions, making for a great viewing. The fantastic visuals are backed up with a high quality audio output as well. If you can get through the headache of installing the unit, then long road trips will never get boring again.

Want to watch the latest flick, but don’t have a reliable DVD player? Don’t worry, as Pioneer is here to save the day with its phenomenal Pioneer DV-266 DVD player. The odds of any malfunctions are minimal, but the product nevertheless comes with a three month dealer warranty and 7 days money back guarantee for the customer’s satisfaction.

The player is a super flat model paired, with a remote control for perfect control and navigation. Its super slim and flat design won’t occupy too much space, and look good anywhere in which it is placed. As a gadget it’s not just a DVD player, in fact, it’s actually a dual system photo viewer. So a user can view their favourite photo albums at any time on their television with this great device. Unfortunately, this DVD player is purely a DVD player and cannot run blu-ray discs like the Pioneer BDP-LX70A. The DVD player supports JPEG images. Furthermore, the gadget possesses a 192kHz/24-bit D/A converter with MP3/WMA playback, which means it is compatible with every CD and DVD. In terms of sound quality it’s also unbeatable, thanks to its incredible Dolby virtual sound.

The gadget also incorporates some conveniences such as a zoom function and a new advanced graphical user interface for better control. Amazingly enough, the gadget’s slim design means it can fit into even the tightest spaces, and will suit any TV rack. If you have been putting off buying a DVD player, this wonderful specimen will give you no reason to hold back any longer.

LG has recently revealed the company’s new DVD player, the DVS450H. This stylish and sleek player is certified by DivX and LG Electronics together, which means it has undergone a rigorous testing program to guarantee it delivers high-definition digital content. The certification also literally means that you now have a reliable DVD player at your disposal for uninterrupted video playback, in addition to interoperability with other DivX Certified devices.

The LG player is strikingly different from its contemporaries, in the sense that it has a top mounded loader, and is devoid of all the extra bulk generally associated with the majority of DVD players flooding the market. Only a thin slice of the cabinet is relegated for the controls.

One great aspect of the player is its unique design, that allows you to place it either horizontally or vertically, or even hang it on a wall. Most DVD players, such as the Sony DVPNS708H, can only be kept in the same horizontal position. It is, in fact, by a long distance one of the best products to have come out of the LG ranks with an HDMI output and full up conversion of movies to 1080p. Apart from managing DivX codecs and DivX HD, the player can also read JPEG pictures or music to MP3 and WMA formats. A truly versatile product, it comes equipped with a USB port that assists it in encoding the tracks contained in the MP3 format and then transfers them automatically to a player.