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If you're one of the lucky few who has a digital TV or HDTV capable of
accepting a progressive scan video signal (480p), then you should go with
one of these progressive scan DVD players for the best possible picture.
The progressive scan image is more vibrant, virtually flicker-free, and
more film-like. When buying a
progressive scan DVD player, make sure you get one that includes 2:3
pulldown (sometimes call "3:2 pulldown" or "3:2 reverse
pulldown") for a picture free of motion artifacts. Currently,
there are still significant differences in
video performances of progressive scan DVD players due to the progressive
scan and 2:3 pulldown algorithms.
Panasonic DVD-RP56
($220)  Progressive
scan DVD player with 2:3 pulldown,
CD-R/CD-RW compatibility and MP3 decoder
One of the
most affordable progressive scan DVD players is this Panasonic model that
comes with 2:3 pulldown. This model also offers all-around solid
performance plus CD-R/CD-RW compatibility and MP3 decoding. It also has a virtual surround
sound feature, to create better ambiance with just a pair of stereo speakers.
As low as $216.92 online
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Sony DVP-NS700P
(originally $350, on sale $280)  Progressive
scan DVD player with 2:3
pulldown
and CD-R/CD-RW compatibility
Don't let the affordable price tag for this DVD player fool you. The
DVP-NS700P features progressive scanning, 2:3 pulldown, and a
state-of-the-art 12-bit/54MHz video digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The Perfect Vision
magazine raved about the video performance of this progressive scan DVD
player. Throw in CD-R and CD-RW compatibility and the fact that Sony DVD players offer
some of the best picture quality available, as well as the smoothest scan and
slow motion effects, then you've got quite a performer only $300.
As low as $279.99 online
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Harmon Kardon
DVD 50 ($600)  Progressive
scan 5-disc DVD player with 2:3 pulldown, 192kHz/24-bit audio DACs, CD-R/CD-RW compatibility,
HDCD decoding, and MP3 decoding
This Harmon Kardon
5-disc DVD changer features progressive scanning with 2:3 pulldown
via a 54MHz/10-bit video DAC and a picture zoom feature. For the
serious music enthusiast, the DVD 50 uses two high-resolution
192kHz/24-bit Wolfson audio DACs for the best possible audio
quality. It's also compatible with CD-Rs and CD-RWs and offers HDCD
and MP3 decoding. Rounding out the features list is a backlit
remote, a headphone jack with volume control, and a play-exchange feature
that allows you to swap out 4 discs while the 5th disc continues to play.
As low as $599.95 online
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Denon DVD-2800
($800)  Progressive
scan DVD player with CD-R/CD-RW compatibility,
HDCD, and MP3 decoder
This state-of-the-art Denon DVD player features progressive scanning
with 2:3 pulldown
via a state-of-the-art 54MHz/12-bit video DAC and a PureProgressive™ de-interlacer
by Silicon Image (which is capable of processing six billion operations
per second) with a 64Mbit SDRAM buffer. A 4Mbyte buffer offers the smoothest and quickest layer change possible. On the audio
side, the DVD-2800 uses two Analog Devices 96kHz/24-bit audio DACs and offers
CD-R/CD-RW compatibility, HDCD
decoding, and MP3 decoding. This Denon is a no-kidding,
high-performance progressive scan DVD player with equally awesome audio
performance. All this performance for well under a grand.
As low as $799.95 online
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Kenwood Sovereign
DV-5700 ($1200)  5-disc
DVD-Video/Audio changer with progressive scan, 2:3 pulldown, Faroudja's
DCDi processor, CD-R/CD-RW compatibility, MP3 decoding, and THX-Ultra
certification
Kenwood offers this 5-disc changer as part of its high-end
"Sovereign" line of audio/video components. Video features include progressive scan and 2:3 pulldown using a
54MHz/10-bit video DAC and Faroudja Lab's DCDi™ processor (which removes
undesirable jagged edges) for a reference quality picture. The
Faroudja digital video Enhancer allows for manual adjustments, while the THX-Ultra
certification ensures that this model meets THX's stringent standards for
video performance. (The THX-Ultra certification does not
cover audio performance.) Audio features include CD-R/CD-RW
compatibility and MP3 decoding. For DVD-Audio playback, the DV-5700
features two 192kHz/24-bit audio DACs for the left and right channels and
96kHz/24-bit DACs for the center and two surround channels, and bass
management for 5.1-channel speaker setups. As if those features
weren't enough, there's also built-in decoding for Dolby Digital and DTS.
As low as $1,199.95 online
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Sony DVP-S9000ES
(originally $1500, now $1200)  Sony
ES reference quality DVD player with progressive scan, 2:3
pulldown, and stereo Super Audio CD playback
This is Sony's reference DVD player with progressive scan
and 2:3 pulldown via a
state-of-the-art 54MHz/12-bit video DAC. This unit also doubles as
an excellent stereo (not multi-channel capable) Super Audio CD
player. Many video and audio
enthusiast magazines have raved about the DVD and stereo
SACD performance of this unit! Sony DVD players have always offered
some of the best picture quality available, as well as the smoothest scan and
slow motion effects. Given that this is Sony's flagship model and
part of its "Elevated Standard" (ES) line of high performance
components, you
know you won't be disappointed. Built with impeccable precision and
constructed of high-quality parts for the best possible DVD and stereo
SACD experience, this unit comes with a 5-year Sony ES warrantee!
As low as $1,199.95 online
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Kenwood Sovereign
DV-5900M ($1500)  400+3
discs DVD-Audio/Video/CD mega-changer with progressive scan, 2:3 pulldown,
Faroudja's DCDi processor, CD-R/CD-RW
compatibility, MP3 decoding, and THX-Ultra certification
Kenwood offers this 403-disc mega-changer as part of its high-end
"Sovereign" line of audio/video components. There are 400
regular slots for categorizing DVDs, and 3 slots for temporary rental DVDs.
Its feature set is very similar to the 5-disc DV-5700
(above). Video features include progressive scan and 2:3 pulldown using a
54MHz/10-bit
video DAC and Faroudja Lab's DCDi™ processor (which removes undesirable
jagged edges) for a reference quality picture. The Faroudja digital
video Enhancer allows for manual adjustments, while the THX-Ultra
certification ensures that this model meets THX's stringent standards for
video performance. (The THX-Ultra certification does not
cover audio performance.) Audio features include CD-R/CD-RW
compatibility and MP3 decoding. For DVD-Audio playback, the DV-5700
features two 192kHz/24-bit audio DACs for the left and right channels and
96kHz/24-bit DACs for the center and two surround channels, and bass
management for 5.1-channel speaker setups. There's also built-in
decoding for Dolby Digital and DTS. As if those features weren't
enough, there is two-sided playback of
dual-sided DVDs and a daisy-chain capability for hooking up two more units for
control of up to 1,209 discs!
As low as $1,499.95 online
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DVD Player Shopping Guide:
Entry-level DVD players | Multi-disc changers & mega-changers
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