I recently replaced my deceased TV and antique VCR on the same day, and also acquired my first-ever DVD player (I'm not much of an "early adopter"). Like another reviewer, I was looking at the SD-2800, but this model in the same series was considerably less expensive and seemed to have all the features I'm likely to need. I don't have a home theater system, so I don't need advanced artificial intelligence in a player, or any of that. This player set up and attached to the TV with a minimum of fuss and played three DVDs one after the other perfectly and with terrific fidelity. In the three months since then, I've played perhaps 25 discs, both my own and multiple-rentals from Blockbuster, and the machine ticks right along without a whimper. So far, I really like what I see!

The owners manual informs you that CD-RW's are not recommendable and sure enough it did not recognize a RW disc recorded with mp3's or one recorded in a regular audio format (non mp3). I will say that the DVD funtion is outstanding, as is the audio quality from pre-recorded factory CD's and CD'R's. Unfortunately the CD-RW non-support is a major factor for me, and all e-tailers who sell this product have not relayed the CD-RW information. If this is not an issue for you, then by all means buy this player.

I bought this DVD player about half a month ago and has played more than 30 DVDs and music CDs since, and it played smoothly with superb video quality using its component video out. Even with the composite video, the screen is crisp and clear. Also tried some homemade VCDs, MP3s and CDRs and all of them played without any skipping. It didn't play my SVCDs though, and I have no DVD-R to test it.

The controls are user-friendly with the on-screen icons and simple remote control. I don't have to setup anything to get it work, really suits people like me who is not technically inclined.

It has all the features I need : simulated surround sound for a 2 speaker sound system that I have, enhanced dialogue, 5 different enhanced picture mode, and support for digital audio DTS/Dolby through its coaxial cable (though no optical output). Also supports Dolby Pro Logic.

One thing missing is the progressive scan. But at its price, I bet it is one of the best deals I ever had.