Format wars have recently broken out between manufacturers keen to offer high-definition quality pictures using different technology. It means shoppers must be wary of snapping up machines that may end up being obsolete.



You must also look at all the bells-and-whistles, such as multi-region formats, progressive scan, DiVX and Dolby Digital and DTS Sound. There is also the headache of looking at formats such as DVD-Audio and DVD-Video to ensure sound quality matches that of the picture.

You may also want to play discs that have been recorded from your computer that can read MP3s and JPEGs. And if you want the ultimate in flexibility you might be best opting for an all-in-one travel machine.