OTHER TECH

Changers, especially megachangers, decimated the single-disc CD player market, but the demand for DVD-Video changers is less fervent. If you're mainly interested in watching movies, a changer might not be worth the extra cost. But if you also intend to listen to CDs often, especially for background music, it might be. (In this price range, though, don't expect to find a changer that can handle more than five discs.) DVD portables are cool, but pricey. Only a few fall below the $500 mark. Personally, I use my laptop for movie viewing on the go. ‰ All players have composite- and S-video outputs. (Use S-video whenever possible, though, since it will give you a much better picture.) A component-video output - which supplies the best quality of the three kinds of connections - was formerly the dividing line between cheap and expensive players. Not anymore, since many low-cost models sport this elite connection.

Composite video uses a single traditional RCA connector, S-video uses a distinctive four-pin connector, and component video uses three RCA cables to carry the signal. While most recent TVs have at least one S-video input, component video is just beginning to become common on mainstream models, so you may not be able to take advantage of the three-cable connection until you buy a new TV.

Not only is component video becoming more common in inexpensive players, but the next step up - progressive-scan component video - is beginning to appear in the sub-$500 realm as well. Look for a progressive-scan player that features 2:3 pulldown - it'll deliver consistently better image quality than players that lack it. Of course, you'll also need a digital TV to get the full benefit. So if you have a DTV, or are thinking of getting one soon, it's well worth a look. All players have stereo analog audio outputs as well as either an optical or coaxial digital audio output or, more often, both. Many also have 5.1-channel analog outputs, which means they have an onboard Dolby Digital/DTS processor that can decode a DVD-Video's multichannel soundtrack (one of the things that makes movie watching at home so exciting). But since most current A/V receivers already include Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, this isn't an essential feature.