If you're shopping for a new DVD player, be prepared for a bountiful harvest of players from an ever-growing list of manufacturers. The good news is that prices for DVD players--especially for basic units--have dropped over the last year. New players come in different configurations, and they are compatible with more formats than before (regular CDs, MP3, CD-RW, and so on).
In addition to standard DVD players, you'll find high-definition units, DVD/VCR combo units, DVD recorders, and portable players, from big-name companies like Philips, Panasonic, Sony, and Samsung, along with some lesser-known brands, such as Apex and CyberHome. There's more good news: Compared to last year, DVD recorders are now more affordable.
Not sure what kind of DVD player to buy? We didn't test individual units, but we will help you figure out the different product categories. We'll highlight the common features and specifications that you're likely to encounter as you shop around. We include product examples along with the manufacturers' list prices, but in most cases, you're likely to pay less, depending on where you buy.
