In a world where technological advancements are constantly changing and improving the landscape of entertainment, it can be difficult to find the home theater equipment that is right for you.
When making the jump from DVD to Blu-ray technology, understanding the features that are available to you can help make your decision easier.
Speed While your DVD player likely starts quickly as soon as you insert a disc, Blu-ray players work a little differently.
Because there is more data on a Blu-ray disc, players can take up to a few minutes longer to load.
When choosing a player, read the specifications and product reviews to find equipment that loads quickly or has an optional "fast start" feature.
Disc Memory Many DVD players sold in today's market have disc memory, which allows the machine to remember where you left off on a given movie when you turn the player back on or re-insert the disc.
Because the technology is focused on other areas, a Blu-ray player may not have this feature as a matter of course.
If this is something you desire, be sure that you look for it specifically while shopping and do not assume that any one you choose will be able to remember your place.
Picture in Picture Picture in Picture (PIP) is a feature that allows you to watch and control multiple things at one time.
One picture will appear full screen, and the other will appear as an inset on the screen.
This feature can enhance your movie-watching experience as it allows you to watch commentary on a small screen inset while watching the movie as normal.
Netflix and BD Live Capability Many players have the capability to stream content from the internet directly to your high definition television.
This feature allows you to instantly access your Netflix account and watch movies at any time.
Additionally, many Blu-ray movies have extra special features that are only available through an internet connection with a player that has BD Live capability.
While more and more players have Netflix and BD Live options, this is not yet a standard feature.
Look for a "Netflix ready" and "BD Live" capable player, but be aware that you will need to be able to connect the equipment to a modem in order for the features to work.
Making the leap from DVD to Blu-ray is a big decision.
As technology improves, Blu-ray players will continue to get more and better features and become increasingly affordable.
Understanding what is available now and what may not yet be standard can help you decide on the player that is right for you.