Rating: 
Summary: Repair is a serious problem
Review: We had this unit for 100 days before we started to have problems. The warranty required we call the one and only support company. They led us through weeks of trying this, trying that, etc. They finally authorized a swap. Three weeks later they confessed that even though they promised a swap they had none in stock. I just received a letter saying if I send back my unit and the receipt they will reimburse me because replacement is not possible. If I don't have a receipt, they will send my refund once they receive everything from me.
Rating: 
Summary: great but not cd-r compatible
Review: great player but if you use a burner like me, keep your cd player hooked up to your reciever
Rating:
Summary: Stay Away
Review: I couldn't go below 1 star! Mine broke and Sony can't fix it. Believe it or not, Sony will not do anything for me, no new player, no remedy to the problem of not reading CDs or DVDs. I though Sony was a good product, I was wrong. A warranty should be a binding document that is followed! F*^K Sony.
Rating: 
Summary: Simply outstanding
Review: This unit provides a crystal clear picture,superb sound and jitter free slow motion/fast forward.An excellent remote is included that will be appreciated especially if you own other sony products.I would recommend this product without hesitation.
Rating:
Summary: Pure pleasure
Review: There are reviews with all the spec's so I will not repeat them to you. What I will say is that if you want a DVD player, and like to have control and options, you can do no better.To start I have heard all kind of horror stories about lesser brands skipping, or audio not matching up with the video from friends with DVD's. I played these exact same DVD's on my player and the quality was flawless. Also the control of the speed is very useful. There is two slow motion controls, both forward and back, 2x fast forward and rewind, all of have flawless picture. All in all this model may be a little more than some, but for what comes with it, it is a steal!
Rating:
Summary: Multiple Players DOA
Review: From what I read/heard, this was the player to have. The first player received from Amazon didn't recognize DVD disks. A slight issue. The replacement player I received caused a oscillating "Brightness" on the TV that wouldn't stop. I was like someone was dynamically changing the setting every 5 seconds. When I contacted Sony to see if there was a setting I could change, their response was "Sounds Like Amazon has a bad batch of these players..." I guess a DVP-S550D that works is supposed to be specatular. Good luck in getting one from here. Just FYI, heading to Sears to buy a JVC and remove all potential issues from this equation.
Rating:
Summary: Why not CD-R's?
Review: I definately agree that the 550 is the best for the money. One small problem that I didn't notice too many people wrote about. I cannot play audio CD's that I have burned. They play in my car's CD player, they play in a regular CD player, in a portable sony disc man, even in a crappy, old RCA DVD player with DIVX but not in this expensive sony? Why is that? Is it an oversight by sony or do they want us to go out and buy one of their cd players? I figure I already have the fiber optics hooked up to the dvd player, why not use that> Also, I disagree with others about regular (non-CD-R) audio cd's. I think the 550 does a great job playing them. All in all, I would definately recommend this player to anyone in the market, unless you like mp3's off the net and you want to make your own cd's. I would look for a DVD player that also reads CD-R's. They're out there. If you know of a solution or have any questions or comments, please feel free to write me at sbaschn@yahoo.com
Rating:
Summary: Worth the dough...
Review: OK. I'll be honest - I was scared as all heck to buy a DVDplayer because it seemed that no matter which one you might buy, itwould have lip synch problems, or not be able to read 2-layer discs correctly, or yadda... yadda... I have researched DVD players since December, and it came down to 2 players - the Sony 550 and the Toshiba 3109 (now the 2200 for year 2000). Until last week I was pretty much sold on the 3109 (three friends of mine have the 3109 - rave about it and have never had a problem), but after seeing them in the flesh - I bought the Sony. Why? 1. The Sony looks much more solid. The 3109 (2200) doesn't look cheap mind you, but the plastic definately looks and feels like plastic - and the disc tray seems awfully flimsy to me. 2. The remote. OK, OK - I know the remote gripe you've been hearing non-stop. BUT! Toshiba has listened and has redesigned the remote for the 2200 - much better, has a "joystick" but it still has that "flip-cover" and it is honestly way too big for the limited functionality - plus you NEED the remote to do most functions (ie: go through the DVD menu selections). The Sony has an unbelievable remote with a jog wheel. It's big - but it can run the TV, reciever, and unit. AND you don't need the remote to do things - you can sit on your floor, pop in the DVD, go through the options and everything. 3. The digital filter chip. The gist I've gotten is that the Sony 530 and the Toshiba units have the same video quality, but the Sony 550D renders images noticeably better and has a digital filter chip. Mind you, most people might not notice, but when you've got a 32 Wega on the way....! The guy comparing the 3109 and the 550D a couple of reviews down isn't the only one saying that the 550D renders images better - I've heard it from a couple of people! 4. The lip-synch problem is no longer. If you're buying the 550D now - there are no problems. I've watched the Matrix, Ronin, and Aliens so far - not one skip, studder, pause, or audio synch problem on any of them. Here's how I honestly look at it. If you're concerned about money, want a really kick-butt player, and are only hooking it up to your average TV - go with the Toshiba. Like I said, I have 3 friends who have it - and love it (get the newer 2200 though for the better remote). If money isn't as big of a concern, you love movies, and you're more concerned about a better picture and some more functionality - than the 550D is the way to go! I don't regret getting the 550D in the least! It looks and sounds AMAZING!
Rating:
Summary: VERY Satisfied
Review: Like many of you, I've read so many reviews I was afraid to buy ANY player. I just like to watch movies, and this player is spectacular. It's easy to figure out, even for someone who doesn't have a background in electronics. I've already watched about a dozen movies, and plan on many years of enjoyment. Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Better picture than the Toshiba 3109! In a word... WOW!
Review: If you're looking for a DVD player that visually delivers... the Sony 550D should be at the top of your list! In a single word... WOW! Vivid colors leap off the screen, shadows appeared as shadows and not dancing black pools of fast moving artifacts. Lip Sync problems... not with this particular machine! All the lip sync problems must have been ironed out with earlier versions of the player, as this one hasn't had a problem yet! The only area that the 550D doesn't do so well in is in CD play back. The Toshiba 3109 with HDCD capabilities outshines the Sony, but if you're looking for outstanding CD playback, why look at these DVD players? Get a dedicated CD player from manufactures such as Meridian, Wadia or Cary? If you want the best in VIDEO, then look no further and pick up the Sony 550D.
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