It seems that a couple of the mainstream companies(Sony and Denon) STILL just don't seem to get it! For some reason they still feel it is necessary to introduce a signature piece on the market at a ridiculous price point to sell to the audio/videophiles. I must admit I purchased a couple of these expensive "Elite" DVD units from Pioneer in the past thinking that these were superior performing players. For the most part, I still kind of thought that way UNTIL I purchased an Oppo 980 in the past few months($169.00). Given that all the innards of these units, regardless of price, are now made in China anyway, I am beginning to think what is the point of this other than to bleed gullible customers! Blu-Ray will NOT be successful if the mass market does not bite and they certainly won't buy these players.
I have decided to show some patience and wait for the new Oppo Blu-Ray player which even at $500-600, no doubt, will be full featured and allow firmware updates for improved performance(like their other players).
