I agree about the quality decline (at least as far as build quality-wise). Before buying the Pioneer 563a I was looking at the new panasonics, toshibas, JVCs, etc. only to be turned off by seemingly lightweight construction, at least compared to my old Panasonic A310. The Panny did not really give me any problems except on some discs from the library....some were totally unwatchable. In contrast, the 563 played thru some library discs w/out a hiccup that I'm sure would've given the A310 fits. The build quality of the Pioneer is not equal to the Panny, but that player cost about $600 new compared to $139 on sale for the Pioneer. I feel like I need to put Blu-tack under the feet to keep it from sliding around (the wife & kids use the front panel drawer button instead of the remote and push too hard!). I hope to someday be able to purchase an HDTV so I can try out the prog-scan capability, but that is distant-future stuff.