| What features do
I need in a DVD Player.
Dolby Digital decoder: Only if you have a
amplifier capable of accepting 6 analogue audio inputs. If you don't know
what this means odds are you have no use for the built in decoder. You
will still get the digital output for the surround sound receiver from the
coaxial or optical feeds. All new surround sound receivers have a built in
decoder so you wont require one in the DVD player unless you go high end
audio
Progressive scanning : Progressive
scan DVD players provide a improved picture quality by basically
refreshing your image twice as fast . The TV or Video projector you use
must be able to accept a progressive scan signal. With the
prices dropping on progressive scan dvd players this may be a good option
to have if you are planning to buy a new tv in the foreseeable
future. Progressive scan dvd players will work on any tv since you can
select interlaced output. A very good and highly detailed
explanation of progressive scanning can be found HERE
Multidisc Player: Simply a convenience
item, This is purely up to you . Has no effect on playback quality. In
reality would only be used for your CDs since all dvd movies are on one
disc.
Component video outputs. If you have a new TV
that accepts this or are planning to buy a new high end TV then this
option is a nice addition. Provides better contrast on the picture. S
Video output will still greatly please you
CD Audio. Allows playback of Audio CDs,
Standard on all DVD players
CDR CDRW playback. If you make your own CDs you
will want this. Almost all dvd players read CDR CDs but many wont read CDRW
SVCD and VCD playback. Format used widely
in Asia. If you are importing films you may want this option : Note for
playback of home made VCD's you will require VCD and CDR compatibility
VCR DVD combo. Best of both worlds, highly
convenient and space saving. NOTE: DVD players Cannot tape a DVD without
modification.
MP3 Decoder: If you make your own MP3 discs
you will like this option. This will allow for 11 hours of music on
one CD
HDCD decoder: New format starting to make its way
into the CD audio world. Nice option to have but not necessary for the
average user, good for audiophile
Bass Output. Found on a few units, allows you to
feed a powered subwoofer directly if you don't have a surround sound
receiver
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Picture and
sound THAT much better then a VHS Tape
The difference between a DVD player
and a video tape is as dramatic as the difference between a Vinyl record
and a CD . No hiss, 500 lines on DVD player, 225 on a VHS, Crisper color,
no static, . DVD s do not degrade over time and do not get eaten or jam in
the machine.
I don't have a
surround sound receiver , Will I benefit from the better sound quality of
a DVD
DVD players have standard RCA stereo
outputs to allow the sound to be fed to a normal stereo. The digital sound
is converted to analogue for normal stereo systems. You will hear a vastly
superior sound over a VHS tape. The difference in sound quality between
VHS and DVD is equal to the sound difference between a vinyl record and a
CD disc. There is no background hiss and the sound is much crisper. Even
if you just use you TV's speakers you will hear a vast sound quality
improvement.
I seen a no name DVD
player at a discount store, Are they all the same??
Cheap DVD players are flooding
out of asia by the thousands , Almost all no name dvd players suffer from
software problems which cause freezing, sound sync problems, scene
skipping , compatibility problems etc. DO NOT BUY A NO NAME DVD PLAYER!!!
They may seem like a good deal but always stick to a name you have heard
of. There may be one or two out of the thousands that may be good but is
is worth it to save 20 or 30 dollars
Can I tape a DVD movie
on a VHS tape
In most cases no, not without a
macrovision disabler. All VCRs produced after april 2000 must block the
recording of copyguarded DVDs
Can I view DVD from
everywhere in the world
No you can only view DVDs released in
North America
The world is broken into 6 DVD regions, US and Canada are region
one...scam by Hollywood to rip off people. If you wish to view DVDs from
outside of North America you will require a Codefree DVD player with a
built in NTSC PAL converter
What do I need to hook
up a DVD player to my TV
Your TV requires video jacks ( rca
style) or a S video input. Almost all TVs produced in the last 15 years
have these as standard. If you do not have video jacks on your TV you will
require a video demodulator. About 30 dollars at Radio Shack. A DVD CANNOT
HOOK UP TO YOUR TV USING A CABLE OR ANTENNA CONNECTION
Can I play Audio CDs
on a DVD player.
Yes all DVD players play audio
cds, not all will play CDR and CDRW
Someone told me
I should buy a DVD lens cleaner for my machine or buy a extended warranty
with a annual service.
DVD lens do not need cleaning ( except
maybe in a very smokey environment like a bar ) and DVD
players do not need annual servicing or lens adjusting or
anything else. There is no physical contact inside a DVD player. It is
basically a highly accurate CD player. Extended warranties are strictly
your decision but do not fall for the annual service scam and DO NOT use a
lens cleaner
Is DVD Player The next
BETA
Absolutely NOT, As of Sept 2000 over 10 million DVD
players have been sold in the US alone. This does not include the
Computer dvd drives which greatly outnumber dvd players. The DVD will
replace the VHS tape just as the CD replaced the vinyl record Every
Video rental shop now rents DVD movies and all movies are being released
on DVD and most old titles are being or have been remastered to DVD
Still have any questions. Please email Sales
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