Best DVD Players 2012

The broad spectrum of media usage that a DVD player provides, makes it a must-have among electronic devices. Think about it. All media data forms, video, images and music come on DVDs. So for any basic viewing at home, you need a DVD player. For a home theater system, you need the best in image and video quality, again found in data inscribed on DVD discs. So a DVD player is also an integral part of a home theater system. And for media usage on the go, instead of lugging around a laptop, you have portable DVD players, with small screens, light mass and battery powered. For those traveling with kids, a portable DVD player is essential in keeping them distracted at airports and during long car trips.

The best DVD players are so much more than just players, they are actual media hubs. DVD players with USB ports allow for media file access on a pen drive, allowing 2 different devices to connect. And allowing image slide show display as well as MP3 and audio files format support are other perks. There's no compromise on quality, with features like Progressive Scan and 1080p Upconversion, converting ordinary video into High Definition.

Best DVD Players 2012

Here's a look at some of the best and newest models of DVD players from the top brands.

♦ LG DN898

• Access your media files from a pendrive using the built-in USB 2.0 port
• HDMI port with 1080p Upscaling factor
• Superb audio quality with Dolby® Digital sound system support
• Media friendly player with multiple audio and JPEG format support
• Easy and functional playback features with parental lock
• Supported formats : DVD/DVD-RW/-R/DVD-+RW/+R/CD/CD-R/RW/WMA/MP3/JPEG/VCD
• Price - $100 (approximate)

♦ Toshiba SD7300 DVD Player

• Progressive Scan factor of 1080p
• HDMI support with 1 composite and 1 analog output port
• Supports Dolby Digital® and Dolby DTS® audio
• Supports 3D Surround Sound effects
• Supported formats : DVD/DVD-RW/-R/DVD-+RW/+R/CD/CD-R/RW/MP3/JPEG/VCD
• Price - $50

♦ Coby DVD298

• Convert media to HD with the HDMI output port
• Progressive Scan factor of 1080p
• USB port allows media playback from pendrives
• SD card slot allows media playback from SD/MMC cards
• Multiple language and subtitles support with "choose camera angle" feature
• Certified by DivX® for full support for any media files in DivX® format
• Support MPEG-4 video format as well
• Supported formats : DVD/DVD-R/DVD-+RW/DVD+R/CD/CD-R/RW/JPEG/VCD/MP3
• Price - $40 (approximate)

♦ JVC XV-N680B

• HDMI output port allows for HD support with Up-Conversion factor of 1080p
• Sound system is Dolby® Digital
• Supports JPEG image display in slide-show with music format
• Multi-lingual interface support of up to 3 languages
• Very slim and compact in design, takes up minimal space
• Supported formats : DVD/DVD-RW/-R/DVD-+RW/+R/CD/CD-R/RW/WMA/MP3/JPEG/VCD
• Price - $70

♦ Philips DVP3570/F7

• Watch movies in HD resolution
• Progressive Scan factor of 1080p
• Parental control feature
• Supports JPEG image DVD's and CD's
• Supported formats : CD/CD-R/CD-RW/DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW
• Price - $40 (approximate)

♦ Sony DVP-SR500H

• Built-in HDMI port with Upscaling factor of 1080p for enhanced media viewing
• Multi-brand remote connects with other brands of television
• View HD photos from select Sony cameras in Special PhotoTV HD mode
• Superb playback quality with Precision Cinema Progressive™ and Precision Drive™ 3 technology
• Equipped with child lock
• Supported formats : DVD/DVD-RW/DVD-R/DVD+RW/DVD+R DL/CD-R/CD-RW/WMA/AAC/MPEG1 discs
• Price - $40 (approximate)

Best Portable DVD Players 2012

For portable players, battery life, screen size and image quality are 3 key points to look for. Here are top DVD players for entertainment on the go.

♠ Panasonic DVD-LS86

• LCD Screen size of 8.5 inches
• Rechargeable battery lasts for 13 hours of continuous playback
• Built-in Stereo speakers and 2 headphone ports
• Built-in Dolby DTS® Surround Sound Decoder
• Car adapter for charging included with player
• Media formats : DVD-Video/DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD+RW/CD/MP3/WMA/DivX
• Price - $100 (approximate)

♠ Philips PD9030/37

• 9 inch TFT screen
• Rechargeable battery lasts for 5 hours on a single charge
• Built- in USB port, so play media files directly from pen drive
• DivX® video and JPEG images format support
• Car power adapter and AV cable included
• Fixable car mount arm included for convenient DVD player housing while traveling
• Media formats : DVD-Video/DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD+RW/VCD/MP3/DivX/JPEG
• Price - $135 (approximate)

♠ Sony DVP-FX970

• 9 inch widescreen flip screen LCD with 800 x 480 resolution
• 6 hours of media playback with built-in rechargeable battery
• Dolby® Surround Down Mix with 2 built-in headphone jacks
• Built-in USB port allows flash drive connection
• Can be connected to home TV using A/V cable
• Car adapter and remote control provided with player
• Media formats : DVD-Video/DVD-R/DVD-RW/VCD/MP3/JPEG
• Price - $140 (approximate)

♠ Coby TF-DVD1023

• 10.2 inch TFT color screen with 180-degree swivel
• Rechargeable battery with 2 hours of battery life
• Can be used as standard DVD player with A/V input jack
• Equipped with Dolby Digital Decoder and 2 headphone jacks
• Parental lock feature
• Media formats : DVD-Video/DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+RW/DVD-RW/CD/CD+R/CD-R/MP3/JPEG
• Price - $100 (approximate)

♠ Toshiba SDP95S

• LCD screen of 9 inch width with 640 x 234 resolution
• SD slot allows media playback from MMC or SD card
• Adjust brightness, tint, color and contrast settings
• Zoom mode feature
• Integrated Surround sound speakers with Dolby® decoder
• Battery life of 6 hours on single charge
• Media formats : DVD-Video/DVD-R/DVD-RW/VCD/MP3/JPEG
• Price - $150

Note: All prices mentioned are approximate and depend on various factors like location and offers available.

Don't be wooed by snazzy sales shenanigans and magic, do your research about the DVD player you are interested in and purchase accordingly. Check for warranty, store policy regarding returns and refunds and support for defects and technical issues. With a reasonably priced good DVD player, you can enjoy the best media experience within the comfort of your home. A man's home is his castle, with a high definition DVD player, make your home a cinema!