If you've ever seen a DVD playing on a good TV, you know what we mean when we say that DVD has an amazingly clear picture. But you might have wondered how much better it is than the picture you're used to now. Lucky for you there's a way to quantify these things.

Although picture quality is dependent on a number of factors, picture clarity is usually defined by something called "lines of resolution." The best you can get from a VCR is around 240 lines of resolution. From cable-which is how many of us watch TV-you'll get about 240-280 lines of resolution. By comparison, DVD can produce about 500 lines of resolution!

Now there's a feature on many DVD players that makes movies look even better-a lot better! Specifically designed to work with a high-definition TV, DVD players with a progressive-scan output make the picture look even more detailed and clearer than ever. Planning to get an HDTV? You're definitely going to want a progressive-scan DVD player.

The sound quality of DVD is just as good as CD, and it's capable of recreating the surround sound you hear in theaters when connected to a home theater system.

There are currently two types of digital surround sound found on DVDs: Dolby® Digital and DTS®. Although these systems are made by two different companies, they are quite similar. Both Dolby® Digital and DTS® are digital, both have six discrete channels (5.1, technically, but that's another story), and both can create stunningly realistic surround effects using five speakers and a subwoofer.

One of the greatest selling features for many people is the "extras" you get on many DVDs. Using interactive menus, you can access bonus material you won't find on any videotape, including:

• Scenes that were deleted from the theatrical release of the movie
• Interviews with the cast and crew
• A feature-length commentary by the filmmakers
• In-depth information on special effects used in the film
• Games you can play on your computer
• Music videos

Widescreen/standard

Have you ever seen a movie on your TV that had those black bars above and below the picture? That's called letterboxing and the advantage of it is that it allows you to see the widescreen picture as the director intended. Films that have been "formatted to fit your TV" are simply chopping off the sides of the picture. Little wonder, then, that directors overwhelmingly prefer movies in the widescreen format. The good news is that even if you don't, many DVDs give you the option of watching the movie in widescreen or standard format.

Convenience

And let us not forget the convenience DVD offers. Just as CDs allow you to jump from song to song, DVDs let you to go directly to any given "chapter" in a movie. Plus, DVDs don't need rewinding before they go back to the video store.

Affordability

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the kind of success DVD has had is that prices have fallen faster than anyone ever imagined they would.

Shop for DVD Players
Shop for Portable DVD Players
Shop for DVD-VCR Combos
Shop for DVD Recorders