Below we’ve listed three main categories of usage, a broad overview of the main features appropriate to that use, and an idea of what you should expect to pay. Features are explained in more depth in the following section.
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Top Range - High Definition
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Blu-Ray enabled
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Feature rich |
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HDMI output |
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Home cinema
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HD viewing |
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Aroxo’s Top DVD Players
Here is a list of some of the best and most popular DVD Players on Aroxo. Simply click on an image to view more details about the product.You can also view Aroxo's
Top 10 DVD & Blu-ray Players here .
Top brands of DVD Players on Aroxo
Whilst many manufacturers now make DVD players the likes of Sony, Philips and Panasonic still dominate the category. Others are working hard to catch-up but in terms of design, features and functionality they are hard to beat.
Other major DVD brands include: LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Daewoo, Pioneer, Sharp & Daewoo
Key Buying Considerations:
DVD players have evolved rapidly since the early days when they were basically limited to playing films. Most now incorporate Photo views, Video playback, MP3 playback and CD playback. The recent trend has been towards DVD and the incorporation of Hard drives to add PVR functionality
Disc-Loading Speed:
DVD players can be slow to start loading and playing discs and normally have a menu to go through first, so make sure it’s not too slow for you. Blu-Ray Players are normally slower to get going than standard DVD players.
Cables:
You’ll need a decent Scart lead to ensure a good picture and many DVD players don’t come with one. If you get a Blu-Ray Player you’ll also need an HDMI cable and you’ll have to make sure it’s compatible with your TV.
Remote:
This is your interface with the player so it’s important that you find it well laid out and easy to use.
Progressive Scan:
This displays all the lines of a video frame at the same time, instead of interlacing two separate fields as many DVD players do. The net result is improved picture quality and reduced flicker on the picture.
Multi-Region players:
Most DVDs are coded so they can only be watched on players from that country. If you do intend getting imported DVDs you may want to look at getting a multi-region player.
Surround Sound:
There are two types of digital surround sound connections, coaxial and optical, so if you have a surround sound system make sure you get the same type of connection for your DVD player.
High Definition:
Technology is moving in this direction but bear in mind that at the moment Blu-Ray Players and Blu-Ray discs are significantly more expensive than standard. Most DVD players feature technology that will upscale a standard DVD to almost high definition quality when connected to an HD ready TV.
DVD Recorders:
Some recorders include a hard drive with hours of recording time, so you don’t have to record to a DVD each time, which saves space and allows you to edit programmes on the hard drive before transferring them to DVD.
Multi-Disc Players:
There are many types of DVD format with slightly different capabilities so check which ones you want to use and make sure that type is compatible with the player you want. In addition many DVD players and recorders can play CDs so you can listen to music as well.
IR Blaster:
With a DVD recorder this will allow you to record on different channels while you’re away, otherwise it will need to be done manually.
Chase Playback:
This DVD recorder feature will allow you to start watching a programme from the beginning whilst it is still recording.
Tuners:
Some DVD recorders are tunerless, which means they cannot tune into broadcast TV so only work for recording satellite or cable TV. For broadcast TV you’ll need a model with a built-in ATSC tuner.
Other features:
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| Resume: |
This feature means the DVD player will resume playing the disc from where you left it. |
| Bookmark: |
This feature allows you to bookmark certain points in a number of DVD players so you can go straight to them. |
| Black Level Control: |
This adjusts the pictures black levels which helps when watching dark movies as LCD TVs often leave pictures looking washed out. |
| Hi-Fi Auto Power Off: |
As the name suggests this will switch your DVD player into standby mode after a set period of idleness to save energy. |
| Photos: |
Some DVD players will also be able to display photos on your TV, though the disc will need to be compatible. |
| Dolby Digital Output: |
This is industry standard on DVDs, but you will need a decoder, amplifier and speakers to take advantage of it. |
| Slow Motion: |
This feature allows you to go forward, and sometimes backwards, through the movie in slow motion. |
| Picture Zoom: |
This feature allows you to zoom in on a scene at varying magnifications. |
| Parental Control: |
Allows you to block usually up to 20 discs so your children can’t watch them while your back is turned. |
| Scan: |
Most models have forward and reverse scan at varying speeds to help you find specific scenes. |
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Associated Product Guides
There may be hundreds of TV channels available for your viewing pleasure these days, but you still can’t rely on finding anything you want to watch at any given time. All of which means a DVD player or recorder can be a worthwhile investment, giving you guaranteed access to your favourite movies and TV shows whenever you want. And with a Blu-Ray player you can still enjoy high definition quality. 
