Here is my story. I used DVD, CD, CD-R, 99+, MP3, SVCD and VCD as my test media. I started with Pioneer C503. Everything passed except for 99+ where it hangs at the end of the movie and it does not support MP3. I exchanged it for Pioneer 440 and it performed poorly compared to C503. The audio in 99+ cuts in and out and it also hangs at the end of the movie. It will play MP3 with no problem. Because of this, I avoided Pioneer players. Since I cant get a 444 from a retail store (internet only), I will not risk ordering one and have the same problem with C503 and 440. I exchanged my 440 with panasonik 31U. It was not better than the pioneers. It cant play SVCD. I exchanged it again for Samsung 301 and all of my problem disappeared. I recommend this player.

mike