DVD or Blu-ray player? In the long run, purchasing a Blu-ray player over a DVD player is the smart decision. Not only can it also play DVDs, but the growing rise in popularity of Blu-ray discs over the past five years is indicative of the format overtaking DVDs as the dominant media. Given the myriad of Blu-ray players available, picking out the right one to suit your needs can be a daunting task. This guide will discuss all of the features and types of Blu-ray and DVD players available to point you in the right direction.

First and foremost, a Blu-ray player is best for those with a high definition television with a resolution of 1080p or 1080i. This allows you to make the most of the superior video and audio that Blu-ray provides. If you don’t own a high definition television, then you would not be able to utilize the features Blu-ray is known for, and thus a DVD player would be a more suitable option.

Brands

There are a number of brands of DVD and Blu-ray player to choose from, each with their own unique set of features. According to CNET, some of the more popular brands include Panasonic, LG, Sony, and Samsung. Given their prevalence, a number of non-name brand companies make DVD players, though these are typically bare bones systems that feature little beyond DVD playback.

Although not a dedicated Blu-ray player, the player included in the Sony Playstation 3 video game console is considered one of the best players on the market today due to its superior playback quality. Both the new Playstation 4 (Nov. 15th) and the XBOX One (Nov. 22nd) will also play Blu-ray discs.

Price

Blu-ray players have been around since 2006, and since their introduction to the consumer market prices have dropped significantly. Most Blu-ray players cost between $100 and $300, though some can reach as high as $400. The Sony Playstation 3 costs around $300, though in addition to a Blu-ray player you also get a video game system. Expect that price to drop once its replacement and competition are released. Current DVD players are much more affordable, with some basic models priced at $35. On Black Friday, you can expect to scoop these up for next to nothing.

Playback

All Blu-ray players play Blu-ray discs, though most available in the United States are region specific. This means that Blu-ray discs encoded for a certain region can only play on a Blu-ray player set for that region. According to regionfreemovies.com, approximately 70% of all available Blu-ray discs from major studios are region free, and thus can be played by any player regardless of region.

All current models of Blu-ray player possess backward compatibility, meaning they can play both DVDs and CDs. Blu-ray players and most DVD players also upconvert DVDs, meaning they improve their standard quality to be more compliant with a high definition television.

Some models of both Blu-ray and DVD players also possess the capabilities of playing a variety of other formats, such as BD-R/DVD-R, VCD, DivX, and much more. For those who download movies frequently and burn them to disc, this type of player would be ideal.

3D Capabilities

While 3D technology in homes is still in its nascent stages, many Blu-ray players offer 3D capabilities. To fully utilize the technology, however, you need to also have a 3D capable television, 3D active shutter glasses, and, in some cases, a 3D compatible A/V receiver. While the Blu-ray player itself might only set you back a couple hundred dollars, all of the extra necessary components will increase the price significantly. In the case of the Playstation 3, a firmware update has been made available to allow the console’s Blu-ray player to support 3D capabilities. DVD players do not support 3D.

Wi-Fi

Most Blu-ray players offer Wi-Fi capabilities, while almost all contain an Ethernet port for wired Internet access. This varies from player to player and is required to use the many streaming services that are offered on most devices. DVD players do not offer online support.

Streaming Services

One of the features most sought after when purchasing a Blu-ray player is the ability to stream movies through a variety of services such as Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu, Pandora, Skype, and more. With an Internet capable Blu-ray player, you can instantly stream thousands of movies from these services straight to your television. Not all Blu-ray player offer the same services, however, so be sure to check carefully for the services you want before purchasing.

Inputs

Standard Blu-ray players typically come with one HDMI input, though the cable is usually purchased separately. Some players also contain built-in storage in the form of flash memory, as well as USB ports or flash drives so you can connect a hard drive or other device to it.

DVD players typically only come with A/V inputs, though some brands, such as the RCA DRC300IH, come with HDMI outputs for use with a high definition television.

Extras

Some Blu-ray players, such as the Sony BDPS580, offer the ability to use your iPhone or Android smartphone to control your system. This allows you to use your phone as a remote control while being able to access movie information, cover art, and more.

Most DVD players lack additional unique features, though some, such as the RCA DRC300IH mentioned above, features a built-in iPhone or iPod dock to allow you to play your music through your television.

Bottom Line

In the long run, a Blu-ray player is the way to go. Beyond its ability to also play DVDs and constantly decreasing prices, it has a number of options and features to please both the casual film fan and the dedicated cinephile. As always, be sure to research all of the available options before making a final purchase.