I bought this unit back in May. After buying the unit, I was a bit apprehensive after reading so many lip-sync problems and other complaints. I must say that I am very lucky, b/c my player has performed flawlessly. I've watched Lost In Space, Zorro, Star Trek Insurrection, Belly, Four Rooms, Apt Pupil, Blade, X Files, Merlin and several other movies. I haven't noticed any problems. I purchased mine from Supreme A&V for $399. I have no sound benefits, as I do not have a surround source, simply stereo output. I am using a Sony 27" TV with S-video connections, the picture is amazing.

Well, it's been a while since I had my unit upgraded to the 2.100 firmware. If anyone still has any questions about if this firmware is finally the fix, i can tell you that the answer is NO. Today, I saw it again.... the Lip Sync error! I was watching Shakespeare in Love. Even though I had stopped it halfway through the movie, when I resumed, I saw the lip sync error about a half an hour later. But, fixed itself after a few minutes. 2.100 is not a fix. Even though it fixed itself after a few minutes, this is not acceptable. Sony must find a better fix.

I had one of these babies for about 2 weeks and eventually ran into the lip sync problem. It resolved itself after restarting the movie. I called Sony and they said it was a known problem on the 5xx series machines. They asked me to bring it to an authorized service place and that they would replace "a chip" - no more details available.
I decided I didn't want to have to bring a brand new product in for immediate service. So, I returned it. Am now auditioning other units. Meanwhile, hoping that Sony resolves the issue for good by recalling stock and fixing them correctly.

Besides the lipsync issue the unit is great. Awesome picture and a nice remote.

3 stars 'cause of the lip sync issue.

BTW - I considered upgrading to a 7700. But then it dawned on me that this whoel thing could be a clever ploy be Sony to get people to upgrade to the more expensive machine :-)

I have had this baby for about three months now and I absolutely love it !! I haven't had any problems with the "lip sync:" in fact, I didn't even know of this issue until I read all the reviews. I got a great deal on this player from a local store ($370), which added to the already long list of fantastic features.

I got this Sony last Friday, rented Enemy of the State and found the lip-sync problem about 45-60 min into it. Bummer. Checking www.deja.com, it looks like a fix is on the way, but what kind? I might return it and wait for fixed units.Otherwise, performance is great. I'm gonna do an A/B comparison with my Pioneer 3080.

Dan

I have had the DVP-S550D/B for a week and so far so good. It has firmware 1.8. I have not seen any lip-sync problems yet but I am looking for them. The sound and picture are incredible. I watched Titanic in DD5.1 last night and it was great-sound and picture. The unit has so many functions it will take awhile to learn how to use them all.
I have the 550D connected to a Sony STR-DA555ES via digital optical and output to a Sony 32" XBR2 TV with S-video. Sound is sent through JBL speakers all around, front, rear, center and sub-woofer.

I wish the remote was backlit but it is not bad and I have a Sony RM-AV2000 to use in the dark with its fantastic blue backlight.

I looked at the Sony 7700 and the Pioneer Elite DV05 but they were both too expensive for a developing technology. I would rather spend less now and upgrade later when the audio wars (the fight between the two new audio formats) are over and one unit can do it all and do it right.

So far since I have seen no problems and only great pictures so I will have to give it a 5.

don't bother about the cost of this product, i know it is too expensive compare to the rest, but the things that this little device could do will make your jaw drop

I've had this player for over a month and all I can say is "WOW". Lip sync problem is virtually non-existent on my machine, and the picture and sound quality blow away that of my previous Toshiba player. A truly great product!

all i can say is that this is one hell of a player

This player is kickass! No lip sync probs here. Maybe I got a laterfirmware or something. Too bad it doesn't play my cdrs :)