Go with the Denon 5900 or the 9000 --- all the Denon's that use the Silicon Image 504 chip for progressive scan are first rate --- both used prices are withing your range and both are great machines - top notch.
Personally, I've never bought a DVD Player THAT expensive before.
But now, if I were to buy one today, then I would be taking a close look at these three (and not in ANY particular order either. I wouldn't be disappointed with any of them).
I have the Samsung Pro 1000 HD and it is a huge improvment over my Panasonic56 I had before. The one question I have is about your HDTV, does it have a DVI input? If it does there are some new DVD players coming on the market in the next few months you should look at. Check out www.avsfourm under dvd players.
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