DVDCity: Check out key DVD Player features

What are the key features of DVD?

Over 2 hours of high-quality digital video (a double-sided, dual-layer disc can hold about 8 hours of high-quality video, or 30 hours of VHS quality video).
Support for widescreen movies on standard or widescreen TVs (4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios).
Up to 8 tracks of digital audio (for multiple languages, commentaries, etc.), each with as many as 8 channels.
Up to 32 subtitle/karaoke tracks.
Automatic seamless branching of video (for multiple story lines or ratings on one disc).
Up to 9 camera angles (different viewpoints can be selected during playback).
On-screen menus and simple interactive features (for games, quizzes, etc.).
Multilingual identifying text for title name, album name, song name, cast, crew, etc.
Instant rewind and fast forward (no "be kind, rewind" stickers and threats on rental discs)
Instant search to title, chapter, music track, and timecode.
Durable (no wear from playing, only from physical damage).
Not susceptible to magnetic fields. Resistant to heat.
Compact size (easy to handle, store, and ship; players can be portable; replication is cheaper than tapes or laserdiscs).
Noncomedogenic.

Region Free Pioneer DVD Player On Sale
We've reduced the price on this popular player, the DV-420V-K Region Free DVD Player is Pioneer's newest model and replaces the Pioneer DV-410V which was a extremely popular model and was well recieved by our customers, this model includes our WorldClad WC-12H™ chipset for seamless region free operation and PAL to NTSC conversion. There is no fiddling with the remote or turning the player on and off to change regions. The new model adds a USB input to allow you to plug in a device to view audio and video files. $189 - IN STOCK NOW! (More Details)

New Lower Price! Denon DVD-2930 Region Free DVD Player
We have a new lower price on one of our top of the line Region Free DVD Players. The Denon DVD-2930 player contains our best WorldClad WC-14H™ codefree and PAL and NTSC conversion chip set for seemless playback with no remote control adjustment necessary. This hard wired conversion differs from commonly used software conversions. Its rock solid, three-layer design and aluminum front panel fight vibrations that will intrigue any Audio Video Enthusiast. $599 (More Details)

Region Free Pioneer Elite DV-49AV-B DVD Player - Upconverts DVDs to 1080p
Emotions are deeper. Action more intense. Movies more thrilling. Welcome to the world of the Pioneer Elite DV-49AV-B. Hardware codefree conversion using our proprietary WorldClad WC-14H™ chip set insures automatic no-hassle conversion of all your DVD material from anywhere in the world. Built to the highest industry standards, there has never been another DVD player that provides both the sights and sounds of this one, in such an incredibly brilliant new way. $399 - IN STOCK NOW! (More Details)

Region Free JVC HD Upconverting DVD Player
This slim model is only 1-9/16" high and upconverts DVDs to 1080i resolution on compatible HDTVs. It plays DVD-Video, DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW discs from any region using our proprietary WorldClad WC-12H™ region free chip. But it also can play CD, CD-R/RW audio discs, SVCD/VCD discs, DivX discs and WMA/MP3/JPEG discs. It can even play JPEG digital photos as a slideshow with music. Other highlights include progressive scan output, component video output, and Dolby Digital/DTS Digital surround sound outputs. $199 - IN STOCK NOW! (More Details)

Contains WorldClad™ Region Free DVD Technology

All of our Region Free DVD Players contain our proprietary WorldClad™ hard chip conversion technology, the WC-12H™ and WC-14H™ chipsets provide seamless conversion of PAL to NTSC and region 1 through 7 playback. We are so confident about the abilities of this technology solution that we back it up with a lifetime gaurantee on the region free modification! Our Code Free, Region Free DVD Players include PAL->NTSC conversion to watch PAL movies on your NTSC TV, and region free play without turning the player on and off or fiddling with complicated remote gymnastics. Our WorldClad modification also supports RCE encoded region 1 discs that software modified players may not play.

Most DVD Players support a standard set of features:

Language choice (for automatic selection of video scenes, audio tracks, subtitle tracks, and menus).*
Special effects playback: freeze, step, slow, fast, and scan.
Parental lock (for denying playback of discs or scenes with objectionable material).*
Programmability (playback of selected sections in a desired sequence).
Random play and repeat play.
Digital audio output (PCM stereo and Dolby Digital).
Recognition and output of DTS Digital Surround audio tracks.
Playback of audio CDs.
Some more expensive DVD players include additional features:

Component video output (YUV or RGB) for higher quality picture.
Progressive-scan component output (YUV or RGB) for highest quality analog picture.
Digital video output (SDI, 1394, or DVI/HDMI) for perfect digital picture.
Six-channel analog output from internal audio decoder (Dolby Digital, DTS, or MLP).
Playback of Video CDs or Super Video CDs.
Playback of MP3 CDs.
Playback of MP3 DVDs.
Playback of video files in other formats such as DivX and MPEG-4.
Playback of Picture CDs and Photo CDs.
Playback of laserdiscs and CDVs.
Reverse single frame stepping.
Reverse play (normal speed).
RF output (for TVs with no direct video input).
Multilingual on-screen display.
Multiple disc capacity.
Digital zoom (2x or 4x enlargement of a section of the picture). This is a player feature, not a DVD disc feature.

16:9 Aspect Ratio or Widescreen Aspect ratio refers to the width and height of your TV screen. Many films are offered in their original aspect ratio (16:9). You can tell your player what type of TV you have and it will play back the movie accordingly. If you have a normal 4:3 set, you can watch movies in the standard aspect ratio or letterboxed. (black bars found on the top and bottom of the screen). If you have a new widescreen (16:9) set, it will automatically display the movie letterboxed or ananmorphically (which fills the screen with a widescreen image).

Audio/Video Inputs and Outputs These are your connections to other components. Video outputs (and their audio counterparts) are desirable because they allow you more versatility in signal switching of multiple VCR and DVD players. Depending on how you hook up your A/V system, either the TV or your A/V receiver can be used for video switching.

Chapter Numbers These numbers are recorded on the discs and are used to indicate sections or chapters (similar to track numbers on CDs). A symphony with four movements will have four tracks; movies are similarly divided into distinct sections.

Component Video Inputs and Outputs Also called Color Difference or ColorStream, this is the latest (and best) video input/output to date. While similar to RGB (red/green/blue) connections, it separates the luminance and chrominance even further, providing images superior to S-VHS images. Most step-up DVD players now include component video outputs, which will also be included on most HDTV set-top boxes. Many TV manufacturers are now including these inputs on their mid- to upper-line TVs. These inputs provide resolution of 500 lines or better.

Dolby Digital (built-in) This means that the player has a Dolby Digital decoder built into it. This is the next step beyond Dolby Pro Logic, offering 5.1 channels of sound. In the Dolby Pro Logic mode, sound comes from the front left and right speakers, the center speaker, and the rear speakers (which are mono). Using Dolby Digital, the rear channel is now stereo and a separate channel (the .1 in 5.1) is included for the subwoofer. This lets the director and sound engineer localize sound to a specific area or speaker. In other words, you are getting full stereo surround.

Parental Lock-Out or Channel Block All DVD players let you control what your children watch. By accessing the on-screen menu system, you can set specific viewing levels for the player. You can override these controls by punching in a special code (that you as the parent devise). These controls are designed to help parents manage their children's viewing time.

S-video Inputs and Outputs Many components now include S-video jacks. S-video separates the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals. It offers better picture quality than standard video inputs while increasing resolution. It helps color reproduction and helps reduce jitter at scene transitions. On some televisions, you will find as many S-video jacks as you have video inputs. To get the most out of your video source, you must use an S-video jack for the highest resolution.

Universal Remote Many models now feature pre-programmed universal remotes with the ability to control a TV and cable box. Some even control satellite systems.

View DVDCity's selection of DVD Players

Code Free DVD & Region Free DVD Players
Region 1 - USA Only DVD Players
Further DVD Player Resources

What is DVD
DVD player key features
DVD buying tips
DVD region coding explained
Map of the different DVD regions
Links to other DVD related sites

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16:9 Aspect Ratio or Widescreen	Aspect ratio refers to the width and height of your TV screen. Many films are offered in their original aspect ratio (16:9). You can tell your player what type of TV you have and it will play back the movie accordingly. If you have a normal 4:3 set, you can watch movies in the standard aspect ratio or letterboxed. (black bars found on the top and bottom of the screen). If you have a new widescreen (16:9) set, it will automatically display the movie letterboxed or ananmorphically (which fills the screen with a widescreen image).
Audio/Video Inputs and Outputs	These are your connections to other components. Video outputs (and their audio counterparts) are desirable because they allow you more versatility in signal switching of multiple VCR and DVD players. Depending on how you hook up your A/V system, either the TV or your A/V receiver can be used for video switching.
Chapter Numbers	These numbers are recorded on the discs and are used to indicate sections or chapters (similar to track numbers on CDs). A symphony with four movements will have four tracks; movies are similarly divided into distinct sections.
Component Video Inputs and Outputs	Also called Color Difference or ColorStream, this is the latest (and best) video input/output to date. While similar to RGB (red/green/blue) connections, it separates the luminance and chrominance even further, providing images superior to S-VHS images. Most step-up DVD players now include component video outputs, which will also be included on most HDTV set-top boxes. Many TV manufacturers are now including these inputs on their mid- to upper-line TVs. These inputs provide resolution of 500 lines or better.
Dolby Digital (built-in)	This means that the player has a Dolby Digital decoder built into it. This is the next step beyond Dolby Pro Logic, offering 5.1 channels of sound. In the Dolby Pro Logic mode, sound comes from the front left and right speakers, the center speaker, and the rear speakers (which are mono). Using Dolby Digital, the rear channel is now stereo and a separate channel (the .1 in 5.1) is included for the subwoofer. This lets the director and sound engineer localize sound to a specific area or speaker. In other words, you are getting full stereo surround.
Parental Lock-Out or Channel Block	All DVD players let you control what your children watch. By accessing the on-screen menu system, you can set specific viewing levels for the player. You can override these controls by punching in a special code (that you as the parent devise). These controls are designed to help parents manage their children's viewing time.
S-video Inputs and Outputs	Many components now include S-video jacks. S-video separates the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals. It offers better picture quality than standard video inputs while increasing resolution. It helps color reproduction and helps reduce jitter at scene transitions. On some televisions, you will find as many S-video jacks as you have video inputs. To get the most out of your video source, you must use an S-video jack for the highest resolution.
Universal Remote	Many models now feature pre-programmed universal remotes with the ability to control a TV and cable box. Some even control satellite systems.