i searched for instructions on how to install an IEC receptacle on a DVD player w/ a hard wired power cord and came up empty so far...can anyone point me in the right direction? TIA! 
What in particular do you have questions about? DVD players are generally two wire (hot-black & neutral-white). The replacement IEC connector is marked as such ("L" - black, "N" - white, & "G" - ground) on the back where the connections are made. Maintain this wiring orientation. You do not have to ground the IEC connector. The wiring part is easy, but mechanically fitting the IEC connector to the player is sometimes a challenge. You might not have room enough behind the back panel to get the IEC in. There are punches to make the hole to fit an IEC but they run about $250. Some people use a dremel tool to cut the opening. I typically use a "nibbler" that I bought from Radio Shack for about $7-10. I then drill the two mounting screw holes and either tap the holes if the panel is thick enough or through-bolt them if not.
Be careful if you solder to the IEC. The plastic melts easily.