What you need to know about Blu-ray players

All the Blu-ray players we've tested so far can output video signals with a maximum resolution of 1080p, provided you use an HDMI connection; component-video connections are limited to1080i. In addition, all Blu-ray players can upconvert standard DVD video to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p to match the native resolution of an LCD, plasma, or rear-projection microdisplay HDTV. That may or may not result in slightly improved picture quality over 480p. Even if the picture quality is improved, at its best, it won’t be the same as video that originated in high-definition.

Besides using a stand-alone player, you can play Blu-ray discs on Sony's PlayStation 3 game consoles, which have an integrated drive. The quality is as good as with a stand-alone player, but you might want to get a separate remote that's more video friendly than the typical two-handed gaming controls. A growing number of notebook and desktop computers either come with or can accept Blu-ray drives. JVC and Sharp recently announced new LCD TVs that integrate a Blu-ray player, eliminating a separate box.

Blu-ray has been an evolving standard. Many Blu-ray players share common features and connections, but there are currently three Blu-ray "profiles" that include (or omit) specific features, such as picture-in-picture and Internet connectivity. Some older or lower-priced models might not have all these features, so make sure the player supports them if they're important to you.

For example, the first generation of Blu-ray players, dubbed Profile 1.0 models, lacked picture-in-picture (called BonusView) capability, which was added to Profile 1.1 players. Neither offers Internet connectivity (called BD-Live), which is supported by the newer Profile 2.0 models, which will be available in greater numbers later this year. But some Profile 1.1 players that have Ethernet ports can be upgraded to Profile 2.0 with a firmware update.