DVD Player Reviews

Updated: May 22, 2013 08:18
Brand
alaScore
Price
#1
alaScore 100

Oppo BDP-103

For a hefty price, the Oppo BDP-103 offers top-notch performance along with every feature you could want in a Blu-ray player—and then some.

9 expert reviews | 7 user reviews

#2
alaScore 99

Denon DBT-1713UD

The Denon DBT-1713UD has just about everything you'd want in a Universal Player. It can play just about every 5" disc format on the market (and some that have all but died out). The USB port allows direct streaming of most of the popular video, image,...

9 expert reviews | 2 user reviews

#3
alaScore 98

Cambridge Audio Azur 751BD

We're sure this player is going to find an audience. While it does share some technology with players less than half its MSRP, there do seem to be plenty of upgrades (mostly on the audio, chassis, and power supply side) from the competition. The price...

16 expert reviews | 4 user reviews

#4
alaScore 98

Cambridge Audio AZUR 752BD

Completing the line-up are RS-232 and IR emitter port for custom install/multi-room use and a ‘diagnostic’ composite video output for use if the HDMI fails and you need to check what’s wrong.

2 expert reviews

#5
alaScore 97

Oppo BDP-95

The BDP-95's audio performance earns its asking price all on its own. Toss in the fact that you get an outstanding Blu-ray machine with streaming ability and what you get is a terrifically nimble universal player with sky-high value.

18 expert reviews | 10 user reviews

#6
alaScore 97

Panasonic DMR-PWT520 Blu-ray player/HDD recorder

As a combo Blu-ray player and TV recorder, the DMR-PWT520 does a good job -- it's quick, quiet and simple. The player's VIERA Connect Web features are OK, but you'll find better Internet video streaming from competitors.

4 expert reviews | 1 user reviews

#7
alaScore 96

Pioneer BDP-LX55

This new LX-series player competes with other high-end 3D Blu-ray players from companies such as Sony and Philips. We see how it stacks up.

7 expert reviews | 10 user reviews

#8
alaScore 96

LG BP420

A Blu-ray player that offers good playback quality and great Smart TV apps at a budget price.

5 expert reviews | 25 user reviews

#9
alaScore 96

Pioneer BDP-150

100% of reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

2 expert reviews | 16 user reviews

#10
alaScore 95

Samsung BD-ES6000E

With the rebate I get a brand new smart Blu-Ray player with built in Wi-Fi for $49.99!

3 expert reviews | 45 user reviews

#11
alaScore 94

Marantz UD7006

Marantz's UD7006 sports most of the features we like to see in a higher-end Blu-ray player, including 3D capability, SACD/DVD-Audio playback, multichannel analog outputs, RS-232, DLNA streaming, and Netflix video-on-demand. However, for a player that...

13 expert reviews | 18 user reviews

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#12
alaScore 93

Toshiba BDX1250KE

Toshiba's BDX1250 is designed to appeal to those making their first timid steps from standard-def DVD to hi-def Blu-ray. No shame in that, except it has to compete with plenty of other decks (including Sony's BDP-S185 and Panasonic's DMP-BD75) that are...

5 expert reviews | 21 user reviews

#13
alaScore 93

Samsung BD-E5500

30% of reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

1 expert reviews | 47 user reviews

#14
alaScore 92

Samsung BD-E5300

So far, I've enjoyed my Samsung BR player. I tried a BR for the first time last night and it wouldn't play, but could have been a bad disc. Will try another soon. It plays regular discs OK. I like the internet option. That was llike a bonus for me....

1 expert reviews | 105 user reviews

#15
alaScore 92

Toshiba BDX3300

A smart Blu-ray player at a smart price: Toshiba goes back to basics on a stunningly small budget. Can it pull it off?

2 expert reviews | 10 user reviews

#16
alaScore 92

Sony Internet Player with Google TV

A great-looking piece of kit from Sony that ultimately falls short of the smart TV party thanks to devices like the Xbox.

2 expert reviews | 4 user reviews

#17
alaScore 92

LG BX580

Tthe BX580 produced particularly impressive results in our regular 2D tests. It received grades of Superb on most of our tests, and never scored less than Very Good

25 expert reviews | 87 user reviews

#18
alaScore 91

Denon DBP-1611UD

If you had asked us the day before the Denon press event is anyone was going to challenge Oppo for Blu-ray recommendation dominance, we'd have said "No way." Boy, would we have been wrong. The new Denon DBP-1611UD might not have all the bells and...

8 expert reviews | 32 user reviews

#19
alaScore 91

Panasonic DMR-BWT720

A superb HDD/Blu-ray recorder that leaves no stone unturned.

1 expert reviews | 11 user reviews

#20
alaScore 91

Super 8 - DVD

a zombie movie using a Super 8 camera. Sneaking out one night to shoot a scene at the railway station, the teens witness a catastrophic collision between a freight train and a truck. The army arriv ...

4 expert reviews | 7 user reviews

#21
alaScore 91

Toshiba BDX5300

The Toshiba BDX5300 offers a lot of features in a Wi-Fi-capable, 3D-supporting Blu-ray player, but its design choices and finicky interface hurt it.

2 expert reviews | 14 user reviews

#22
alaScore 90

Pioneer BDP-LX52

There’s no question about it: Pioneer devices almost unfailingly produce top-quality pictures. On top of that, the BDP-LX 52 also sounds fantastic: Pioneer’s PQLS technology improves differentiation in HD-audio formats — although only if you use the...

23 expert reviews | 13 user reviews

#23
alaScore 90

Panasonic DMP-BDT120

Panasonic's entry-level 3D deck will save you cash, but is it worth the sacrifice?

1 expert reviews | 16 user reviews

#24
alaScore 90

Panasonic DVD-S68

Because it relies on HDMI connections, this DVD player is great for newer TVs with HDMI inputs.

1 expert reviews | 13 user reviews

#25
alaScore 89

Toshiba BDX1300KB

This is a brilliant little compact blu-ray player - it is exactly what we needed. The home cinema system had died (hated the blasted thing anyway - to much 'junk in the living room' and never really liked it !! This blu-ray player was purchased just to...

10 user reviews

Buying Guide

Buying Guide - DVD Players

DVDs remain the most popular option for home entertainment, and having a good DVD player is crucial to getting the most enjoyment out of this format. Compared to other electronics, DVD players are very reasonably priced, which has ensured their lasting popularity. After the television itself, the centerpiece of most home entertainment systems is the DVD player.



Contents

Types of DVD Players

Blu-ray – For anyone determined to have the very best in quality and display clarity, high-definition Blu-ray technology is the current cutting edge for DVD players. Blu-ray offers 1080p video display, the highest resolution available. The added performance comes at a premium, as both Blu-ray DVD players and the discs are more expensive than standard, but the greater resolution is well worth the price to many consumers. Blu-ray DVD players are fully compatible with standard DVDs, so there is no need for an additional player.

Standard – Standard format DVD players remain a sizable portion of the market, and many consumers are satisfied with the display clarity of these DVD players. Some newer models, when used in concert with an HD television, provide image quality that is close to that of Blu-ray. Standard DVD players come at a sharp discount compared to Blu-ray models.

Portable – Portable DVD players let you watch movies and television programs while on the go. Perfect for kids in the car, to relieve the boredom of air travel, or for anyone on a long vacation, portable units include the DVD player and a display screen (5”-10” is the norm).

What to Look for in a DVD Player

Play Options: DVD players provide you with a number of different ways to control the display, depending on the model. You can choose from several different aspect ratios, from the common 4:3 to widescreen 16:10. You can zoom in and out of the action. There are several different speed settings, allowing fast-forward and slow-motion replay. Some players are compatible with multi-angle replay, although this requires discs that have been produced with this function in mind.

Disc Capacity: Portable and entry-level units will only have room for one disc at a time, but more robust models feature a carousel that can hold several (usually three to five) DVDs. This reduces the need to change discs when selecting among programs to watch.

Format Compatibility: Most DVD players can play more than just DVDs. They may also play CDs, CD-ROMs, CD and DVD-R/RW, Windows Media Audio and JPEG files, and more. Look for a higher-end model if you are interested in flexibility and a more expansive range of format compatibility.

Popular DVD Player Brands

There are a number of names that you would expect to be listed among the outstanding manufacturers of DVD players. Panasonic, Philips, LG, and Pioneer are all very well-known and respected for producing high-quality DVD players at all different levels of price and performance. JVC and Samsung have distinguished themselves with their mid-range and high-end models, and they are well regarded by home theater connoisseurs. Sony is one of the innovators of the Blu-ray format, and supports it with several models across a number of different price ranges. Funai is known for its value-conscious pricing and solid performing models, while Coby has made a name for itself with a number of exceptional portable models.

Popular DVD Player products

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