Sony DVP-NS50P/B Single DVD Player, Black
great functionality, low price
I very reluctantly bought this DVD player because I have a five-year-old Toshiba that has worked like a champ.  But alas, it's already an antique; it will not play the recordable DVDs that I burn on my computer.  Having read the good reviews of this model on amazon.com (if you're looking for reviews, see the silver color for this model number), and noting the low price, I decided to try it.  On a Thursday at 5:30 I ordered it from amazon.com using one-day shipping through amazon.com Prime, and by 4:00 PM on Friday, I was watching all kinds of DVDs:  DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW.  (No DVD+R yet, but I'm sure it will spin those too.)  It also works well with photo CDs.  Not only that, commercial DVDs look clearer and sharper than on my previous player.  I have been impressed enough to buy another as a gift.  In sum, splendid performance for about 1/4 the price of the DVD player from 2000.