Notably, this player also offers top-of-the-line component-video outputs, easily one of the most affordable DVD players to do so. Other video formats are composite- and S-video. So whether it's for a simple TV set or a sophisticated home theater system, hookups should pose little difficulty.

Special features include frame advance, multiple camera angles, multilanguage display, and subtitles. Random play, repeat play, A-B repeat, and programmed playback let you determine how and in what order the tracks or chapters will play.

The advanced capabilities of DVD technology are evident in the language/sound mode options, where you can select a language (including subtitles) for DVDs or a sound mode for audio CDs where only specific channels are active. A convenient front-panel dimmer and a TV screen saver round out the package.

The DVD710AT player is equipped with a parental lock system to monitor family DVD viewing. Video settings such as letterbox, pan and scan, and widescreen can be adjusted using the included full-function remote control.

This unit is not compatible with CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD-R discs. Philips provides a warranty of a year on parts and 90 days on labor.