BUYING
GUIDES
Here you will find brief explanations of the various checklist
parameters found in the sample and print scorecards. They
are provided as an explanation of the various features
and facilities you're rating and to help you more accurately
fill in relevant information on those scorecards ... thus
making searching for the right products even more informative.
Scoring Tips for DVD Players
Use
these tips to as a guide when filling out the buying scorecards
in Sofa. These let you when assess the merits of the products
you are contemplating buying and will help you shortlist
a range of suitable products, thus making investing in
home entertainment equipment a whole lot more enjoyable
and rewarding.
 PRINT
VERSION
[right click to download]
Brand
This is the name of what's usually the full range of equipment
from the relevant manufacturer. It's often trademarked.
Model
This is the number or word that references the relevant
product within a range.
Features
The function or performance parameter under which the
product under scrutiny is being judged.
Warranty
The extent that the manufacturer, distributor or retailer
(or, some, or all parties) guarantee a product from
failure in operation under normal conditions.
Cosmetic
Design
How the products look and how they will integrate with
your system and into your home environment.
Single/multi-play
design
Simple enough - is it a single disc machine or can hold
multiple discs?
Region
compatibility
Is it Region 4 only or can it play discs from other
regions?
Anamorphic
enhancement
It really should be able to generate widescreen images.
On
screen menu system
How easy is driving the set-up system from the television
display?
User
convenience features
Rate the zoom control, angle view facility and anything
else that arises.
Play
functions
The way the machine starts, stops, pauses and searches.
Dolby
Digital (AC3)
It must have the facility - is the decoder on board?
DTS
Digital Surround
Can the player handle discs with this format.
Dolby
Pro Logic
Should be standard - but check to be on the safe side!
Lucasfilm
THX
A high end option and one that could become important.
Display
operation
Can you see what your doing with the remote control
on the readout?
Component
video outputs
The best picture transfer option - go for it.
S-Video
outputs
A viable connection option where component is unavailable.
SCART
facility
If you have a European television you'll want it.
MPEG
multi-channel
It can be a 5.1 or 7.1 channel option and is welcome.
Optical
digital facilities
Takes all the worry out of connecting up.
CD-R
compatibility
I always appreciate the capacity to play my compilations.
DVD-Audio
A high end option but one which could quickly become
very important.
Image
quality
Simply - do you like what you see?
5.1
surround quality
Does the surround sound good to your ears?
Music
sound quality
How do music discs sound when you turn the television
off.
Pseudo
surround system
A lot of players have this facility - is it worth it?
Remote
Control Operation
Is one supplied? And how easy is it to use both in daylight
and in limited light conditions?
Dimensions
Do the measurements match existing components and will
they fit cupboards, shelving and other storage options?
Weight
Can the player the be stacked safely with other components?
Total
Points Awarded
The tally of all scores awarded which gives you a numerical
value of the relevant product's worth.
Comments
Where you place notes of your personal experiences when
auditioning the relevant products.
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1996-2002. Virtual Magazines. All rights reserved.
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