If you are connecting to the receiver digitally one DVD player is about the same as the rest for audio reproduction, be it a $100 Sony, Panasonic, Tosh etc. All DVD players have progressive scan these days. For HT the video reproduction seems to vary based on all the posts I have read, with the Oppo leading the way in affordable solutions. FWIW, I have absolutely no complaints about my Denon 1710 DVD player after two and one half years of use. A nice piece of equipment.
Nick