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Definition: DVD player


(1) Software that plays DVD discs. See media player.

(2) A stand-alone unit that plays DVDs. DVD players and "DVD drives" are both input devices; however, the "player" is a DVD source for a TV or home theater, whereas a "drive" is a peripheral device for a computer. In contrast, a "portable DVD player" is a self-contained device with speakers. See portable DVD player.

In addition to DVD movies and music CDs, DVD players typically support "plus" and "minus" formats (read-only DVD+R and DVD-R and rewritable DVD+RW and DVD-RW); however, older players may play only the minus group (DVD-R, DVD-RW). DVD players may also read and write DVD-RAM discs, but compatibility between brands is not guaranteed. See DVD and DVD recorder.