I am using a $100 DVD player from BestBuy. I have heard from others that a more expensive player costing around $500 will make a different. Is this true? If so, what player are you currently using and recommend? I am thinking about those made by Denon.

I have a Denon 2910 and really do like it but the Oppo OPDV971H sure gets rave reviews and it can be had for only $199.00!

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..

I was also dissapointed at how little differenct the 2910 made to my setup comparing to my Pioneer <100US$ job.

There was a small and a subtle difference. But it was not worth the money paid.

I am using Pioneer DV-578 (CAD $67 open box at BestBuy). I am quite happy with it - it plays DVD-A and SACDs and generally has a decent picture. It has an updated model that would play DivX but otherwise carries over. If I were looking for something noticably better or at least something where difference would be noticable I would probably have to spend over $600 so I am not planning to upgrade this piece. Money is better spent on buying CDs

I have been using the Oppo for a few months and love the picture quality. I was using a more expensive Elite 47ai . The picture quality of the Oppo is much better than the Elite. But you must make sure to use the HDMI/DVI output to take advantage of the Oppo.

Rick,

What do the denon’s have that this unit doesn’t?

I have the Cambridge 540D and I really enjoy it. It's fantastic for both movies and music. It plays DVDA, but I haven't heard it play any DVDA's yet. It also plays both NTSC and PAL.