Pioneer 444 or 434, your opinions

[monteie]

I am thinking of getting the 444 or 434. I have read all of the reviews and as a last step would like to pick the brains of some of you. I am very new at this but have some questions. Does anyone know if the 444 will freeze or stop at really low bit levels when doing XSVCD's? I am really interested in this as a format and just want to ensure that it works. Next is there anything that I should be aware of when deciding between these two. I am sure that there is enough of you out there that have these models and know them inside out. Any problems complaints? Anything is helpful. I would like to learn as much as possible to make the best choice.

Thanks for your help....

[sommersby]

both great players, you can get the 434 at sears for $134, another good one is the dv-c503 or 603 carosels, you can pick one of these up for around $150-$175 and you don't have to get up to change disks.

[mjkc]

I got the 444 and I have no complaints. It will play XVCD with a bit rate of 2200 with no problems (and probably a bit more!).
I don't now what you are looking to use SVCD's for but if it is for VHS copies, forget it as a XVCD actually produces a better picture.