Group test: Budget DVD players

Overview: Price: £130 Website: www.denon.co.uk Size (WxHxD): 44x8x22cm Disc compatibility: DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, VCD, SVCD, MP3, WMA, JPEG Progressive scan: PAL, NTSC Sound: Dolby Digital, DTS compatible Video connections: composite, S-Video, RGB Scart, component Audio connections: stereo line level, coaxial digital, optical digital Plus points: Well constructed and connected; flexible compatibility; lustrous performance Minus points: Price to performance ratio can be beaten

Denon DVD-1710
Denon is more renowned for producing high performance players at the opposite end of the price spectrum, but similar hallmarks can also be found etched into its entry-level models, like the DVD-1710.

In a market dictated by ever-decreasing costs, the DVD-1710 is on the expensive side of affordable but you do reap the benefits brought by a big name brand. Construction is a cut above most players at this price point and the stylish, brushed aluminum design is shared by other Denon players and receivers across the range - ideal if you're after a matching system. Internally, decent quality components have been used to enhance video and audio performance including support for PAL/NTSC progressive scan via component outputs and compatibility with Dolby and DTS soundtracks from a choice of digital outputs. And, if copies feature highly in your collection, versatile disc compatibility extends to most + and - R/RW DVD recording formats.

Pictures are painted with wonderfully vibrant shades drawn from a rich colour palette that creates a sense of excitement with whatever you're watching. Detail does soften when faced with complex scenes and depth of field suffers as a result but there are thankfully few of the picture disturbances that often afflict budget players. Performance is on a par with most players in this class but comes at a cost that can be beaten elsewhere.

Overview: Price: £150 Website: www.limitelectronics.co.uk Size (WxHxD): 43x5x28cm Disc compatibility: DVD, DVD-R, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, VCD, SVCD, MP3, JPEG Progressive scan: No Sound: Dolby Digital, DTS compatible Video connections: composite, S-Video, RGB Scart, component Audio connections: stereo line level, 5.1 analogue out, coaxial digital, optical digital Plus points: Excellent sound performance for a DVD player Minus points: Picture performance suffers without progressive scan

Limit DVD800SE
Limit may be a lesser-known brand but it has friends in high places - namely audiophile experts Cyrus, who have helped sonically tune this player to create the anomaly that is a DVD player that also sounds good with CDs.

If listening to music is equally as important to you as watching films then few players in this class share the audio ability of the DVD800SE. Consequently, sacrifices have been made on the video side like the absence of progressive scan video - although there are still component outputs that produce a better picture than the RGB Scart connection.

Nonetheless, picture performance is more than just competent. Black levels delve deeply enough to instill images with solidity and depth while colours appear evenly balanced and natural. The picture struggles to scale the same heights of progressive scan players, but at least comes close. Sonically speaking, on the other hand, the player is a revelation. Both surround film scores and stereo music tracks are delivered with astounding clarity, timing and sound separation that's the envy of much more expensive players.

For the musically minded who also enjoy watching films, Limit's DVD800SE is an ideal all-in-one solution that's a more affordable alternative than separating your system.

Overview: Price: £50 Website: www.home-entertainment.toshiba.co.uk Size (WxHxD): 42x5x27cm Disc compatibility: DVD, DVD-R, CD, VCD, SVCD, DiVX, MP3, WMA, JPEG Progressive scan: PAL, NTSC Sound: Dolby Digital, DTS compatible, 3D Virtual Surround Sound Video connections: composite, RGB Scart, component Audio connections: stereo line level, coaxial digital Plus points: Unbeatable performance for the price Minus points: Lightweight construction and noisy operation

Toshiba SD-150E
Each year Toshiba launches a DVD player that turns the budget market on its head. The latest in this illustrious line of low-cost kings is the SD-150E - an unbelievably affordable player that isn't compromised by cut-price quality.

Only so-called 'supermarket specials' from obscure no-name brands can compete with the price - but all too often at the expense of build quality, long-term reliability and overall picture performance. The SD-150E shares no such sacrifices, offering a range of features and picture performance that will embarrass some players costing at least three times as much.

You can play a variety of formats including DVD, CD, DiVX and discs encoded with MP3, WMA and JPEG files. There's also a comprehensive set of video connections stretching from composite to a single RGB Scart and component outputs enabling both PAL and NTSC progressive scan pictures. And on the audio side there's standard stereo line outputs and a coaxial digital output that supports Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks.

Picture performance at this price point is peerless. Outstanding black levels douse images with revealing detail and create a realistic, three-dimensional depth of field. Colours are naturally shaded and beautifully balanced - equally adept at realising ambient tones, as they are superficial special effects. Toshiba has dropped prices and raised the standard again - the SD-150E is an absolute steal.