It depends on the community and the individuals. Almost everyone I know does not have a tv. Most people whom I know would not want their kids watching even “kosher” DVD’s. There are different levels of how problematic things are and everyone is on a different level in terms of what they do.
“Kosher” DVD’s are obviously not as bad as not-kosher ones, but there is something somewhat negative about any kind of DVD. Someone who wants to run a home that is completely Torahdik and where nothing exists but Torah will generally not want to have any kind of DVD’s in his home.
The way a Torah Jew thinks (or is supposed to think) when confronted with a decision, is not: Is there anything wrong with it? But rather, will this bring me closer to Hashem? Is this the best way that I can be utilizing my time? Will having this in my home make my home a Torahdik home?
Our home is supposed to be a “Mikdash” (Temple). One should strive not to bring anything into his home that he would not bring into the Mikdash.
Also, Torahdik Jews try to keep away any foreign influences from their families. Influences are subtle, especially when it comes to kids. The DVD may seem harmless, but foreign messages are creeping in.
But at the same time, one must be realistic and intellectually honest. You have to realistic about your level of religious sensitivity as well as your needs. As a newcomer to Judaism, you are somewhat similar to a baal teshuva (newly religious), and you might want to be careful about “b’aal teshuva syndrome” (taking on too much too fast) and you might want to be careful about not taking on something that is too hard for you and not forbidden.
On the other hand, in terms of kids, you might want to think about it like this: Do you really want your kids to spend their time glued to a machine? Wouldn’t you prefer that they be running around, reading, or playing with friends the way kids used to before tv was invented? Even in the secular world, many people realize that tv is not good for kids (or even for adults).