Basically progressive scan means the dvd player displays the resolution of the movie in order, as in: Line one, two, three, and so on. Regular dvd players are interlaced, they display lines: one, three, five, seven, and then fill in with two, four, six. The Progressive scan feature will really only help you if you have a high definition TV. If your tv supports it, however, make sure you get some good component video cables for the dvd player. Monster Cables are great. Component video will give you an awesome picture regardless if your tv is HD or not.
Side note: Which store did you go into? I work in the video department at the pavillions store.
adam