All the best Blu-ray Players have the same basic features, such as playing regular Blu-ray discs, DVDs and CDs. They will have at least one USB port that supports playback of movies, music and photos files. And all players will have a HDMI Output which can internally decode the latest audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, or can bit-stream these formats in their native form to your Audio/Video receiver to decode. You will also notice that good Blu-ray Players will perform these features and functions consistently and only vary a little in quality. Making it hard to distinguish between the different models.

However, there are other features found on players that are not common and separates unique, good Blu-ray DVD Players from the regular ones. For example, not all Blu-ray DVD Players are capable of playing back 3D Blu-ray discs. If you have already purchased a 3D HDTV or planning on obtaining one in the near future, it would be worth it to invest in a player that can play 3D Blu-ray Discs. While still not a deal breaker right now for most consumers if their player does not have 3D capability; more and more movies are being released in the 3D format. And you do not want to add the extra expensive of having to upgrade your player later down the road when you decide you want to view 3D movies at home.

Other rare features found on certain Blu-ray Players is support for DVD-Audio and Super-Audio-CD formats. For a lot of audiophiles out there, this extra features is a real treat. These formats never really captured the intention of the public, but SACD can still be purchased with new releases coming out every week. Sony is one company that makes all their players SACD capable. But mostly, these formats are found on higher-end players which normally use a high-end DAC (Digital-To-Analog Converter) which will make your CDs sound better.

Of course, a player's DACs are bypassed if you use the HDMI port, so a Blu-ray DVD Player that has multichannel analog outputs will come in very handy. Multichannel analog outputs are also nice for those with older A/V receivers that do not have any HDMI inputs. You will get to hear the new audio formats in stunningly realistic surround sound. There are not many mid-level players out there that will have multichannel analog outputs, most manufacturers have moved away from this feature. You can use optical or coax digital audio outputs, if the player has them, but they can not transmit the new Blu-ray's High-Resolution audio formats.

Multiple HDMI Outputs is another feature that is widely seen as very convenient on players. Used mainly for 3D Blu-ray playback, dual HDMI outputs will allow you to send your 3D video signal to your HDTV and your audio signal to your A/V receiver. Great for those who's A/V receiver can not handle a 3D signal. It cuts down on expense, since you do not have to upgrade to a new receiver. Multiple HDMI Outputs will also let you connect two TVs to the player. But be aware that not you might not get the same performance out of both HDMI outputs.

So when you are looking for a Blu-ray Disc Player, these features might not be on top of your must have list. That is perfectly fine. It is probably best to start out with the cheapest player you can get, although make sure it has Online Streaming Media Services. Later you can start to think about getting other features you might need, such as 3D, Dual HDMI Outputs, DVD-Audio/SACD playback or multichannel analog outputs. Where ever you start, getting a Blu-ray Player is worth it. Costing anywhere between $70.00 to $200.00, you can get an excellent player that will give you an impressive HD Blu-ray movie experience. More expensive players will perform better, but they are only really for the die hard enthusiast.