PIXEL FACTORY DVD isn't as exciting as it used to be, but Oppo's DV-981HD player still manages to impress. After all, you don't find a Faroudja video processor for upconverting video to 1080p format in any old bargain-basement machine. And with the HDMI output, hookup to your cutting-edge flat-panel TV is seamless.
PLAYMAKER It won't play Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD (so the company's "universal" label is a misnomer), but just about every other disc is welcome, including picture CDs, SACDs, and DVD-Audio discs, as well as those DivX-format videos you're burning on your PC. All legally downloaded, of course.
Price: $229
oppodigital.com
650-961-1118
