Personally I would recommend DVD players made by Sony. They have a good reputation for reliability and good build quality. Additionally, they generally offer a good warranty which should cover you if anything does go wrong. They are not the least expensive players, but they are generally durable and will last longer than cheaper machines
I have an LG. Easy to set up and record. Records DVDs very well and plays all disks, including music CDs and photo disks. Plays computer video file disks.
Samsung is the best company for DVD machines. They deliver great video and audio performance as well as compatibility. The on-screen interface of the Samsung DVD machines is attractive, with full-color graphics and animated transitions between menu options. I recommend Samsung because it is a very responsible and innovative company.
I like Sony.Sony seems to last the longest.Its a little more on the pricey side but it's worth the few extra dollars.They also have a larger selection than most competitors.
As for the maker, I would recommend Sony, as most of their electronics are high quality products. Their headphones, for example, are all high fidelity. Better to stick with a/safe/company.
Sony or Panasonic or Samsung. Sony has high price, but the products are very good and customer service is good. Panasonic and Samsung have cheaper price, but don't have the highest quality.