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How to choose a video player

The role of the video player in a home theater setup has certainly expanded significantly over the years. These days, besides DVD movies and music CDs, most video players can be used to play MP3s, view JPEG images and even watch DivX videos. Some players are also equipped to record your favorite TV programs onto DVDs and onboard hard drives, while others allow you to download camcorder footage. The top-of-the-line players today support Blu-ray discs, so you can enjoy the best resolution video on the latest high-definition flat-panel TVs. We'll explore some of the things you need to know when getting a video player for your bedroom.

The space you have

Space is usually quite limited in most bedrooms, so the last thing you want to do is to get a big player deck only to find out you don't have anywhere to put it. Before you make your way down to the store, decide where you want to place the player. It should sit on a firm, flat surface and be as close as possible to the TV and other home A/V equipment in order to minimize long unsightly cables running around the bedroom. It should also be easily accessible to facilitate disc changing.

Your video viewing requirements

Player vs. recorder:
The ubiquitous DVD player is also probably the most common choice among consumers for a bedroom video player. It is affordable, relatively compact and supports playback of almost all the disc and digital file formats in the market, except for Blu-ray. Most people are unlikely to use the DVD recorder or HDD/DVD recorder in the bedroom. But if you are in the market for one, the HDD/DVD recorder is worth considering. Although it is generally more expensive DVD recorders, it allows for longer recording times. More importantly, because the recorded video footage is stored in the hard drive, it can easily be retrieved without having to insert the disc. HDD/DVD recorders are also capable of simultaneous recording and playback of video content, whether it's from the DVD or the hard drive.

There are also selected players which combine both a DVD player (or DVD recorder) with a VCR, so you can enjoy playbacks of your old VHS tape collection, tape your favorite TV programs and yet watch the latest DVD titles.

DVD player

HDD/DVD recorder

Hard drive vs. disc:
If you've decided on a DVD recorder, know that this can be split into two broad categories: Those that record on DVDs and those that record on DVD and a built-in hard drive. The latter's key advantage is the huge recording capacity, not to mention the convenience of not having to burn a new DVD for each program. Some models now offer up to 500GB drives that can record more than 800 hours of video footage.

If you plan to go Blu-ray, Bluray.com offers detailed Blu-ray movie listings and release dates.

DVD vs. Blu-ray:
The key feature of a Blu-ray player is its ability to deliver native 1080p video resolution content. So unless you plan to install a full-HD flat-panel TV in your bedroom, it's rather pointless to invest in the player now. Besides which, Blu-ray players and discs are still relatively expensive, having trickled into the market just last year. The number of Blu-ray movie titles currently available is also quite limited compared to the vast DVD collection out there.

However, the Blu-ray player can display video in 1080p, which means delivering the best HD picture on the market. If picture quality is important to you, there's no point in waiting. However, take note that Blu-ray recorders are currently available in Japan only, so you'll have to opt for regular HDD/DVD recorders to video recording. And secondly, manufacturers are slowly shifting to Profile 2.0 players--which add the ability to deliver online special features (BD Live)--so you need to check if the model you're interested in offers that or the older Profile 1.0 or 1.1 standard.

Connectivity options:
The majority of video players in the market today sport at least a component, composite, S-video and digital audio output. Increasingly, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) can also be found on the latest players and recorders. The fact that it uses just one cable to connect both audio and video signals makes it an ideal solution for the bedroom as it really cuts down on cable clutter.

Many players with HDMI also come with HDMI-CEC, a specification that allows you to use just one remote control for the various devices connected via HDMI. While this is usually restricted to devices under the same brand, it is nonetheless a good feature to have if you hate having multiple remotes in the bedroom.

You will also find some models sporting integrated USB ports and memory card slots, which allow playback of images, videos and music. Look out for players with VGA ports if you are planning to connect to a PC monitor. Some recorders also feature a DV input for hookup to a digital camcorder.

Your budget

The video player you decide to buy at the end of the day really depends on how much you are willing to spend. If you are on a tight budget, DVD and DVD/VCR combo players are your best bets. Go for a DVD recorder or a lower-capacity HDD/DVD recorder if you need a recorder but don't really want to splurge. But for those who want only the very best that money can buy, look no further than the top-of-the-line HDD/DVD recorders and Blu-ray players.