The very first DVD player I ever purchased was a Pioneer model with all the possible outputs, from composite to component video, 5.1 discrete audio channels, and coax + optical digital audio outs.

I purchased it somewhere in the 1996 to 1998 timeframe. When I graduated to Blu-Ray, I gave it to my mother who used it once or twice a week up until she passed away this year.

Obviously that's purely anecdotal, but that one unit was a workhorse.

I have a Pioneer DVD player of the same vintage, and it's still working to this day. The remote is sturdy, too. Currently lives in a summer house but gets regular use.