It's been called the hottest new electronic appliance since the Walkman. It's the DVD player, and it's changing the way people watch movies at home. How? For the better, according to those who have experienced DVD. DVD players generate twice the resolution of even the best and sharpest VHS tape and, with the right audio system, can deliver surround-sound. In short, you get better picture quality and better sound.

But not all DVD players are created equal. And neither are people's needs and budgets. So before you make that DVD purchase, shop around. Do your homework. Sleuth around at The Brick, Future Shop and Sony Canada web sites. Explore the different options and prices offered by the different brand names -- Philips/Magnavox, Toshiba, Sony and Pioneer, just to name a few. And to get a true comparative picture of how a DVD player can transform your humble TV into a home theatre, try watching the same movie on both a VCR and a DVD player.

The ABCs of DVDs

A DVD player works by bouncing a laser beam off a DVD and reading its pre-recorded digital content. But what on earth is a DVD? Funny you should ask, because we were just about to tell you. For starters, you should know that DVD stands for either digital versatile disk or digital videodisk. Regardless of which term you prefer, it all boils down to one thing: a beefed-up CD that can hold huge amounts of data. We're talking an entire movie, with lots of room to spare for add-ons. Some disks, for example, include documentaries of how the film was made. Others even offer alternative endings. So maybe the next time you watch "Gone with the Wind", you'll find Rhett Butler saying, "But my dear, of course I give a damn!"

Other DVD features include multilingual subtitles, dual-screen format that gives you the choice of watching the movie in a letterbox (with thick black bands across the top and bottom of the screen), and random access from scene to scene. You can even get a "director's cut," where the director explains why he did things a certain way, and an option to view the same scene shot from different angles.

Looking at the big picture

Different DVD players offer different features. While it's tempting to go with the one that has the most buttons and flashing lights, the wiser way to select the right DVD player -- that is, the one that's right for you -- is to ask yourself what features really matter to you. For instance, if you're thinking of turning the DVD player into your main audio system, you'll probably be better off with a multidisk changer that allows you to load several music CDs. But keep in mind that your DVD player's performance can be limited by the equipment it's hooked up to. So even if you buy the top-of-the-line model, unless you have a sophisticated audio system and a large, high-quality TV screen to match, you won't realize your DVD player's full potential.

Remote possibilities

Whatever you do, don't forget to fiddle with the remote control. Most DVD players come with minimal front-panel controls and have to be operated by remote. So make sure you're comfortable with the remote control that comes with the DVD player of your choice. Remember: this little gizmo can put a lot of power into your hands.

Hang on to the VCR -- for now

At present, DVD players can only read content. They cannot record -- yet. So you may want to keep the VCR for taping that sitcom or game you're going to miss tonight because you're going on a blind date. The good news is DVD recorders are coming soon. In the meantime, sit down and kick back in your very own home theatre. Enjoy the movie, or music CD or both!

Glossary

Chapter preview is a DVD feature that allows you to view specific selections or chapters in a movie. The preview function lets you watch the first 10 seconds of each chapter.

Go-by-time lets you skip to a specific point in the movie by time. Unlike the VCR, there's no rewinding or fast-forwarding on a DVD player.

Quirks

For more information on DVDs and DVD players, check out http://www.dvddemystified.com/, DVD expert Jim Taylor will tell you everything you always wanted to know about DVDs but were afraid to ask. And for the latest in DVD movie releases, visit http://www.thedvdlist.com/