The Sony DVP-S550D is the best deal I found for Christmas 1999. It's loaded with great features, and it has met or exceeded all my expectations. It has excellent video and audio quality, and it plays several different types of audio and video disks. It also provides S-Video, composite video, and component video outputs, so you can run the audio from your TV speakers, a basic audio receiver/amplifier, or a dolby prologic or digital receiver/amplifier.

Mine is hooked to my Sony AV reciever/amplifier using regular old RCA-style audio and video cables. When I upgrade the rest of my system, I'll be able to use the DVD player's fancier outputs.

Both the unit itself and the remote have plenty of gadget appeal, including my favorites, the shuttle and jog modes, that allow forward and backward scanning from very high speed to single frame per click.

The remote is easy to use once you figure out the most important features, and you can use it to control both the DVD player and your TV and maybe even your receiver/amplifier.

My only complaint is the one I have with almost all Sony products: the manual is disorganized and almost impenetrable. I just set it aside and started playing with the unit and the remote. Maybe I'll come back to it some day, but I doubt it.

The best part: Got the unit for $399 plus tax at my local Circuit City just two days before Christmas.





Recommended: Yes