Until now, the only players that allowed DiVX and XVID playback were KiSS players and one from Liteon. There are a few others out there but these two were the main choices. However, with the introduction of the Philips DVP, there is a clearly a better choice.

The Philips DVP also features progressive scan, component output, 4x video upsampling, and high 192kHz/24bit audio DAC. These features are impressive but its true highlights are undeniably in the compatibility arena.</p>

When I got my player, I had to try all my DiVX files. The player claims to support DiVX 3/4/5 and XVID. While this sounds incredible and unbelievable, it is true, at least for most formats. The video files must contain MP3 or AC3 audio formats. Yes, this means AC3 5.1 surround sound movies playback just like DVD movies with Dolby Digital/DTS! But, herein lies the problem. If the files are not of the two aforementioned audio formats, they will not play. But when the DiVX files DO play, the unit is an amazing unit. You can fast forward DIVX 2-8x and rewind at the same rate, pause, skip, and slow-forward/slow-rewind the files just like DVDs. What you cannot do, however, is zoom in when playing DIVX file formats. While playing CDs with the unit, whether it be mp3s, DIVX movies, or VCDs, the player does make small chriping sounds throughout playback. However, this is BARELY noticeable and not a nuisance at all.

As for DVDs, this player is amazing. Picture is clear, crisp and bright. As with most newer DVD Players, playing dual-layered DVDs is not a problem, as layer switching does not cause major skips like older DVD players. If you don't know what I'm talking about, older players used to skip when changing layers on dual-layered DVD discs.

Now some gripes about the player. The remote does not have a eject button. To eject the disc, you must hold onto the STOP button for three seconds. This is not intuitive at all and though it takes just a few seconds, I still dislike having to do so instead of simply pressing one button. This is just a small problem. The biggest problem I faced with my player was it shutting off by itself. When I press play after pressing fast forward AND reverse many times, the player would just turn off. This doesn't happen when I only jump forward and then press play, or only reverse and then play. It only occurs when I jump back and forth MANY times in both directions and press play. I have not read of any other users having this problem so it might be my unit. This problem has happened maybe five times during the three months I've had this player so it is rare. Do not worry about this problem.

The player is also well designed and aesthetically pleasing. The remote is sleek and comes with all the necessary functions. Set up was a breeze and for $70, this player is arguably one of the best players out on the market.

Firmware upgrades are also provided and subtitles for DIVX format video files are also supported. And most importantly, remember to give your DIVX or any other files an extension, like .avi or .mp3 because the player won't recognize it otherwise.

Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 69.99