Purchased this Aug 2009 brand new. My first experience with Blu-ray technology. HDMI video output is connected directly to my Sony Bravia LCD TV. Picture is fabulous whether in Blu-ray or standard DVD. With a recent upgrade to an Audioquest VDM-X 6 meter IC for digital audio out to my Rotel AVR, the audio for DVDs and CDs is super. I'll even use this strictly as a CD player and the sound stage is in your face. In fact the bass extension can actually be a bit too much so I have to back off on the sub-woofers. Mid-range details are pronounced and not veiled. Machine is easy to set up and use. On-screen menus are simple to follow. I view many concert DVDs and the audio is great. Only problem is that when playing a Blu-ray DVD and I press stop for a while, it will not resume play at that point on the disc. Resume works for standard DVDs but not Blu-ray. I guess you can't have it all. But highly satisfied and love the unit.