JVC XV-S500 Progressive-Scan DVD Player
For VCD/SVCD/MP3 enthusiasta
I purchased this specifically for its capability to play VCDs and SVCDs.  It wasn't the cheapest player on the store shelf but it was the only one that specifically stated support for the above formats.  The case is slim and elegant, almost delicate looking with its streamlined buttons and low key styling.  It weighs almost nothing and while in operation doesn't even get slightly warm...a good sign that quality components are inside.  The drive is quiet and spools up quickly and the remote is a joy to operate.  As i also have a JVC television the small TV/DVD switch allows me to operate both devices.  Video quality is outstanding and the onscreen menus are slick, attractive and intuitive.  If you have never seen progressive scan output this will be an eye-opener, wow.  This is one well-thought out DVD player.  MP3 support is excellent with long filenames.  It does not have shuffle or playlist features though, and JPEG picture view speed could be better.  Picture loading is very slow but the output is excellent.  One possible firmware bug I discovered is that the screen saver kicks in while watching a movie.  I simply turned off that annoying feature and all was well.  Other features include a stereo enhancer and Theatre Mode.<BR>Support for VCD, SVCD, MP3, DVD is excellent.  This sucker will play just about anything you put in the tray.  It is not picky about CDR/CDRW media at all and even 200-pack generics work great.  No need to waste your cash on expensive brand name media.  The outputs include component video, S-Video and digital fiber optic audio option.  Considering how wonderful the video is out of the plain RCA single port, The S-video or component out should be all that much better.