I am finally getting a new player to replace my Samsung 709 (P.O.S.) but I dont want to make another mistake. I was thinking about the two listed, but would like to know if anyone out there has had any problems with them. If there is one you would like to recommend other than these two, please do (My wife would like it if we stayed under $400 =)).

Thanx

Don't know anything about the Philips unit, but the A120 is great. Just bought one last month from 800.com for $259. I've had no problems whatsoever(including The Matrix)... Good luck!

Same here....I can only comment on the Panasonic. I just bought my A120 from Mercata for $208 (including shipping!) and I LOVE IT! I have also played the Matrix with no problem. I did quite a bit of research and I don't believe you can beat the A120 for $208.... The only thing I have heard about that might compete is the Toshiba 2109. If you want a budget DVD player and don't need the decoder onboard....I think you have to consider the Panasonic and the Toshiba. Good luck!

gotta agree with the others, bought a A120 last month nothing but praises for it. PD $209 for mine and couldn't be happier. Good luck

I bought the A120 last month too from 800.com -- it was about $259 -- but included $50 worth of movies from 800.com (movies are competitively priced too)-- so after the movie credits, it costs $209. I chose 3 movies and they arrived with the player. Also, I got free shipping and paid no sales tax... so it was a nice deal.

I am really happy with the A120. Key features include all the output options (good for now and the future) and also the quickplay (it will load up and play a DVD real fast-- other brands take several seconds longer to start). Also, I really enjoy the fast forward options on this player. At double speed, you can hear the audio fast as well. It goes up to 100x fast forward -- which is faster than most (I see 30x on the competitions).

THe first thing I checked was The Matrix.. and it played perfectly... if there ever was a problem with this DVD title it has been fixed. It works great on my A120.

On the down side, it does not have a universal remote. My TV does have a universal remote, but it's pre-set options did not include my panasonic DVD player-- and the other panasonic codes did not do anything either. So, I use 2 remotes.

Also, while it weighs 7lbs, it's shell/case is "beefier" than some of the other units. My parents just bought the low end RCA -- which has less features, but does have a thinner shell/case. By the way, the RCA DVD 5220 Is priced at $149 (not sale price-- but everyday price) at our local Office Depot stores here in southern California. This seems like a great price for your standard DVD player -- Circuit city is advertising the same unit for $249. Also the RCA has a universal remote-- it doesn't have all the outputs, and ffwds at 30x, and does not play audio in any ffw mode... but for the price is a great player.

Good luck!

I have to agree with everyone above. I got the 120A from Mercata for 208, and I get the 5 free moveies, and 12 free rentals, I think that part is over. I haven't had any problems plaing any of the DVD's I have, aprox 15 so far. It's a nice player. 2 sets of RCA outs, 1 set component out, and 2 digital, 1 CoAx and 1 Fiber. I can't use the digial yet, or the component out, but the RCA out has no problem going thru my reciver, an older Sony.

Jeff

Thanx everyone. I guess the answer is clear. Should buy the Panasonic this weekend and cant wait to hook it up.