Pioneer DV-343 DVD Player
I did a lot of research and Pioneer came out on top!
When we decided to buy DVD players as Christmas gifts (one also for myself), I did a lot of research.  Not just what Consumer Reports rated the units at but what consumers thought of the product.  Not only did I review what was written here at Amazon.com but at other sites too.  The only negative things people had to say about the Pioneer-343 was that they thought the remote control was too small, the remote wasn't backlit and the unit was a bit bulky.  If those were the only problems consumers had how could I say no to the Pioneer-343.  This unit is great! Fantastic!  It went over big as a gift too.  After purchasing a RF-Modular (I have an older TV and I also wanted to still have my VCR connect - Cost [very little] at Radio Shack), I had the unit up and running in less than 15 minutes.  I was watching a DVD movie in under 20 mins.  With additional audio cables (Red and White) I was able to get the DVD player to play through the stereo speakers.  All my devices old and I still get fantastic picture quality, etc.  And at [this price] you can't beat it!