Consumer Reports tested Blu-ray players along with standard DVD players.
"Nothing compares to the high-definition image you get from a Blu-ray player. Its picture quality is high in detail, very lifelike, very nice to look at," said Elias Arias, Consumer Reports.
Many standard DVD players offer something called upconversion, but it falls short.
"Upconversion is not the same as a high-def Blu-ray image," said Arias.
An upconverted DVD image is not as detailed or lifelike as a high-definition Blu-ray image.
And today's Blu-ray players come with features like "bonus view," where you can see director's comments right along with the movie. And a few offer BD-Live, which provides access to extra online content such as updated movie trailers.
Another plus, Blu-ray players are coming down in price. While some still cost $1,000, Consumer Reports recommends one for $300. It's the Panasonic model number DMP-BD35. And once you get a Blu-ray player, it can still play all your old DVDs.
Consumer Reports says if you don't have an HDTV, there's no reason to buy a Blu-ray player. Stick with a standard DVD player.
Consumer Reports' top-rated a $100 Pioneer -- model DV-410VK. Another good choice for less is one from LG, model DN-898 for $80.
