Pioneer DV-578A-S DVD Player with DVD-Audio / SACD
Pioneer hits a home run for great picture, sound & value
After buying a 30-inch widescreen Philips digital display, my nearly 4-year-old Magnavox DVD player just would no longer provide the quality I needed. Thus, I began the search for a quality progressive scan player that would take full advantage of my new TV. <br />  <br /> After buying and trying ~$100 players from Samsung and Panasonic, which I both promptly returned, I expanded my mindset. I looked at the Harmon/Kardon DVD22, which costs a hefty $200 and this great Pioneer DV-578A, which clocks in ~$50 less. I decided to take the Pioneer home and I am completely pleased. <br />  <br /> It has a rich, clean 480p image with ample blacks and no unwanted imagery or need for excessive adjustment of my picture to compensate. The on-screen menus are more comprehensive than any other player I've plugged in, giving you lots of control and adjustability based on your system. It is SACD compatible, but I've not tried any of those yet. It has the optical and digital coax outputs, as well as built-in audio outs. <br />  <br /> If you're like me, a mid-level A/V nut who's not ready for the ridiculous prices of Denon and the whole HiFi Buys crowd, the Pioneer is a great choice for a DVD player.