As some may know I have both a creaky D702 and a mint DVL-700, but after reading the sale thread on the supposedly smear-less R7G it got me wondering again as to what player I should look for when upgrading.
To be perfectly honest I use my 702 99% of the time despite it's various issues because the image is far better than the 700. I only use that when double checking a disc or playing an ac3 encoded 5.1 track.
What I really am looking for is a rock solid player with the reliability of the 700 and the performance of the 702. Down the road I hope to do some LD captures for various video editing projects, so image is very important to me in regards to fidelity without getting into dvnr and artificial sharpening. I'd also like a player with great audio, as I regularly listen to the digital tracks on headphones.

What would be the logical next step for someone in my position without getting into high costs? 703/704? 919?

I'd recommend the LX-600 or LX-900. I used to have a 703 and I think the LX-600 I got was definately superior. Supposedly my 703 had a smear problem, but I never noticed it. The LX-600 and LX-900 are supposed to not smear, as far as I've been told.

Hi, Just listed a Panasonic LX-900 under laserdisc hardware forsale forum on this site. It plays perfect, no problems. Just some light scratches on the very top of the metal bonnet, everythingelse is clean. Been in the Family for around 6 years and I offer a warranty just in case. (Since we are here to help out each other) Imention about making offers and it has no remote, but Im sure someone can on here can hook you up, we had never had to use the remote. This one plays a disc as soon as you close the tray. Very nice picture quality and sound. If your serious, I will let it go to you for $140.00 + shipping

Duane Cummins, MI, also feel free to PM me, Im away from home and don't have photos to post at this moment