Price Paid:  $350.00 from Video & Sound

Summary:
So far, this is a great player. I haven''t experienced any of the problems that a few people have experienced (check the reviews of the gold colored model - XV D723GD). It has worked flawlessly. The progressive scan picture this DVD player produces is incredible. I can''t honestly compare it to Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic or Pioneer, but I can tell you it is fabulous. If you surf around and read up on Progressive Scan chips, you will discover that various manufacturers use different ones - Panasonic''s RP56 uses the highly touted Faroudja/Sage chip, while others use the less admired Genesis. JVC decided to develop their own which "de-interlaces" the picture in a single process. I can''t comment on whether this route is advantageous or not as it really isn''t my line of expertise. However, I can tell you that the picture is incredible. Oh, I said that already... oops. I believe that unless a person knows *exactly* what to look for, you will not honestly be able to discern much difference between several different high end DVD players. This player is unique in that it also provides DD and DTS decoders built in. Great for me as my amp only had DD - no DTS (which, by the way, sounds incredible, but get a good sub as there is definitely less bass). In addition to that, it will also play VCDs and DVD Audio (sorry, no CDR or MP3 here - it''s last year''s model...). All these features combined with solid workmanship (it''s very heavy with gold-plated everything) makes this player a great buy! (One last thing - get yourself a decent learning remote as the included one is flimsy and seems to be designed by the engineers accidently dropping too many tiny buttons onto a sheet of plastic)

Strengths:
Great picture Gold plated everything High level of configuration Built in decoders for the digitally-challenged

Weaknesses:
Useless remote

Similar Products Used:
Toshiba SD-1600 RCA crappy DVD (can''t remember model)

Price Paid:  $300.00 from AAFES (military BX)

Summary:
I bought this DVD player for its features. Most importantly, the progressive scan for HDTV viewing. The 6 channel audio outs are great if you have a receiver that can accept them, although I prefer the optical digital out. So far, I''m very happy with this player. I''ve seen sites online still selling it for $500, so I got a good deal. Try and see if you can find one at your nearest base exchange if you know someone in the military.

Strengths:
Progressive scan. Optical digital out 6 channel audio output Up to 192 kHz sampling Built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoder Solid quality unit

Weaknesses:
Remote is not backlit. It also feels a bit light, although it''s of decent quality and does its job.

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic