Pioneer Dv-420vk ALL Multi Region Code Zone Free DVD Player with Hdmi 1080p Upconverting and USB Input
Bought this after hunting around for a DVD player and getting thoroughly confused by the different options available. My requirements were as follows:
1) I wanted a Multi region player since I have discs from India and the US and I also make my own at home.
2) I wanted a USB input on the player and preferably the ability to play DivX files
3) I wanted to have the option to use HDMI at a later stage when I purchase a HDTV
I rejected all the Philips DVP series players because of poor reviews I found in other brand reviews (like for other Pioneer players). Many of them said those didnt last long. I am not fond of SONY because SONY has the reputation of being very selective about what it plays and is very fussy when it comes to slightly damaged discs.
I chose this because most Pioneer players had wonderful (if fewer) reviews and I decided to try it out. It arrived fast and it works great. I have used the standard component cables to connect it to my CRT TV and it works great. The unit is very light and sleek (black) and comes with a component cable and two power cables (one for the US socket and the other for the European I assume). I am yet to try the USB input though. The Dv-420vk is one of the newer Pioneer models compared to the 610 and others. I saw this on the Pioneer website selling for around the same price.
One quick tip: look for the other sellers when buying this product because the "featured merchant" seems to be charging a premium for both the product and the shipping. I bought it from NewEra products and it arrived in good time and great shape.