Toshiba SD-5970 DVD Player with HDMI
Excellent Picture Quality and So Inexpensive!
I have several DVD players to compare the Toshiba SD-5790 against: a great 2-year old Sony progressive scan (DVP-NS-700), a Pioneer universal DVD player (DV-563A), and the new Samsung DVD-HD841 (with upconverting DVI output).  I'm projecting images onto a 92\\" screen via a high-def LCD front projector which has DVI-D and progressive scan component video inputs.  The picture quality from the Toshiba SD-5970 via its HDMI output (720P or 1080i) is *easily* better than any of these players, and *far* better than the really horrible Samsung (which is completely over-hyped).  Unlike the Samsung, the picture from the Toshiba is solid, three-dimensional, has good color balance, and is free from grainy artifacts (which plague the Sony and Pioneer).  The Toshiba's picture is sharp and detailed, unlike the Samsung which has a *really* soft and unfocused picture.  The Toshiba actually has tremendous detail in dark picture areas again, unlike the dreadful Samsung.  The Toshiba performs great with both video and film based material.  Of all my other players, only the Sony also does well with both video and film based material, but the Sony suffers from alot of progressive scan artifacts (edge ringing, halos, etc.).  Also, this player plays CD-Rs well which have WMA files and JPEG photos. <br /> <br />The one drawback of this player is in its ergonomics.  The remote control it comes with is not the best (by a long stretch).  Even using a (better) universal remote to control the Toshiba, the player is still slow to respond to commands.  I've had occasional lock-up issues with the player too.  Having said that, what do you expect for the rock-bottom price?  Additionally, it's worth saying that setting up the Toshiba's HDMI output is one hundred times easier than setting up the Samsung's DVI.  It's as simple as flicking a switch, whereas with the Samsung, one has to go through a rather Byzantine procedure. <br /> <br />Overall, I've been very impressed with the Toshiba SD-5970.  I'veowned alot of DVD players and this one produces by far the best picture quality - the HDMI output really makes a difference, and is well implemented.  For the price, I highly recommend this.  I don't know how this player compares to the more expensive new Denon or Sony HDMI upconverting players.  Hopefully another reviewer will be able to make that comparison, but I'm totally happy with my purchase (through Amazon.com).