Pioneer DV444 Progressive-Scan DVD Player (Silver)

Bought this player in September/2001. It has an excellent range of hook-up options including a full range of digital and analog alternatives. This means that it will fit whatever configuration you have and will take advantage of the top end features of your other units (monitor/TV/amplifier/receiver). It also means that it will be able to grow along with your system. The manual is well structured and steps you through the hookup and basic setup quickly. You can then move into the custom setup to mix and match to your preferences and the other components of your system. Once you get used to the on screen menu with navigation through the features and options then finer tuning of your setup is a piece of cake.
The player features are as advertised including the Audio CD (off-the-shelf and burned) and MP3 playback and navigation functions. I was looking primarily for progressive scan DVD features and was not disappointed. The quality of image is excellent and it is able to drive my...Read more

This is quite a find. The Pioneer 444 is simple to use, has an ultra-thin profile (1 rack-unit in height), and has the progressive scan features that will make it a viable player for those who will someday switch to a 16:9 television. It has both coaxial and optial digital audio outputs, as well as S-Video, standard RCA, and component video outputs. The on-screen menu has both a "basic" and "advnaced" mode, and the quality of the unit is what we have come to expect from an industry leader like Pioneer. And if that price at Amazon remains (...), this is one of the greatest bargains in the DVD world. It is a top-quality player for now, and for years to come. The only players better than this are those with true 1080i (HDTV) and optical video cable compatibility. But this player will still be compatible with the new televisions, unlike most DVD players sold before. This is a solid investment.

I have had this machine for three months now and have a high end home theater system. I have been using laser discs since the invention of AC-3 and had two other DVD players before this one. I can say that this has been the most solid player to date the the sound and video output are awesome. I would highly recommend this player to anyone seeking a high quality player that supports most new and old formats in the DVD universe today.