An excellent DVD player is the used Philips q50 (close) for 150; these retailed for 600 originally and Good Guys closed them out at 220, I recall. Anyway, they have a great picture; would not use for a quality CD transport but for video it is great.
Another option is the Sony dvp-s7700; excellent video performance despite no progressive scan. This was sony's top of the line unit in the late 90s and is built like a tank. It also has dedicated lasers for the DVD and for the CD resulting in this unit being an excellent transport, as well. Has true high end build quality (for its price point; it is not a MBL...) and a good value for the 250 to 300 used.
Another option is the Sony dvp-s7700; excellent video performance despite no progressive scan. This was sony's top of the line unit in the late 90s and is built like a tank. It also has dedicated lasers for the DVD and for the CD resulting in this unit being an excellent transport, as well. Has true high end build quality (for its price point; it is not a MBL...) and a good value for the 250 to 300 used.