Ok I am currently using my PS2 as my DVD player and its working out ok, but I would like to purchase a stand alone player. I don't need any decoders built in nor do I need progressive scan outputs. I just need a good DVD player for a good price. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.
Current setup is:
36" Hitachi Ultravision
Yamaha HTR-5280 Receiver
Sony 515 speakers for front and rear
Sony CN490 for center

Our staff really likes the DV-333 from Pioneer. Good solid player with component output and nice features. I believe it has a MSRP of around $199, but can probably be found online much cheaper.

Thanks for the info...I was currently looking at that one as a matter of fact. I have always heard good things about Pioneers DVD player, whether it is the expensive DV-09 or the middle range DV-333. I have really heard good things about their discountinued DV-525. Any opinions on the Pioneer vs. Toshiba?

While I like Pioneer's Elite series, I don't think much oftheir lower end products.

On the other hand, in my opinion, Toshiba is an underrated brand, deserving consideration at any price point.

Any suggestions of lower end players Kromax? I would really like to pick up the Arcam DV88, because of its incredible dvd playback along with its rave CD quality playback, but that is out of my price range for right now and just need a starting out standalone player. The PS2 is working ok, but you know how HT is....you always want better.

Also what is everyones opinion on the entry level Sony DVD players? My main choices seem like the pioneer DV-333, the toshiba 1600, and the Sony 360. I am clueless as to which one is better than the next. Or is it that they are all the basically the same?

I think their DVD players are an exception WRT this. The DV-333 is supposed to be a great player as is the Sony 360 and Toshiba 1600. If you want to play CD-R's then go with Pioneer. Otherwise I would recommend either the Pioneer or Sony, with the Toshiba as a close but third choice. The Sony players seem to have the least amount of software compatibility problems.

I really want to like the Pioneer 333... But it has a loud mechanism, is big and ugly, feels cheap, and has a crappy remote. I want to like it because it has a nice picture.

I will prob be picking up a Sony 360. Cool little player, literally. Very functional design, and has a good remote. Even has an embedded RISC processor in it that facilitates the excellent scanning/slo-mo. Some people find the image a little soft, but I think that's kind of ironic because we are always trying to soften video, from production through to TV settings. When you calibrate a TV you almost always drastically turn down the sharpness...

I have a Sony 360, and I'm pretty happy with it. I'm MOST happy with the price... found it for $180 as an "open box item" at Best Buy, and the box still had the Proof of Purchase on it. Sony's current rebate running on the 360 and (I think) the 560 knocks another $50 off the price. $130 for a DVD player! SWEET! :)

for what its worth, i have had great luck with my Pioneer 434. My old Toshiba would have some trouble with some discs, but the pioneer has never had any problems whatsoever. It also loads A LOT faster, which is nice

Thanks for all your help guys. I've never been a big fan of Sony. Ever since I had an In-dash CD player for my car go bad, I've been turned off from any of there products. This really hurts me because everytime I see one of there Vega TVs or an HDTV my jaw drops. I'm just a little concerned on there quality. Maybe this may be a chance for sony to get back into my good graces. The 360 might be the way to go.
I've got to agree with you reverb, my friends have the pioneer and it does have a good picture, but the player itself is just downright ugly and does a cheap feel to it. Anybody heard of any good deals on the Sony 360...?

Sony makes great players!!! It gets high marks on this forum.. There is a MIR on the 360...not sure where it is...

I don't know if the deal with the Panasonic RV30 is still running, but that was a pretty good deal. I got it for about $160, and I'd it's easily in the same league as Sony, Pioneer, and Toshiba.

Go with the Sony 360...

The sony has had the best firmware reliability. I have never had a disc with a play problem. I have the last generation (330) and love it and the mini-room system dvps-300 setup. Both are fantastic and have never had a glitch.

Have a 27" Sony VVega with the dvps-300 too and it is SWEET for a bedroom setup.

Remember, all manufacturer's have units that have problems. Maybe you had one bad experience, or you had a product they are not as good at making. When it comes to TV and DVD, I love Sony.

Next TV is looking like another VVega as well as a Sony DVD for my new cabin this summer. :)

I see everyone raving about the sony 360...have any of you ever noticed the "Soft" picture that some complain about? I don't want to start a war here :) I'm just curious to see what your opinions are on picture quality of the sony 360 vs the pioneer 333. And once again thanks for everyones help

Is $300 for a slightly used Pioneer Elite DV-05 a good deal? I just happened to come across one and wanted to see what you all think. I really like their elite product line...my friends own the DV-09 and that is an awesome machine.