Sony DVP-S550D DVD Player
Worth the dough...
OK. I'll be honest - I was scared as all heck to buy a DVDplayer because it seemed that no matter which one you might buy, itwould have lip synch problems, or not be able to read 2-layer discs correctly, or yadda...  yadda...<br />I have researched DVD players since December, and it came down to 2 players - the Sony 550 and the Toshiba 3109 (now the 2200 for year 2000). Until last week I was pretty much sold on the 3109 (three friends of mine have the 3109 - rave about it and have never had a problem), but after seeing them in the flesh - I bought the Sony.<br />Why?<br />1. The Sony looks much more solid. The 3109 (2200) doesn't look cheap mind you, but the plastic definately looks and feels like plastic - and the disc tray seems awfully flimsy to me.<br />2. The remote. OK, OK - I know the remote gripe you've been hearing non-stop. BUT! Toshiba has listened and has redesigned the remote for the 2200 - much better, has a &quot;joystick&quot; but it still has that &quot;flip-cover&quot; and it is honestly way too big for the limited functionality - plus you NEED the remote to do most functions (ie: go through the DVD menu selections). The Sony has an unbelievable remote with a jog wheel. It's big - but it can run the TV, reciever, and unit. AND you don't need the remote to do things - you can sit on your floor, pop in the DVD, go through the options and everything.<br />3. The digital filter chip. The gist I've gotten is that the Sony 530 and the Toshiba units have the same video quality, but the Sony 550D renders images noticeably better and has a digital filter chip. Mind you, most people might not notice, but when you've got a 32 Wega on the way....! The guy comparing the 3109 and the 550D a couple of reviews down isn't the only one saying that the 550D renders images better - I've heard it from a couple of people!<br />4. The lip-synch problem is no longer. If you're buying the 550D now - there are no problems. I've watched the Matrix, Ronin, and Aliens so far -not one skip, studder, pause, or audio synch problem on any of them.<br />Here's how I honestly look at it. <br />If you're concerned about money, want a really kick-butt player, and are only hooking it up to your average TV - go with the Toshiba. Like I said, I have 3 friends who have it - and love it (get the newer 2200 though for the better remote).<br />If money isn't as big of a concern, you love movies, and you're more concerned about a better picture and some more functionality - than the 550D is the way to go!<br />I don't regret getting the 550D in the least! It looks and sounds AMAZING!