Progressive Scan DVD Player

[nicksteel]

I'm trying to determine which replacement dvd player to purchase and would appreciate practical advice. Cost is less important than quality, but I would like to stay around $300. I have read numerous reviews, but end up more confused than informed.

Points to consider:

Require progressive scan for HDTV playback.
Adjustable aspect ratio (not included on all models).
Zoom (for wide screen formats).
No artifacts in 4:3 mode (a common problem noted in reviews).
Good deinterfacing capability (a problem noted in reviews).
Can be single or multiple disk machine.

I wish to play DVD, SVCD, VCD and KVCD formats with the best quality output in both standard and HDTV modes. I would appreciate information from someone who has made an in depth study of available players. Being able to play region free would be a plus.

[falberni]

I just got a Pioneer DV-656A which is a high quality progressive scan player. It does everything you need and plays everything I've thrown at it, including DVD-R, DVD-RW, MP3, MP3 DVD, JPG, etc. The quality seems to be quite good. The only drawback is that it can not be hacked and it can not play PAL format. Many of my DVD disks are in PAL and I did not know about them 'cause my old Daewoo player played them automatically without me realizing it. This unit is brand new and I'll put it on eBay very soon. You can send me an e-mail if you're interested. $180 will take it, including shipping.

falberni(at)yahoo(dot)com