Absolute Best DVD Player?

Panasonic DVD H1000..excellent sound, Progressive scan output that is better on my Toshiba HDTV than the 9200 Toshiba unit. Built like a tank (30+ pounds). All reviews say it is great and I would have to agree with them. I am anxioulsy awaiting mine. Only thing I wish it supported is DVD Audio (website specs are kind of murky on this..says it supports 96Khz output but stops short of saying it is DVD Audio capable.) Oh well, by the time they figure out the format wars it will be five years from now and they will only have out 3 titles I would like to own in the format anyway. My 3 cents but do a search in an engine and you will see only glowing reviews. Read a few places it was the HOLY Grail of DVD players. I believe it will exceed all your requirements.

Sony has just released their latest flagship DVD player, the 9000ES. It retails for $1,500. It is supposed to have progressive outputs and be able to play SACD's. I've yet to audition one myself, but I've been pleased with other Sony ES components. Certainly one to look at. Good luck.

Sony 9000ES sounds great, but for the $$ try Pioneer's Elite new 37 model. progressive etc. etc. Plays just as good, but your not paying for Sony proprietary software.

Rick5189 -- What is the "BEST" DVD Player on the planet. There could be an argument as there are currently three high-end DVD Players that are worthy of elite status right now. As "Cjattieasy" has said, there is the Panasonic DVD H1000. But also, there is a Toshiba model that is retailing for almost $2,000.00, and there is the Sony DVP-S9000ES, and that player retails for $1,500.00. That VERY player also plays SACDs. That's something you could look at if you should decide if SACD is in your future. And lastly, Pioneer has a new "high-end" player coming out soon. And this is going to be a Pioneer Elite Player too, I believe. This is going to be dubbed the DV-38 (or the DV-39). This player is going to also have "progressive scan" capability (just like the other three). But unlike Sony's DVP-S9000ES, the new Pioneer Elite DV-38 (or is it the DV-39 again) will not have SACD playback capability, but it will have their patented "urushi" finish and the rosewood side panels (just like the existing DV-09). That player will retail for $1,800.00 (I am told). If you want that capability as well in a Pioneer Elite Player, then you have to invest about $5,000.00 and get their "ULTRA" high-end player (whose model number escapes me right now). But now, if you are willing to forgo some refinements or capabilities (not sure of what they are yet) for the sake of saving money, then there is the Pioneer Elite DV-37. It has most of the capabilities of the higher priced Pioneer Elite DV-38 (or DV-39) and it has "progressive scan" capability as well (if you should need this capability down the road, then you're already in the door), and it retails for just $1,000.00 (though someone on this site tells me you can get it for less than that...... that I still have to see to believe it..... but if you can, it deserves a serious look...... I am adding the DV-37 to my shortlist right along with a Pioneer Elite DV-09 and a Sony DVP-S7700, which I expect to get WAY below retail since dealers will be closing these players out so that they can carry the new models that are coming out). Is that five players I just named. I did say I was naming just three, didn't I ????

Simply the best.