Many dvd players 'claim' to be able to play all types of formats & media, but are more brand sensitive than you might think!!! My cheap player can play everything I throw at it, but my brother who brags about his player that cost 2& half times more (& could play all formats; everything) could not play all the same media/brands of media! I use Pioneer (6) as the newer G5's use, & TDK/Verbatim media. There's varying opinions about choice of media depening upon your area & its avalability & price (certainly some brands to stay clear of no matter the area!!!). DVD players are not as good as the brand, it's a good idea (as I did) to walk in to a retail display area & try out the various formats & media that you use! The same goes for VCDs / SVCDs. If you're having problems with your set-top VCD player, try other brands of media. Otherwise follow the above suggestion. Personally, I was looking for recognition of all/most medias & formats incl. dvds I'd authored myself.