Whether they're couch potatoes or not, people had better get DVD players if they want to check out the latest rental releases or even classic titles this holiday season.

DVDs are rapidly taking over from VHS tapes at movie rental shops, with some chains saying they will make a complete switch to DVDs for new releases sometime next year.

Compared with bulky cassettes, discs are easier to carry around and rewinding is unnecessary -- factors that appeal to frequent movie renters trudging back and forth to their favorite rental outlets.