Sony DVPNS725P Progressive-Scan DVD/CD Player
Great value on a mid level player.
Purchased this unit at the beginning of 2004 as my first DVD player.  I went with the 725 over the less expensive but functionally similar 525 because of the higher end DA converter in the 725.  Compared to other brands the Sony also appeared to be a better value as there was nothing really close to this price range that offered a DA converter that was similar in performance.  As you can see I put a lot of emphasis on the DA converter, but I understand that it is the heart of the DVD and was really the only major diference between the 725 and the 525.<br />Cant say how much difference the better DA converter is as I was not able to make a side by side comparison. But the price difference wasnt that great so I went for the 725.<br />What I can say is that the picture output form this player is superior to my old high end VCR.  I didnt think there would be that dramatic of a difference between a mid level DVD and my old high end VHS but the difference was apparent immediatly.<br />This unit has a full size chasis and has a very low overall height.  Fits into my system easily as I used this to replace my CD player as well.  <br />The remote is well laid out and easy to use.  It is a universal remote that will run the DVD as well as your TV.  Only down side is that the buttons are not backlit so you cannot see them very well in low light conditions.  <br />I have watched at least one to two movies a week and play more CDs since I have owned this and it has never let me down.  No jams or skips ever.  Only had to clean one DVD that wouldnt play...but it was a rental DVD that was dirty and probably wouldnt have played on any machine.  Plays CDs as faithfully as my old Yamaha untit did...but lacks the display size needed to show all of the track info (i.e. Title, time, remaining time, etc.) so you have to use the remore and strain your eyes to see the one line dislay.<br />The set up menu is logical and easy to use. Initial set up will take about half an hour to get it to your liking but the standard settings are pretty good to start with.<br />Overall a great enrty into DVD players.