DVD players: FAQs
Is there anything special to look for in a DVD player?
DVD players are getting cheaper and better
Prices in the past few years have plummeted and nowadays, it's hard to buy a bad DVD player, but some models have better features and are easier to use - see Features explained for more details.
If you want to play discs from around the world, buy a multi-region player. If you aren't sure whether a device will play a particular type of disc, take one with you or ask in the shop.
You will need a TV with a Scart input (or similar) to connect a DVD player. Almost all modern televisions are supplied with a Scart connection.
What is HD up-scaling?
Many standard players feature a high-definition (HDMI) socket that claims to improve standard definition pictures when connected to an HD-ready TV. The process is called HD up-scaling.
However, we have rarely witnessed any picture improvement in our tests when compared to viewing via Scart connections and in some cases the picture can actually look worse.
What is regional coding?
Ever wanted to get your hands on the latest movie when it's released on DVD in the US? Unfortunately, film distribution companies are doing their best to make sure you can't watch a film until it's been released over here.
DVD discs and players use a system of regional coding: the US is region 1, Europe and Japan region 2, all the way up to region 6 for China.
Discs released in one region won't usually play in players sold in another, so you won't be able to play cheap DVDs from the US in a UK-bought machine.
However, you can get round this. Some players can be 'hacked' – usually by typing in a code using the remote control.
Various internet sites such as dvdreviewer tell you the codes needed to hack your machine.
More often, machines need to be internally modified or 'chipped' to play DVDs from other regions. You can buy ready-chipped 'multi-region' machines, but bear in mind this modification may invalidate the manufacturer's warranty.
Is there any regional coding on high-definition DVD players?
Blu-ray discs use a similar, but not identical, regional coding system to standard DVD. Region A covers the Americas and South East Asia; region B is Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia; and C relates to Central and South Asia and Russia.
HD-DVD discs don’t feature regional coding yet, but pressure from the movie industry may change this in the future. In the UK, both types of high-definition player work with region 2 standard definition discs.
Most DVDs are best viewed in widescreen
Do I need a wide-screen TV to watch DVDs?
You don't need one, but it's a good idea. DVD players can adjust the image output for either a widescreen or conventional TV set, but most movies on DVD are best viewed in widescreen.
Are DVD players more reliable than my old VCR?
DVD players are comparatively new, so we can't yet say how reliable they will prove to be. So far, though, things are looking promising: only 3% of models in our latest reliability survey had broken down in the previous 4 years.
What type of discs can I play?
All players will play back pre-recorded commercial DVD discs, but if you’re likely to want to play back discs recorded on a friend’s DVD recorder (in –R/RW, +R/RW or Ram format) make sure that the player you buy will play back the format they use.
Will it work with a surround sound system?
The surround-sound system and the DVD player's digital output have to be compatible
If you intend to use the DVD player with a surround-sound system you’ll need one with a digital output that’s compatible with the surround-sound amplifier. There are 2 types of output, coaxial (wire) and optical (fibre optic) so make sure you get the correct type.
Can I play CDs in a DVD player?
Yes. Some machines will play other audio discs, too, including DVD-Audio, SA-CD (a new audio format) and those containing MP3 files. Some can also read DVDs that contain .jpg files such as pictures saved from a digital camera.
What are 'Easter eggs'?
Some DVD discs contain hidden 'treats' – known as Easter eggs. Typically, these are behind-the-scenes footage or out-takes from filming. They can be hard to find on the disc but websites such as eeggs can reveal them.