4. Other Features

Always keep something in mind: there isn't a perfect DVD player. Between the CUE error, the shortcomings of the MPEG and video processor chips and the compromises made getting the image down to DVD resolution, the image will almost never reach its full potential. The best you can really hope for is the most tolerable experience.

So what about other features? Many features have become standard in recent years so they are no longer an issue. Just a few years ago we were still buying non-progressive scan players. Now progressive scan is a standard feature in all but the cheapest of players.

The first thing to look at is the DAC, which should at least offer 10-bit video DAC, 27-MHz of video processing speed and 24-bit/96kHz of audio DAC for maximum audio resolution. Most decent decks that retail for $150 and higher will offer 10-bit, 27Mhz video DAC and 24-bit/96kHz audio processing. Some even have a 12-bit DAC, 192kHz audio and a 54MHz video processor.

All DVD players come with composite video (a.k.a. the round yellow plug along with the red and white ones for audio) and S-video. Most have component video, which offers the best analog video resolution because it separates the colors into separate channels.

If you can afford it, get a player with an HDMI/DVI interface. The reason the deck has a DAC is because the video has to be converted to analog inside the DVD player and sent down the cable to your television. Component video is still analog. However, HDMI and DVI preserve the digital image, so the image going over the wire to your TV is digital, without being converted to analog. This helps preserve audio and video fidelity. The caveat, however, is that HDMI cables are ridiculously expensive, and cost around $120 vs. $30 for component video.

Panasonic's stellar S97 DVD player

This is especially helpful with DVD players that can upconvert video to 720 and even 1080 resolution. A good majority of DVD players that offer upconversion of video use Faroudja-based processing anyway, says Deering. Using HDMI does a better job of preserving the video quality since the video remains digital. Of course, if you don't have a high-definition TV with HDMI or DVI, then it's all pointless, unless you are planning to get one of these TVs in the future.

Deering wasn't keen on multi-disc players if only because there are more parts to break. I also find them slow, clumsy, noisy and too large. As for combination VHS/DVD decks and DVD-Tivo players, most of these tend to be low-end DVD players combined with other features and are not the most stellar of DVD players.

For some time, DVD players came with a Dolby Digital and DTS decoder built into the deck, but that trend has dropped off, which is for the better. Audio processing is best left to the receiver, which is designed for the job of audio processing in the first place.

By all means, do not be a slave to brand name. That was one of the lessons for me; I saw Pioneer Elite and assumed it was high-end. It had the 10-bit DAC, 192kHz audio processing, progressive scan, you name it. But the decoder was its weak link.