I'm tempted to make the switch myself, but hate looking forward to climbing the learning curve.

Get ready for more changes.

Outside of Toshiba and Magnavox, it appears living room DVD recorders are out of production. DVD players are also on the way out. Samsung only has one DVD player model left, Sony's one model is on closeout and LG has none.

Also on the way out are players of any type with a composite video output. Many of the new models only support HDMI, so people with an older A/V receiver that does not support HDMI, like me, have another issue to deal with.

Steve....like to run stuff until it dies, does not like forced obsolescence

Most companies are dropping DVD to be replaced by Blu-ray players which, of course, will play DVDs. Some models do have composite as a fallback on legacy systems but do work better passing higher end codecs though HDMI.

If your amp will support DAC analog 5.1 you can use that (if the player has that output) but now we’re getting into higher prices. I paid $2,100 for my Pioneer BDF-09 since it did have that but replaced the Yamaha Z-9 (no HDMI) with the Z-11 ($5,500) that does. Now I am straight HDMI from player to amp to screen.

The Yamaha Z-11 is 11.2 and, using the other-room feature to power speakers in my main room, I am running 15 speakers.

Times change and equipment does get better.

MichaelR