What about the "Universal DVD 368S" it's supposedly plays all region codes and has all the features of the good DVD players. I don't have one but I've been wanting one for a while! Just haven't read any reviews on it.. Just what they are saying about it on the sales page.
The Malata is well documented, and now has the ability to upgrade via downloaded firmware. It also has fantastic progscan and PAL to NTSC conversion. I've never heard of this "Universal" deck. The only other one that comes close is the Skyworth.
Just got back from Taiwan, there's a boatload of codefree players there.
Check out www.jeutech.com , they have a progressive DVD player with RGB and component video output that incorporates the DCDi chip from Faroudja.
I picked up a Pioneer DV-S733 (U.S. version will be ELite DV-47) codefree that plays Super Audio CDs and DVD-Audios.