Maybe not with this BD player, but there are plenty of down-scaled models sold at Wally World, Vizio TVs being a good example...

Agreed the "numbers game" is frustrating and caveat emptor applies now more than ever! But a modicum of internet research and price comparison, possibly followed-up with a phone call to verify in-stock status if you choose to buy in a B&M outlet, will likely eliminate the driving around you're talking about. As I mentioned before, those who are buying at WM et al without "shopping around" aren't concerned about anything other than price. Those of us who know there could be a difference will do our homework first...

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"Everybody has an agenda. Except me!"
(M. Crichton - R.I.P. 11/04/08)