You don't have to spend $500, unless you have the cash. I love my Panasonic S97S HDMI DVD player, and it can be found for under $300 bucks these days. There are many other fine players in the 100-200 range if you just want Progressive Scan..

M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350
AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85