Help a complete novice get a dvd player for 500.

While I have what I think is a very good 2 channel audio I know nothing about video. I want to get a dvd player for 500 or less, preferably new because of mechanical issues. I have looked at some of the threads but confess I don't undertand the various aspects eg progressive scan. It is for movies for the kids and us and in a few years I will put in a decent ht. Any advice re makes, models and features would be greatly appreciated.