HDTV sets with the newer, potentially sharper, 1080p resolution were on their heels, coming out over the same time frame. And sales of the players were predicted to help drive those of the sets and vice-versa.

Technical side notes, before launching into the first of our product reviews: the amount 720 or 1080 represents the number of horizontal lines of pixels, with the larger number corresponding to 1920 x 1080 resolution. The letter ‘p’ or ‘i’ stands for progressive and interlaced, respectively. Interlacing ‘paints’ the screen in two passes, one for even lines another for odd, progressive does so in a single pass.

Overall picture quality is determined by several things, not just the total number of lines or pixels. Interlaced projection has to paint the lines in such a way as to fool the eye to avoid flicker. That depends on frame rates, which also come in a variety. Differing frame rates and projection methods introduce the need to convert signals. How, and how well, that conversion is done has a large effect on the perceived picture quality.

Blu-ray DVD uses a blue light laser to illuminate the pits found in any DVD disc (now known as BD discs). Blue light has a shorter wavelength, allowing the pits to be spaced closer together, so more information can be packed into the same space.

One of the advantages of the new Blu-ray players is their ability to output a 1080p signal via the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) jack. HD-DVD models are capable only of 1080i resolution. Most current sets convert the signal anyway, though, so you won’t see any difference. But newer, 1080p native resolution sets will become common in HDTV over the years.

Pioneer BDP-HD1

Pioneer’s foray into the HD player market will offer some features not found on the Samsung. The BDP-HD1 is expected to make use of their proprietary Home Media Gallery software that allows viewers to display digital photos, listen to music or watch movies all stored on the home computer.

All that content can be displayed in 1080p, but of course this is useless unless the source material has sufficiently good resolution to take advantage of it.

Pioneer makes excellent quality consumer electronics goods (their CD changer is the best on the market) and has for decades. Their HDTV models are highly rated and consumers can expect a reliable, well-performing unit.

But those features and that quality will come with a stiff price tag. The BDP-HD1 was slated to premier for $1,800.

There are many more models out in the marketplace today. So before you rush out to tackle your home improvements with a home entertainment center, check out more of our reviews to see which products would work best for you.

• Home theater system with Blu?ray player; Compatible with DVDs and CDs – up?converts DVDs to 1080p; 1000 watts total power – 167 watts x 6
• BD BonusView – profile 1.1 enables additional content on Blu?ray disc; HDMI output – HDMI V1.3 outputting 1080p video
• Digital optical audio input – connect Cable/Sat Box for full surround experience; Analog audio input – for connection to analog stereo sources
• Analog video outputs – component and composite video for convenience
• Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus

Product Description
You’ll enjoy the deep bass and full sound of your music being played on the RTB1100 home theater system by RCA. This system has all your needs in one place with the Blu-ray player with playback in 1080p, featuring BD Bonus View profile enabling additional content on Blu-ray disc. The 1000 watt surround system features HDMI output with HDMI version 1.3 outputting 1080p video. Other connections include a digital optical audio input, analog audio input, and analog co… More >>

RCA RTB1100 1000W Home Theater System with Blu-Ray Player

• Integrated Blu-ray
• 300W Output power
• HDMI out with CEC + 1080p
• iPod video, audio + iphone support
• Stream Blockbuster, Netflix, YouTube & Pandora

Product Description
Blu-Ray Home Theater… More >>

Samsung HT-BD8200 Blu-Ray Sound Bar Home Theater System

• 1000 watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system with Blu-ray Disc player
• Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p, including 3D Blu-ray Discs
• BRAVIA Internet Video for instant streaming of content from Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and more
• Share your home videos or photos on the big screen or listen to your favorite music with USB Input
• Turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote with a free app

Product Description
Experience Full HD 1080p and powerful 5.1channel HD surround sound with the Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System8. You can also wirelessly stream Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Slacker, YouTube and more or turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote control by downloading a free app… More >>

Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Disc Player Home Entertainment System, Black

• Sony BDV-E300 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray Player/ DVD Home theater System
• 6ft. HDMI-HDMI Gold Tipped Cable
• Belkin Ethernet Cable
• DVD Lens Cleaner

Product Description
The Sony BRAVIA BDV-E300 is a complete entertainment system the whole family will enjoy. It plays your Blu-ray Discs and upscales your DVDs to near high definition quality. Plug in a USB drive with a gigabyte of capacity free and you can take full advantage of BD-Live discs. These new Blu-ray Discs can stream interactive content over your broadband Internet connection that may include bonus content like commentary, games, shorts, coming attractions and other program… More >>

Sony BDV-E300 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray Player/ DVD Home theater System + Accessory Kit

• 1000 watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system with Blu-ray Disc player
• Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p, including 3D Blu-ray Discs
• BRAVIA Internet Video for instant streaming of content from Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and more
• Wireless S-AIR rear speakers minimize wire clutter
• Turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote with a free app

Product Description
Experience Full HD 1080p and powerful 5.1channel HD surround sound featuring wireless rear speakers with the Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System9. This great system minimizes movie wait times so you can begin watching faster than ever. You can also wirelessly stream Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Slacker, YouTube and more or turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote control by downloading a free app…. More >>

Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Disc Player Home Entertainment System, Black

• Plays your Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• BD- Live ready
• Plays DVDs and upscales them to near high definition
• HDMI output

Product Description
Experience high-definition picture quality and sound with the Sony BDV-E300 Blu-ray Disc home theater system. With this all-in-one system you enjoy the benefits of a Blu-ray Disc player – Full HD 1080p and DVDs in near HD picture quality, plus a powerful 5.1 channel surround sound system that decodes DTS-HD, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD high-definition surround sound formats. The system is upgradeable for multi-room listening – up to 10 rooms – and w… More >>

Sony BDVE300 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray Disc Player/DVD Disc Home theater System

• DVD 1080/24p Playback
• BD Profile 2.0
• HDMI with x.v.Color(TM)/Deep Color
• Dolby Digital /Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Decoding
• BD-Live Ready

Product Description
The new JVC XV-BP1 is a truly versatile high definition player, offering playback of high definition Blu-ray discs, plus playback of the AVCHD format, the high definition format widely used for HD camcorders, including the JVC HD Everio line. Among the many features of the new JVC XV-BP1 Blu-ray player, to be available in March, is BD Live (Profile ver. 2.0) compatibility when used with USB memory. With BD Live compatibility the player can be connected to the Intern… More >>

JVC Home JVC XVBP1 Blu-ray Disc Player