New DVD player for backups?

I have a region free Toshiba 210e connected to a Panasonic 32 PL4 via a Pioneer VSX301 reciever. Using the same Ritek discs and burner the Toshiba either plays them perfectly or waits 30 seconds before playing or shows loading and refuses to start. Its latest trick is to show the film twice on the same screen. Any suggestions.
As the backups play fine on a friends Panasonic and Sony player I wondered if it was time for a change. Any thoughts on the Panasonic
DVDS27 or Sony DVDNS355. Looked at Pioneer 360/470 but still some doubts over the compatability with the TV.Dont need progressive scan as the television only RGB enabled or fancy audio as the Pioneer takes care of that.