I know there have been a number of threads about this.

But the I've had this player for only about a year and it seems like just about every disc I've purchased out of the box skips! It's well out of warranty and it will probably cost as much as a new player when you add shipping and handling to have it fixed.

Is it just me or is the only real solution to get a Sony or Pansasonic?

Yes, those (along with Pioneer, JVC and Toshiba) are your best bets for a decent player. Apex does not sell their players for so cheap because they are being nice to customers...they are sold that cheap because that is all they are worth that much and are cheaply made. With electronics, it pays not to skimp.

J