This is my third DVD player.  I wore out two Sony S360's and was reluctant to go with another Sony after the others were unreliable.  But I've had this player for a few months now and it is worlds sturdier and higher quality than the previous generation Sony players.
I have a 36" Sony Wega without progressive scan capability, but I do have component video.  The picture is amazing with the component video... I can't imagine how it could get better with progressive scan.  I'm sure it would, but my point is that I am more than satisfied with this player in interlaced mode.
I like some of the new features like the instant replay (it goes back a few seconds automatically, which is good for when you are watching a movie and miss a line or can't understand what someone said) and the better sounding DTS.  The DVD tray also has a nice sturdy feel to it, as opposed to the older model where I was worried it would snap off every time I hit eject.
The only thing I don't like is that they haven't really improved the remote.  Aside from a couple of extra buttons (one for noise reduction, the instant replay key, etc) and the fact that a few of the buttons supposedly glow in the dark, they have actually detracted from it in a way.  On the older Sony remote, there is one button for TV power and one button for DVD power.  Now there is one button for both and a little switch you have to slide back and forth to determine whether you are controlling the DVD or TV.  Fortunately, my old remote works with the new player so I sometimes find myself using that one.
All in all, I did a lot of research while looking for a new player and I am convinced that there is not a better buy out there at this price, whether you use the progressive scan or not.
This is my third DVD player. I wore out two Sony S360's and was reluctant to go with another Sony after the others were unreliable. But I've had this player for a few months now and it is worlds sturdier and higher quality than the previous generation Sony players. I have a 36" Sony Wega without progressive scan capability, but I do have component video. The picture is amazing with the component video... I can't imagine how it could get better with progressive scan. I'm sure it would, but my point is that I am more than satisfied with this player in interlaced mode. I like some of the new features like the instant replay (it goes back a few seconds automatically, which is good for when you are watching a movie and miss a line or can't understand what someone said) and the better sounding DTS. The DVD tray also has a nice sturdy feel to it, as opposed to the older model where I was worried it would snap off every time I hit eject. The only thing I don't like is that they haven't really improved the remote. Aside from a couple of extra buttons (one for noise reduction, the instant replay key, etc) and the fact that a few of the buttons supposedly glow in the dark, they have actually detracted from it in a way. On the older Sony remote, there is one button for TV power and one button for DVD power. Now there is one button for both and a little switch you have to slide back and forth to determine whether you are controlling the DVD or TV. Fortunately, my old remote works with the new player so I sometimes find myself using that one. All in all, I did a lot of research while looking for a new player and I am convinced that there is not a better buy out there at this price, whether you use the progressive scan or not.