All DVD Players

The Bottom Line: The LG BH100 can play back both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs with excellent image quality, but a variety of quirks and missing features limits its appeal.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc and HD DVD player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 9 lbs

The Bottom Line: We preview the Samsung DVD-HD860 upscaling DVD player, which is designed to convert DVDs to high-definition resolutions.

Specs: DVD player, Tabletop, Remote control, Stereo, 4 lbs

The Bottom Line: The high-priced Pioneer BDP-HD1 offers top-notch Blu-ray image quality and some nice home networking features, but inferior DVD upconversion and no CD playback curbed our enthusiasm.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, Surround Sound, 13.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: Performing nearly as well as players costing four times the price, the Oppo DV-981HD is an unbeatable bargain for videophiles and enthusiasts.

Specs: DVD player, Tabletop, Remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, Surround Sound, 5.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Philips BDP9000 has some great design touches and excellent Blu-ray image quality, but its high price, less-comprehensive audio capabilities and the comparative affordability of the PlayStation 3 suggest that you should probably hold off.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, Stereo, 9.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic DMP-BD10 is a very competent first-generation Blu-ray player, but its high price and the comparably affordable PlayStation 3 make it hard to recommend.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 10.4 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Xbox 360 HD DVD player is an inexpensive way for 360 owners to get high-def movies, but nonowners and audiophiles should stick with standalone HD players.

Specs: HD DVD player, Tabletop, Universal remote control

The Bottom Line: The high-end Sony PlayStation 3's larger hard drive and ability to play PS2 games makes it a worthwhile alternative to the cheaper model--so long as you're willing to wait several months for the more promising exclusive titles to hit store shelves. If backward compatibility is your top priority, this hard-to-find model may be worth the search.

Specs: Sony PlayStation 3 - Game console, BD-ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, IBM Cell 3.2 GHz, 256 MB XDR DRAM - Integrated, 1920 x 1080

The Bottom Line: While the stylish Samsung DVD-HD960 isn't perfect, it is one of the first players to offer 1080p upconversion, and its image quality will satisfy just about everybody.

Specs: DVD player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Stereo, 4 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Oppo DV-970HD delivers some of the best value for your DVD dollar that we've seen on upconverting players in terms of features and performance.

Specs: DVD player, Tabletop, Remote control, Dolby Digital, Surround Sound, 4.9 lbs