What's the best Blu-Ray player on the market? Our quick shopping guide to features to look for, compatiblity issues, connectivity, and our top pick.

Edit & master your digital audio

Play & manage web-based audio

Powerful music editor and mixer

Burn data & audio discs with ease

Convert between video and audio formats

Collection of video & audio codecs

Manage your digital music collection

Homer Simpson’s home town of Springfield’s motto is: A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man. There must be a glut of noble spirit at Sony

Popular and extensive audio player

Lack of online content and copy-protected music are problems, but no HDMI is a major headache

The Sony bandwagon rolls on; this is another simple to use set that produces brilliant big-screen images

Where incremental steps forward are becoming commonplace, the Sony is a giant leap – simply stunning

Another cracking Panasonic flatscreen, which impresses with both its integrated TV tuners and external sources

We think this TV is a real bargain - a good few quid cheaper than comparable models and every bit as impressive

Award-winning TV with exceptional picture quality, although it has now been replaced by Panasonic's 2008 range

If you must have the biggest, it’s great – but lose a couple of inches and you’ll get an even better performance

The most flexible TV we've tested - from its built-in network media player to optional hard-disk recorder, this is a sleek, stylish solution.

Philips flagship TV from 2007 is a good benchmark, with plenty of worthwhile technology substance to fine effect alongside the original styling

An older TV, but if you’re planning to add a digital set-top box or DVD player, this small analogue set is a bargain buy