I have the opportunity to buy a lightly used A1 for $220 from a friend. If I got it, it wouldn't be a second player for me, rather as a gift to my parents.

Question: Is $220 a good price for a used one? (I think it is).

Follow-up question: Is this a good gift for my parents? They're not HT nuts but they have a new 720p plasma they got and I feel bad because they don't even have HD cable. I don't see them buying an HD DVD player, PS3, or BD player in the next year, but I'd like to introduce them to HD movies. Their current DVD player does not upscale, AFAIK.

Also, is getting someone a used gift a bit cheap? They don't seem to be the people to care but you can never tell.

Thoughts?

It's the thought that counts. As long as it works, I don't think they'd notice the difference. But do they have the patience for it? It can be quirky.

And yes, that's a great price.

The Edit King can teach you how to clean one of those up.

A good condition HD-A1 for $220? Geesh, sounds like a good deal to me, better than anywhere else.

I'm not sure about it as a gift for your parents. I mean, it depends if they are into that sort of stuff. I know my parents like the big screen tv's and all but when it comes to actual software they don't see a big deal with the new formats. Either way, it is the thought that counts so I am sure they will love it either way.

I wouldn't do it, usually parents are fine with a nice quality dvd player. Plus, the G1s have so many little minor issues that will drive anyone crazy, just give it time. It's the ones who shelled out the cash to be an early supporter, who are overall happy with the G1s despite those issues.

My folks never even heard of HD-DVD, but I kind of did the same thing and bought one for $250 from a friend. They love it, I think my dad is going to be glued to his couch for a few days when he gets King Kong. They're as far from video knowledgeable as they can be, and they said that they thought HD-DVD was a bargain for how much better it looked.