Blu-ray & DVD players

Standard DVD players continue to remain popular, partly because Blu-ray high-definition players still cost quite a bit more. And they can give you a very enjoyable viewing experience--the best picture you'll ever see on a standard-definition TV, and a nicely detailed image on an HDTV.

If you're still in the market for a standard DVD player, the good news is that they're widely available, and at very attractive prices. For example, the lowest-priced model we tested cost only $40--about as much as two full-length DVD feature movies. All the players we tested are so-called "upconverting" models that, with the help of video processing, can change the 480i video contained on all DVDs to "quasi-HD" resolutions that more closely match the native resolution of an HDTV. (For more information about this feature, see the "How to Buy" section.) They also have a wide array of features, such as HDMI and component-video connections, and the ability to play many different kinds of discs.

For watching mostly DVD movies on an HDTV, all the tested models would provide fine picture quality. A few players didn't do as well with video-based programs, so you may want to avoid these if you watch TV series or concerts on DVDs. There was more variation in standard-definition performance, though, so be selective if you have a non-HDTV.

While all the models tested include an HDMI connection--required to pass upconverted signals to a TV--we noted that a few are beginning to skimp on older analog connections. Some of the tested models no longer include an S-video connection, for instance. If you'll be connecting a DVD player to an older TV, make sure to choose a player that has video outputs that match the highest-quality video inputs on the TV for the best possible picture.

All the DVD players we tested were single-disc players except the Sony, which is a five-disc model.

There are now several 3D-enabled Blu-ray players in our Ratings. These players can play 3D Blu-ray discs when used with a 3D-capable TV and 3D glasses. Prices are dropping, and more brands now offer at least one or two 3D models. The lowest-priced 3D player in our Ratings--a Sony that can be upgraded to full 3D capability via a free firmware update--costs about $150. Most are $200 or more.

Prerecorded 3D content is still limited, and we expect it to remain that way through the end of the year. With so few 3D TVs and 3D Blu-ray players sold to date, there's little incentive for movie studios to roll out 3D releases. Still, you might consider a 3D model if you're shopping for a Blu-ray player, as all models can also play standard 2D Blu-ray movies, and you'll be good to go when more 3D movies are available. Just remember that to view a 3D Blu-ray movie, you'll also need a 3D TV and special 3D glasses.

You have many fine choices for a regular Blu-ray player at attractive prices. Full-featured, top-rated players from major brands now start as low as $130, and prices could drop even further this year. All the models in our Ratings have excellent high-definition picture quality when playing Blu-ray discs, and almost all do an excellent job upconverting standard DVDs to quasi-HD. Our Recommended models highlight especially noteworthy players. Given the performance consistency we're seeing, almost any model in the Ratings might be a fine choice if you find it at the right price. But there can be real differences in the features offered by the various players in our Ratings. With so many players offering excellent picture quality, we will continue to look for distinguishing features to help differentiate among the choices.

All models now have BonusView, a picture-in-picture feature, and most new models now have BD-Live, so they can connect to the Internet to access extra content--such as outtakes, additional directors' or actors' commentaries, or even video games--from a movie-studio's servers. But many of these players can also access additional online content, including streaming movies from services such as Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Blockbuster, or Vudu, or music from Pandora or Slacker Internet radio services. In most cases, you need to plug the player into an Ethernet connection, which can be a challenge if the nearest outlet isn't close by. More models now offer wireless options for connecting to a home network. Some BD-Live players have all the memory required, while others require you to add an optional memory card or USB flash drive (at a typical cost of $10 or $15) to activate the BD-Live feature.

Web-connected players can also add new types of content or features via firmware updates. Two of Sony's players in our Ratings, for example, have added 3D capability via a firmware update. Often the updates are performed automatically, but you may want to occasionally perform a manual update.

All the CR Best Buys are lower-priced models with access to streaming movies. Two other Best Buys--from Sony--are the lowest-priced 3D model, and the lowest-priced 3D model with built-in Wi-Fi, we've seen so far. One of our top-rated players, the Oppo BDP-83, is no longer listed as a Recommended model only because its price remains high compared to newer competition, and it lacks streaming movie services. But its excellent performance and unique features might appeal to those who don't need streaming movies.

Most of the DVD recorders we tested produced very good or excellent recordings when set to the highest quality, which yields the shortest recording time, and all had excellent picture quality when playing film-based progressive-scan (480p) DVDs. In addition, all the recorders in our Ratings can upconvert standard DVDs to quasi-HD resolutions, and all were very easy to use. Your choice will depend largely on whether you'd like a model that also includes a built-in VCR or hard-drive recorder, as many new models do. In our latest Ratings, only the Toshiba D-R650 records exclusively to DVD. It excels with film-based DVDs, which represent the vast majority of DVDs, but its progressive-scan picture quality with video-based DVDs (such as concerts or TV series) is below that of most other models.

Also consider which features you want, such as set-top box control and the type of digital-audio outputs. All these models include an HDMI output, which is typically required for sending upconverted video to an HDTV. Models without tuners cost less, and they're fine if you get TV via cable or satellite. Given the impending transition to all-digital over-the-air broadcasts in February 2009, you may want a recorder with a digital tuner if you have an older TV connected to an antenna. These models can convert digital over-the-air signals to The Ratings lists models, within types, by performance.

You'll find a wide choice of portable DVD players on the market at a range of retailers, including drugstores and supermarkets. We've found that picture and sound quality tend to be middling with most players but should be good enough for casual viewers craving entertainment on a road trip. You can often get better sound if you use decent headphones. Most new players have two headphone jacks (though a few have one or three jacks) but don't come with headphones. You can also connect these players to a TV to watch a movie on a bigger screen.

The portable DVD players tested all have a composite-video output and input, a two-channel stereo analog-audio output and input, AC charger, and car adapter. They can play DVD-/+R and DVD-/+RW discs, Audio CDs, MP3 audio, and JPEG picture files on CDs.