[tomdkat]

The Pioneer DV-656a DOES (apparently) have the chroma bug but I have either A) not seen it at all (most likely) or b) have seen it and didn't know it.

The chroma bug will NOT be as "blatant" as pixelation or anything and I highly doubt your parents would even notice it, unless they know what to look for or have VERY sensitive eyes to that kind of thing.

The biggest question is: what is the most important, reliability or video performance?

The DV-656a is NO video "slouch" at all, even though the RP82 uses better video components for progressive video output.

I have given several Pioneer DVD players as gifts to people and NOT ONE of them has complained about the video performance. My office mate bought a DV-440, at my recommendation, and while people posted in the "Glitch Exhaust" about having problems with recently released DVDs, he has experienced not ONE problem with any of those "problematic" DVDs that he's watched. Monster's Inc played just fine and didn't exhibit the "hang" after the layer change that has caused several players grief.

Of course, my recommendation for the Pioneer is purely a recommendation and I think either the Pioneer or the Panasonic will be just fine for your parents.

I tend to recommend Pioneer players since they're the least problematic DVD players I've had personal experience with.

Peace.....