good call AshBroomstick. I had looked briefly @ the Pioneer models, however a couple of things led me away from them:

-slightly higher cost
-my parents don't really NEED a universal player
-slightly lower rating on the Secrets DVD Benchmark

all that being said, the 578 and the 563 did perform well and certainly seem to be one of the best "bargains" available for universal players. Thanks for the suggestion.

Scott

"Chickens don't clap."