Philips DVP642 DivX-Certified Progressive-Scan DVD Player
Moderate  Performing DVD for a Low Price
I purchased this unit a few days ago as a replacement for a progressive scan Panasonic S55 single disc unit that stopped reading all media after about two years.  Was considering upgrading to a Panasonic DMR-EH50 hard drive recorder but they seem unavailable anywhere except used on Ebay.  As we are in a transition to HD DVD players and HD \\"quasi\\" upconverters it's very difficult to find a solid basic dvd player still in production. All of the major manufacturers are transitioning, so buying a player now means dealing with end of the line models.  I decided on the Philips 642 after much research as a basic unit that meets my temporary needs.  Will shift this to a CRT \\"bedroom\\" back-up unit after the HD players settle into the market.  I have the Philips 642 connected to a Sony 53\\" HDTV and a Yamaha DTS 5.1 Home Theatre System. <br /> <br />The Good: <br />1) Contrary to other reviewers I had no problem at all with component cable connections after making the proper settings in the video setup. The picture on video or tape based DVDs is as sharp as my old, more expensive Panasonic progressive scan unit.  The Smart Picture adjustment makes it very easy to personalize your screen, especially for those of you that like to watch on the \\"torch\\" (bright) setting of your HDTV.  Good, clear picture with few articfacts even on the black and white \\"Good Night and Good Luck\\". <br />2)I bought the 642 primarily because it was the only DVD in the entry level price range that has an optical digital output.  I'm happy to say that even though this unit does not decode DTS audio signals it passes them through to my DTS capable receiver just fine.  DTS was as strong and clear as with any other DVD player. <br />3)Though the remote is crappy it is no more so than any other remote for units in this price range.  In some ways, it's simplicity makes it even a little better than other remotes with more functions.  If you want to fool around tweaking your settings during a showing then it'snot the remote for you.  If you just want basic controls while watching a movie then you will be happy with it.  One bad feature - you can't open/close the disc door remotely. <br />4) Picked up the unit on sale for $49.99 new.  You won't find another player with the same features for that price anywhere. <br /> <br />The BAD: <br />1) I'm not a videophile with a demand for perfect quality, but that said, there are some flaws that just can't be overlooked.  While the image quality is quite strong, text generally appears slightly fuzzy and blurred.  This was universal across several DVDs. There was particular distortion and herringbone wavering noticeable in scrolling credits and any title work that was white. <br />2) If you turn on the closed captioning (probably not a concern for most) there are horrible artifacts all around the text.  Looks like a Fourth of July sparkler!  At first, it was so bad that I thought it was some effect particular to the DVD (Flightplan) but it appeared on several others as well. <br /> <br />Overall I would recommend this player as a secondary unit for a smaller CRT TV, but spend a bit more and get a higher quality unit from Panasonic, Sony, Oppo or equivalent if you want a player well matched to your main room set. Or, just wait for the new HD units to drop by about 50% in price after they've been on the market for a while.