Norcent's DP315 DVD/CD player is streamlined, compact, and really somewhat cute--not to mention a real bargain. That is to say, our experience with the player leads us to conclude that it gives you a lot for your money. That's not to say it's a perfect DVD player: the DP315 has serious limitations as a home theater component. But if you're after pristine audio and video quality, you probably won't mind paying more for a better player. The DP315 is simply a terrifically affordable starter or bedroom DVD player, a handy movie machine for the kids, or a terrific jukebox to spin your audio CDs or homemade MP3 or JPEG image CDs in the comfort of your living room. Far and away the most irritating thing about the DP315 is its tendency to freeze up during video playback. Once or twice a movie it'll just stop playing, hold a perfect image for up to 30 or 40 seconds, then resume playing. It doesn't drop anything or forget where it was, but there's no question that the pauses interfere with movie viewing. Just remember: this thing costs less than many DVD titles. And, movies are far from its only game.

Pop your MP3-filled recordable CDs in the player, hit play, and you'll be able to enjoy 10 or more hours of music per disc, with sound quality that was far better than our computer system had led us to expect. It passes decoded MP3 signals through its digital-audio output, but, when doing so, pauses ever so slightly after starting each track; we recommend listening to MP3s through the analog outputs.

Want a slideshow from your favorite digital photos? Load a CD-R or CD-RW bearing JPEG image files, or play a disc recorded as a Kodak Picture CD for better slideshow features (fancier shot transitions, for starters). On a mixed-mode MP3/JPEG CD, you can even select a single JPEG image to serve as a background for the MP3 screen menu while you listen to music. In our extended testing period, we never encountered the freezing issue during playback of music or still-image CDs. We did, however, find that the player handles video CDs just fine, though it does not claim to play them.

Due to its small size and low-cost construction, the DP315 has no front-panel display, so all track searches and disc timing checks must be performed using the player's onscreen display. It performs track programming and repeat play with both CDs and DVDs (though there's no random play). The device offers folder and file navigation, and you can also cue a track from any folder while still listening to another. Access times are nearly instantaneous, even between folders.

Connections include composite-video, S-video, and component-video outputs, with seamless, high-resolution progressive scanning selectable from the component outs if you're inclined to feed an HD-ready television from this particular player. The Dolby Digital and DTS-compatible coaxial digital-audio output and a set of left/right analog audio outs channel sound to your surround receiver, integrated amplifier, or television. You'll need to use the digital out for surround sound, and please note that the player does not come with a coaxial digital-audio cable.

Taken strictly as a music player, the DP315 is easily a worthwhile machine. But even with the player's finicky DVD performance, we were still consistently amazed by its clear, vivid images and pristine, enveloping digital surround sound output. If you're on a budget or looking for a feature-packed alternative to high-ticket DVD or MP3 players, Norcent's DP315 has much to offer. --Michael Mikesell

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Compact chassis allows easy placement
• Plays MP3 CDs
• Runs digital-photo slideshows from JPEG image CDs
• No TV required for MP3 playback--just hit Play
• Progressive-scan video output
• Passes Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround signals
• Costs very little to replace if damaged

• Occasionally freezes up during playback
• No front-panel display

Norcent DP315 Progressive Scan DVD Player is the Electronics version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around  31.94USD.