DVD player recommendations

[karelj]

After reading quite a few complaints aboutthe Philips DVP 642 failing after about 6 months, I am looking for a potential new choice for a new player.

I would like to have..

PAL/NTSC conversion.
Plays CDR/CDRW
Plays DVD-R(W)/DVD+R(W).
Plays MP3s.
VCD,SVCD. Xvid is a bonus.
Progressive scan.
Dolby Digital and DTS capable.
More than 8x FF and RW.

I tried the search feature for DVD players, but I would appreciate more direct feedback from you guys...

Thanks..

[Krispy Kritter]

Most players can handle what you want.

Most people get the 642 because it is capable of playing mpeg1/mpeg2/divx/xvid and some asf/wmv on the fly without burning media to meet VCD/SCVD/DVD spec. Just put the files on a disc as data and play. Also, my original 642 (I have 2) is almost 2 years old now. They tend to get very warm, so the key is to keep them in the open as much as possible and don't set things on top of them.

[HillJack]

I just picked myself up an LG LDA-530 on Wednesday and I have yet to find anything it WON'T play - it even plays XviD w/6ch AC3 audio! I've read that alot of people consider the Phillips 642 and the LG LDA-530 similar feature-wise, and it's dirt cheap too.

I chose the LG over the Phillips because the 642 I tested some of my XviD's on @ the store produced vertical lines that I wasn't impressed with, that and the LG was $10 cheaper

[craiggus365]

I have 2 philips 642 for over a year now. Heat, yes! Problems, No - just keep it cool and you should be ok

[karelj]

Guys.. thanks for your responses...
The LG unit seems to be going for a higher price than the Philips...so I am leaning twords the Philips 642. But one more question - does the Philips 642 handle DTS audio??

[MJA]

Guys.. thanks for your responses...
The LG unit seems to be going for a higher price than the Philips...so I am leaning twords the Philips 642. But one more question - does the Philips 642 handle DTS audio??

Avoid Philips at any cost
The Philips player is nothing but garbage. The problem with the player is more than heat.anyways .I found this one at onecall.com PioneerDV588AS Progressive Scan DVD/ Divx player with SACD and DVD-Audio Playback http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_27949.htm $129 .
I been using VSO DivXtoDVD Converter so no need for divx player
http://www.download.com/VSO-DivXtoDVD-Converter/3000-7970_4-10376028.html?tag=lst-0-22

[karelj]

Thank you for your post, but the Pioneer unit does not appear to have a PAL/NTSC converter.

[Krispy Kritter]

yes the 642 can read DTS