Price Paid:  $160.00 from circuit city

Summary:
I was so dissapointed in this player.The picture and sound quality are both pretty good for this price range but the machine is constantly freezing up to the point that you get so mad that you can't enjoy anything that you watch with it! Circuit City denied knowing of any problem but Zenith does have an upgrade for it.Doesn't fix it though.I shop at good guys now.

Strengths:
Fair color,although color fades some with progressive scan on.

Weaknesses:
Constantly freezing picture which gets worse with time.

Similar Products Used:
I just purchased a Philips dvdQ50 from Good Guys and I am totally impressed with the clarity of the picture and the richness of the color.Very obvious picture and color Difference when you compare the

Price Paid:  $169.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
All worked fine on this for about a year, and then it began freezing up about 10 times per movie. I've searched the Web and found this forum, where I see other reports of the same problem. Avoid this model, or buy an extended warranty.

Strengths:
Nice remote, picture, etc.

Weaknesses:
Picture freezes repeatedly. Really detracts from viewing experience.

Price Paid:  $85.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
This is a very solid player. I used to have a Panasonic DVD player, but gave it to my Mom when I bought this unit. I have been pleased with both the sound and picture quality so far. I use the optical out to my Yamaha receiver and the component out with progressive scan setting to my 57" Hitachi widescreen. The player does have trouble with only 1 disc I own, and I think it's due to scratches. Also, I've had problems playing dirty CD's, like the kind you'd get if you rent. However, if you take care of your DVDs, this player is just fine. Also, it does pause at some point for about 1 to 2 seconds while playing dual layer discs, but this seems to be normal, as it did the same thing in my old Panasonic player.

Strengths:
Price (got a floor model and discount for a small scratch). Sound and Picture quality are excellent. Plays VCD's on both CD-R and RW (with a very easy remote control code hack) Optical out and Progressive Scan in such a cheap unit is a plus.

Weaknesses:
Remote is nothing spectacular. Doesn't handle dirty DVD's well.

Similar Products Used:
Panasonic DVD Player (don't remember model number, but it was a $300.00+ model)

Price Paid:  $139.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
The player looks clean and sharp. It works great so far. Played almost 10 rental movies right after I got it, worked through all of them. No problem. But the tray got stuck twice, little glitch. No biggie. Just use the button or the remove, do not try manually push the tray. From the reviews I've read, maybe I am just more lucky. Still it's a very nice looking piece.

Strengths:
Component output works great! Even got the progressive scan. Will try it out after I get my HDTV.

Weaknesses:
Menu didn't show for some movies. Not sure whether it's the movie or the player. Can't display remain time.

Similar Products Used:
Go DVD player, returned it the next day. Picture quality was bad.

Price Paid:  $159.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
Got this for Christmas to go with my new TV, Had it in twice for repair. This always freezes about 10 times for every DVD. Still looking to get a Store credit. (Circuit City is giving me the run-a-round) and yes the same DVD''s play on my Apex (El Cheapo in the basement) I am royaly pissed!

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Freezes all the time. Circuit

Similar Products Used:
An Apex.