Pioneer DV-626D DVD Player
Worth every penny
After conducting a lot of research and purchasing the top of the line Philips player (the hard to find 865)and having nothing but problems- despite calls to Philips, etc.- I sent it back for the Pioneer 626. This is  just an outstanding player and absolutely loaded with features (having  capabilities most probably won't take full avantage of, but it's nice to  know your player can handle your setup as it grows and improves).  Extraordinarily crisp picture, crystal clear sound, built in Dolby Digital  AND DTS ( a rarity), easy to set up and use- and virtually every feature  can be handled by the joystick remote.  Yes you can buy a cheaper,  functional player, but especially considering how much this has come down  from its original spendy list price (checking around online retailers pays  off), why?  A serious machine that'll satisfy the most demanding  cinemaphiles.  You get what you pay for- do right by yourself and spring  for the 626.