TiVO has ruined me. DVD player help, please...

[nonjon]

DVR's and TiVO (from when I had DirecTV) have ruined for me response time on rewind, 10-second rewind, etc... for when I miss a line or want something quickly repeated. And yes I know, hdd's are smoother and quicker than lasers moving across an optical disc, but still.

I've had and loved Apexes for a long time, but it seems homemade (DVD+R DL) Dual Layer burns cause hiccups in the three old Apexes I have around my home (but the burns play smoothly on the PC). So I realize it's way past time to get a new DVD player. I want one that will play just about everything you can throw at it, as smoothly and with as few hiccups as possible. I've only got a 27" widescreen LCD-TV with component cables running into it, so I'm not concerned if the quality is as crispy clear as it can possibly be. I don't need divx support, just burned DVD-R, DVD+R, and Dual Layer burns for those too. Mainly I want as slick, smooth, and responsive a system as can be. I'm talking about how quickly for example iPods react and play in comparison to cheaper mp3 players that need load time, and take several seconds to skip a song etc...

So is there any particular model anyone can recommend as providing the absolute smoothest and quickest reactions and useful features like quick rewind, skipping to the next chapter, etc...

The Philips DVP-642 [edited, thanks] I always hear about, but I don't mess with divx downloads or homemade recodes. But is it highly user-friendly and quickly responsive? I've not got a set spending limit in mind, but I mean $99 for the 3 disc Apex is my 'most' expensive one so far, so I'm not looking to shell out over $300 here. Any advice or suggestions or raves on DVD players you recommend would be greatly appreciated. And a lack of gacking on Dual Layer home media is a must.

Thanks.

[Krispy Kritter]

Take a look at the Oppo OPDV971H : http://www.oppodigital.com

And just an FYI: it is Philips DVP-642...I've got 2 and they have worked well for me.

[nonjon]

I see that one's rated as nearly the best picture quality around for DVI and upconverting, and considering how many people rave about it, I'd be willing to plunk down $200 for it.

But I worry about this, from a review on amazon:

"Second is the fact that this player really will not load home-burned DVDs. If that's what you need, do not get this player. (It seems to load CD-R discs without any problems.) Many reviews here and elsewhere have noted this limitation. Believe it."

As well as OPPO's own site's claim "Playability of self-recorded discs may vary depending on media and formatting software types"

These two things make me think this may not be what I'm looking for. A few reviewers here said it played everything they threw at it, but I'm a bit wary. Have you had/tried this player yourself and recommend it?

[Krispy Kritter]

I wouldn't even take that into consideration. Most all players have a problem or two with brands/types of media. It is just a matter of finding what this player likes and using it.

For most people that isn't even an issue, especially if you spend a few bucks on decent media. However, there are quite a few people that like to spend all of $5.00 on a 100 pack of magic media DVD-Rs, then bitch and complain that they won't play in their standalone.

As for OPPO's claim, all companies/players could carry the same disclaimer. Not all media brands/types work in all players. And there are many options/errors a user can make recording that could cause the disc not to funtion.

[hirapanna]

I have the Oppo DVD player, and have no problems in playing ripped DVD movies, original DVD movies, CDs, MP3s ....

You can't go wrong with that player.

[nonjon]

Thanks hirapanna. That's what I like to hear.

And you too of course Krispy Kritter. It's just easier when it's someone who has actually used it and recommends it, rather than benchmarks or tests or awards.

And I have several hundred already burned from DVD-recorders, many homemade burns from alternate regions, etc... And if I can't use my old discs, it isn't a good option for me. But this sounds pretty good. And for a couple years now, I've only been gettin Ritek discs. I know some others prefer other brand names (is Taiyo Yuden the big one now?), but I like sticking with a name that hasn't caused me any problems.

I do have some old cheapies too though.

Probably time to keep my eyes open for a sale on this Oppo.

Of course, if anyone else has suggestions, I'd love to hear those too.