Need some advice-Wanna buy standalone-DVD (SVCD compatible)

[Perosales]

We have a Sony DVP-S335 which is a great DVD player, but it's a nightmare trying to get other things running on it. It DOESN'T support MP3, doesn't support CD-R (except Princo cd-R's), it does however support VCD. But even then the screen shocks from time to time (like there was a jitter). And it doesn't support SVCD at all... BUT the DVD quality is perfect!

So we want to buy a new DVD player, which supports DVD,MP3,VCD,SVCD,CD-R,CD-RW... but still is very stable.

We have a few options in the stores nearby:
- Philips DVD723
- Samsung DVD S224
- Lenko DVD 511H
- Finlux DVD510

All of these claim to support all the necessary formats. But I'm worried about the DVD-quality. Is this still good compared to our Sony? Which one of these is the best? I already read the comments on the compatibility list, BUT they often contradict each other. I also read that Finlux is Regionfree... which is also an advantage.

Please help us by telling which one of these is the BEST = most stable, best quality picture/sound, best compatibility, easiest to use... etc...
Don't forget to tell us WHY we should buy that one instead of another...

Thanks!!

[Perosales]

ANYone?? please??

[boss]

your best bet is to buy the philips or samsung. players from these companies always get decent reviews in the dvd mags.
i've never even heard of the other two brands. always try to buy well known brands as there is a better chance of getting it repaired if the player breaks down. also there should be region hacks for the samsung and the philips to make them multiregion.
oh, and my brother has a 335. you're right good picture quality, a shame it can't play most cdr's!

[kickbxn5]

DVD's made by General Electric (as plain as it may sound) support VCD and SVCD formats.

[banjazzer]

It depends where you are. In the US the Apex sold by Walmart consistently comes out the best, plays anything, and is very cheap. In the UK the Cyberhome 528 also plays everything and is very cheap. Available from Richers Sounds and http://www.playstationmods.com/dvd.htm

[Darr1960]

Get the RCA 5240P which is being closed out by target and is also being sold by Radio Shack..This DVD player plays it all MP3,VCD,SVCD,XVCD and even XSVCD.. for 100 to 160USD you can't beat it with a stick...

[Craig Tucker]

Are those 4 your only options, if your prepared to try something else I would suggest the pioneer 444

Craig

[Weeji]

Honestly, I have an Apex-3201, and it plays everything I throw at it. They're by far the most versatile, and the quality is quite good. You can get them at Kmart or Walmart.