DVD Players

Are you still using a VHS machine to watch and record videos? Thinking about replacing it with a newer model? Then you probably need a DVD player.

DVD stands for Digital Video Disc, which looks the same as a standard CD but holds up to seven times more information. That makes it particularly useful for storing video which requires a lot of memory space for the sound and pictures combined.



Most computers already come fitted with a combination CD/DVD drive, which lets you record music to CD and listen to it in most conventional CD players. Stand-alone DVD players will also play CDS and MP3s. Recent models allow you to record straight to DVD, but these are still expensive.

Digital video (DVD) has many advantages over traditional VHS tapes. They’re only the size of a normal CD, which makes storage simpler and more convenient. They can easily fit in your CD rack along with the rest of your CDs.

DVD players provide more interactive functions. You can watch the whole movie from beginning to end, or select certain scenes and watch these separately. With the remote control you can skip forward or back and watch your favourite scenes over and over, with none of the rewind noise you get on a VHS machine.

Because DVDs have such a large storage capacity, they often include extra features on the movie disc, such as ‘behind the scenes’ information, documentaries about the making of the movie or interviews with the cast, crew and directors. Some models incorporate a multi camera angle so you can view scenes from a different perspective, and a zoom function that lets you get in closer to the action.

Most players connect to your television through a standard scart cable, giving you control over sound, brightness, etc. through your TV’s remote control.

Portable DVD players come with a flip-up LCD screen a bit like a laptop. They incorporate all the usual features and may include a clock and calendar function. These normally run on batteries with an optional AC adaptor and sometimes a cigarette lighter adaptor for use in the car.

In-car DVD systems are often built-in by car manufacturers, although it is possible to have a system installed, perhaps integrated with a new Satellite Navigation system. Systems for your car can be fixed to the dashboard, mounted on the ceiling or attached to the back of the front seats, giving access to passengers and taking responsibility away from the driver, who gets to keep his or her hands on the wheel.

If you would like more inforation on DVD players and recorders then see UK DVD which has a wealth of information about DVD technology.

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