Various Formats Newer players are being developed with different configurations, and present day DVD players are compatible with more than one format, like regular CDs, MP3, CDRW, and so on. Highdefinition units, DVD/VCR combos, DVD recorders, portable players, you name it and the big players have a model ideally suited to meet your needs and purse. The only problem you will face while in the market is to make a choice! It is a really daunting task with such a huge variety being offered. Most of the leading brands operate globally with their presence spanning countries like the U.S., Canada, Italy, Spain, France, UK, Greece, you name it. Big brands like Sony, Philips, Panasonic, Samsung or even some lesser known brands like Cyber Home and Apex have a significant global presence. This being the scenario, you can easily shop for the latest code free DVD player with your neighborhood electronic store. Code Free DVD Players are Priced According to Location and Features Basic region free DVD players would set you back by around $60 or so. Prices may vary even within states and various countries, depending on the tax structure and market availability. A player may for example cost you less in New York when compared to some other region such as California. A basic player will give you good picture quality and comes with a remote control and on-screen control. Having said this, features could vary from one manufacturer to another. For prices less than $80 they make for great buys, unless you are a technical guru, looking for something straight out of the sci-fi movie, which you watched in your basic DVD player! A basic player with a high quality S-video cable may be priced at around $100 . The S-video cable enables better picture quality. One good thing with the latest basic model is that most of the players now come with the most up-to-date features, which could be found only in higher end models just a couple of years ago. If you are willing to shell out more than about $100 you can get models that can handle DVD-R discs, or players than can also handle hi-fi DVD-audio format. They can double up as your music center along with your home theater system. Such players could cost you around $130. The Toshiba SD 3950 is a good example of a model in this price range. Scan Type for a Code Free DVD Player One thing to watch for in a codefree dvd player is the scan type. Check out whether it is offering progressive scan or interlace scan. A player with progressive scan would offer you a much sharper picture. It also reduces flickers. Basic players in the price range of $50 - $100 often come with interlace scan option only. Once you go $100 and upwards, you will see players offering progressive scan. Picture quality is great, enabling you to watch the latest Hollywood flicks - without flickering! Also, a code free DVD player with the progressive scan option will work only if your TV supports progressive scan. You need not worry though, since most of the modern day TVs support progressive scan technology unless you have one of those antique TVs with cathode ray technology. If you have a high-definition TV, then it will make for a great combo along with a codefree DVD player offering progressive scan. A hi fi TV will ensure truer picture quality. You can also get even better picture quality with a digital video interface connection. Pricing for a high-end DVD player with digital video interface can be around $300. Good examples are the Samsung DVD HD931, or even the latest Toshiba SD-3950, which both offer great picture quality. Such models can also offer advanced music playback since they can also handle DVD audio discs. Code Free DVD/VHS Combos If you are looking for a regionfree DVD/VHS combo you will have to shell out around $200 - $250. The price may seem steep, but remember, they offer you the best of both worlds. You can now enjoy both region free DVDs and VHS tapes. The VHS tapes translate into better pictures than in the case of a regular VCR. These players also allow you to record your TV shows for example, into VHS format. Most of the basic regionfree DVD players are not able to record shows from TV, whereas the higher models can. These players will be priced anywhere from $350 $800. Sonys RDR-GX7 is a good example. Lesser-known brands may cost you less while offering you the same technology. The good news though is that prices are expected to drop, even if it is only gradually. Convenient for Travel If you are one who is usually mobile and would like to watch your latest favorite flicks wherever you are, you can get a portable region free DVD player, which would weigh in at around three pounds, with a battery back up and come with a 7-9 inch screen.. These sleek models would cost you around $800 and act as your audio player too. Panasonic DVD-LA95 portable is one of the latest models to hit the market. Be on the lookout for other brands with portable models soon. Most Affordable Brands Perhaps the cheapest regionfree DVD players are from the Chinese manufacturers, which have flooded the markets, recently. Whichever part of the world you are in, region free DVD players, are available by the dozen. The prices may vary slightly, but thats it. Whether you are in any of the European countries like UK, France, Greece, Spain or Italy or from any other Asian or Asian-Pacific nation, you can rest assured that you will be able to get a region free DVD player within your budget. All you need to do is search, either in person or on the Internet. |
