Sony quality with many features for low price

My wife wanted a DVD player so she could watch videos in the bedroom.

While visiting the local Circuit City, I came across the Sony DVP-NS55P single disc CD/DVD player. On the shelf for $69.99, it was one of the lower-priced name-brand units, and the printing on the box indicated that it plays nearly every format currently available.

My experience with Sony consumer electronics has been solidly positive, and the price was good, so why not? Especially since Mother's Day was near...

I snatched one up, took it home, and connected it in minutes. Before I knew it, I was playing videos.

Specs from Epinions:
http://www.epinions.com/Sony_DVP_NS55P_Silver_Single_Disc_DVD_Player/display_~full_specs

Specs from Sony:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=DVPNS55P/S&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=hav_DVD_DVDPlayers

An important feature to consider is what formats will the player play? Sony provided this information as follows:

===== The info below is from the owner's manual =====

SUPPORTED FORMATS:
The Sony DVP-NS55P supports the following digital media formats:
- DVD-Video
- DVD-RW/-R
- DVD RW/ R
- DVD R DL (double layer)
- Video CD
- Music CD
- CD-RW/-R

The player can play CD-ROMs/CD-Rs/CD-RWs recorded in the following formats:
- music CD format
- video CD format
- MP3 audio tracks and JPEG images files of format conforming to ISO 9660* Level 1/Level 2, or its extended format, Joliet
- KODAK Picture CD format
* A logical format of files and folders on CD-ROMs, defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

The player can also play DVD-ROMs/DVD RWs/DVD-RWs/DVD Rs/DVD-Rs recorded in the following format:
- MP3 audio tracks and JPEG images files of format conforming to UDF (Universal Disk Format)

===== The info above is from the owner's manual =====

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
The box contents include the DVD Player, remote control with multi-brand limited control for most TV units, 2 AA batteries for the remote, audio/video cable (red and white for audio, yellow for video), manual, warranty card, and registration card.

GETTING STARTED:
Unpacking was simple, due in part to the sleek size and light weight of the unit. Placing batteries in the remote was simple as well.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The Sony DVP-NS55P is a sleek unit, measuring approximately 1.75 inches tall, 8 inches deep, and 17 inches wide, and weighing in at 3 pounds 13 ounces. The modern silver-toned finish matches well with the newer TVs on the market.

The front panel and controls of the DVD player are simple, clean, and logically arranged. The few buttons are of sufficient size, well spaced, and clearly labeled.

MAKING CONNECTIONS:
This DVD player supports the following output connections:
Composite x 1, S-Video x 1, Component x 1, Analog Audio x 1, Digital Audio Coaxial x 1

Using the included A/V cables, I connected this unit directly to the composite jacks on the back of the TV. Connections are color coded, and the task was simple and straight forward.

INITIAL SETUP:
- The onscreen menu supports several languages, including English, French, and Spanish.
- Using the menu, various features can be set:
- - Aspect ratio (depends if your TV supports it) (4:3 Letter Box, 4:3 Pan Scan, or 16:9
- - Connection to AMPLIFIER or LINE OUT
- - Type of Dolby Digital or D-PCM and DTS

PLAYBACK FEATURES:
The Sony DVP-NS55P allows for forward and reverse playback in various speeds. Some speeds even play back with sound. You can also play back in slow motion frame-by-frame.

This player can maintain "resume play" settings for up to 6 discs.

The user can create their own custom program playback if desired.

A neat feature for folks with children is "tray lock"; using a combination of keys on the remote, it is possible to lock the tray to prevent undesired opening of the tray.

A nice feature when playing DVDs is "picture navi", where the player will show you a snapshot of the beginning of each chapter; you can simply navigate to a picture of where you want to begin playing, and pick up from there. In addition, numerous "search" features are available to help you navigate to a desired title, chapter, track, or scene.

REMOTE CONTROL USABILITY:
The majority of features of this unit are more readily accessed via the remote. The remote control is layed out logically, with buttons that are not too small, and are clearly labeled. The remote fits well in a medium sized hand, and is not overly large or clumsy.

NUMEROUS ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
This Sony DVD player supports a slew of features I haven't touched on yet; to name a few: multiple audio and video adjustments, dvd-alternate-angle playback selection, JPEG image slideshow, locking discs, custom parental playback control, and much more.

SUBJECTIVE QUALITY:
The audio and video playback quality of this unit are sharp and true. We have experienced no jitter, and no unwanted noises from the unit. My wife uses the unit nearly every day, and has experienced zero problems over the last month.

PURCHASING RECOMMENDATION:
I liked this unit so much, I returned to Circuit City this week and purchased another, to replace the aging Pioneer DVD-525 currently deployed in our living room. With so many features and its relatively low price, the Sony DVP-NS55P is a bargain in my book.