Blu Ray Player

Correct me if I am wrong (as I have no Blue-Ray experience), but based on what I have read my understanding is that a well-made Blue-Ray disk played into a 1080i/720p hi def tv set, especially a large one such as the op's, will typically look better than a standard definition dvd played on a high quality upconverting dvd player.

In which case the suggestion to delay getting a Blue-Ray player until the TV is upgraded may not necessarily be correct.

Regards,
-- Al

No, you're not wrong Al, of course all Blu-Ray disks played into 720p/1080i, but you're not fully utilized the pictures quality of the neither the Player or the disk. When you have a chance to watch a Blu-Ray disk at 1080p, you can go back and make the comparison yourself. My whole idea is, when you're going to purchase something expensive, but not be able to utilize it's potentials, then why waste money on it?

I just installed a new Panasonic BD-80 a couple days ago. It decodes the new formats but I needed that, because my preamp doesn't. I ran analog out to the preamp.

I also have a Panny projector that is only 720P capable and firing a 90" screen.

Although I have some tweaking to do, there is very little improvement in the picture. I expected that. You'll need to upgrade your TV to get the full benefit of BluRay.

But the sound from the uncompressed tracks are stunning. It will take your system to a new level (assuming you have good speakers).

In your situation can buy ANY player that bitstreams audio and improve your experience sonically or go for the Oppo 83 if you have "exotic" music discs.

Oppo is good stuff. I have their original player and it's a keeper.

it would seem, to me at least, that it would be a waste to invest in a powerful new receiver and then go backwards in technology with a standard dvd player. i would suggest simply making a choice as to which peice of equipment to upgrade NEXT. either the tv or the dvd player. in either case you're moving upward instead of lateral, which i feel is a waste of money and time. with that said, my 2 cents is go with the blu-ray first. quick, simple, low cost, and plenty of gains choice(hi def audio and video). bear in mind that 1080i is still very high definition(which is actually defined as 720i or higher).