Abazoo UK: Consumer Advice
DVD Players: Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba
ABOUT DVD PLAYERS
DVD Players can be classified into two main groups: those that simply replay a DVD disk, and those that are also able to record TV programmes. Those that record can use as the storage medium one or more of: DVD-R (these are one-time use recordable DVD disks); DVD-RW (these are recordable DVD disks that can be erased and used again); and high capacity hard disks built into the DVD player. Those using removable disks for recording are known as Digital Video Recorders (DVR); those with a hard disk are referred to as Digital Video Recorders (DVR) or Personal Video Recorders (PVR).
The most sophisticated DVD players are those which incorporate a hard disk. These can store up to 250 hours of TV, can be set to record TV programmes at a time of your choice, and can provide pause and replay facilities. There is a tenfold difference in price between the simplest and most complex DVD players.
CONSUMER ADVICE ON DVD PLAYERS
John Lewis publishes a good guide to buying DVD players, explaining scanning methods, formats, and features such as pause, time slip, and simultaneous record and playback.
Which? publishes on its website online reports of its independent product tests on DVD recorders, and on Personal Video Recorders. The reports include a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; and product comparisons. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.
Richer Sounds publishes an excellent set of more than twenty Tip Sheets giving buying advice on subjects from amplifiers, bi-wire and cables to recordable CDs, setting up systems, and stands.
LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF DVD PLAYERS
Panasonic. Panasonic is a leading manufacturer of DVD players, and has a section on DVD players in its website. Some Panasonic models have 'time slip' feature, enabling you to watch a recorded programme from the beginning while still continuing to record it.
Philips. There is a section of the Philips UK website for DVD players. These include combi systems with DVD player and video recorder in the same unit. Philips also offers DVD/hard disk recorders, with 160 GB of memory. These can record up to 250 hours of TV, can pause and provide instant replay.
Samsung. The Samsung website has a section on DVD players. These include Hi-Definition DVD Players which convert standard DVD image quality to high definition. There are also combi units combining DVD player with video recorder.
Sony is a manufacturer of high quality consumer electronics. Its UK website has a section dealing with DVD players. These include combi units with video recorder, DVD recorders which enable you to save TV programmes, and DVD recorders with hard disks and freeview included.
Toshiba. Toshiba has a section of its website dealing with DVD players. These range from basic single-function DVD players, to sophisticated machines with hard disk and removable recordable DVDs. These can be used to edit video from a camcorder, and produce permanent DVDs from the edited output.
LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF DVD PLAYERS
Empire Direct is a leading online supplier of electrical equipment, whose aim is to offer goods at prices up to 30% lower than those found in normal retailers. Its website has a section on DVD Players. Orders for DVD players are normally processed and delivered within three working days. UK mainland delivery charges start from £1.49 per order.
John Lewis is a trustworthy firm selling through its department stores and online. Its website has a section on DVD players. These include combi units which combine DVD player with video recorder, and DVD players combined with home cinema systems. John Lewis gives a free second year service guarantee on digital cameras, and free standard delivery for orders over £100.
Tesco Direct is the online arm of Tesco selling electrical equipment and furniture. It offers a range of DVD players at keen prices, including DVD players with built-in Freeview reception. The Tesco Direct website has a section showing the best-selling DVD players.
PRICE COMPARISONS FOR DVD PLAYERS
The following websites supply UK price comparisons for DVD players: Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK provides price comparisons for DVD players together with user reviews.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO DVD PLAYERS
Wikipedia article on DVD players.
Epinions. User reviews on DVD players from the US-based Epinions website.
How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how DVDs work, including illustrations.
_______________________________________________________________
Popular topics: Audio Systems, Camcorders, Digital Cameras, Digital Radios, Dishwashers, DVD Players, Fridge Freezers, Home Cinema, Microwave Ovens, Mobile Phones, Ovens, Televisions, Tumble Dryers, Washer Dryers, Washing Machines.
Publisher: This professionally edited directory of recommended websites is published by Extonet Ltd, which also publishes Beesker. It is financed only by Google advertisements, which are clearly identified; no payment is received from websites that are included.
.