Buying Guide for a DVD Player

This is another confusing gadget for me. Technology changes rapidly every day. If you walk into a store and tell the salesman that you want to buy a DVD player, he will throw at you many questions. Not long ago, you can just purchase what you want, and only have to compare the makers. Now, you have a whole new list of extra to think about.

After many days of learning, below are some areas that would be helpful to know when shopping for a new DVD player.

What do you want in a DVD player?

---Disc capacity---Load multiple disc in the player at the same time.

---Progressive scan---Mean the number of lines doubled on the screen, and make the picture sharper. However, only if used with hi-def TVs but not with analogs. PS is standard on new models and requisite for HDTV.

---Playback formats---You can view digital pictures, play burned disc or MP3, and pre-recorded DVDs.

---DVD recorder---You can record TV shows to disc, and it is free, but not user-friendly as a TiVo or DVRs from cable or satellite providers.

What features are you interested in?

--- Hi-def horizon--- Hi-def DVD players enhanced picture quality. Don't buy hi-def DVD players just yet, since there are two formats-HD DVD and Blu-ray-competing to be the industry standard.

---Surround sound---Often sold as a package, systems typically include the DVD player, a subwoofer and six speakers, and can cost around $100 to $1000. Newer options include wireless speakers as well as "virtual" systems, which give the illusion of surround sound with fewer speakers.

What brand to buy?

1. Pioneer DV-300V--- Cost around $69, plays both DVDs and CDs. This is compatible with MP3 picture files, and uses digital-to-analog converter for a clearer picture and better sound.

2. Toshiba SD-V295--- Cost round $90, plays DVDs, CDs, and VHS. It has one-touch recording, plays MP3 and JPEG files.

3. Panasonic DVD-F87S--- Cost around $130, plays DVDs and CDs. This machine holds up to five discs at a time, and four can be reloaded while one is playing. It is compatible with MP3 and JPEG files.

4. Samsung DVD-R157--- Cost around $180, plays DVDs and CDs. This records TV and HDTV programs, and has a camcorder hookup to record videos quickly and easily.

When shopping, remember to bring along a DVD to play. It will help you judge sound and picture quality before you buy. Make sure your TV has the best cable connection available, check the manual, or ask the salesman for the most advanced output cable for optimum picture quality. Look on line for good deals, and you should not pay more than $30. DVD players come with just the most basic cable.