My son has a PS3 that we watch Blu-ray DVD's on my 720p Panasonic AE 900U It looks almost as good as my Toshiba HD-AX2. I think the HD DVD's look a little better, plus the sound from the Toshiba seems better. Should I get the Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray player? I read that its a great player. QUESTION: Will it do better then the PS3? Also my older Panasonic SD DVD player model S-97 seems to upconvert standard DVD's better then the PS3. What would you do.

Great to be back, my Panasonic AE-900U is still working perfectly and I want to thank all the great people here who put up with my constand questions, it will be 3 years old in Feb 09.

Jeff,

Good to see you back. The only question a would have before I answer your question is what is the rest of your equipment? Specifically what AVR/receiver do you have?

Rob

Well, I'm not too familiar with the Pioneer Elite stuff so I took a quick peek at your AVR's specs. Since you have HDMI input, there is ZERO need for you to purchase the BD55.

The main advantage of that BD player is that it has analog outputs for non-HDMI receivers where people want to listen to the HD audio track. I.E. True HD or DTS-HD MA. Those are 2 lossless audio tracks that carry far more information than the normal DD or DTS tracks. Spec wise, I'm no expert but there is a noticeable difference.

Here's the disadvantage. It appears looking through the specs on your receiver, that the 74TXVi does not decode the new HighDef audio codecs like the 2 I said above. Here's the good news though...(but verify this over at AVS to make sure.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1075161

Since you do have HDMI, you can get the "little brother" of the BD55. Which would be the BD35. It does EVERYTHING the BD55 does but it does not have analog outputs. That's the only difference. The BD35 will decode the HD audio internally, then send it to your AVR via PCM output, through the HDMI cable, and voila` you have HD audio and you have just saved your self about $75-100.

If you look online, the BD35 can be had for $220 or less and the prices seem to be falling. I picked one up for less than that on a deal of the day from Sears.com. Also, Check the newest Costco Connection Magazine for an $80 off coupon good towards 2 different Panny BD models. Hasn't been verified yet but it appears that one of them mey be the BD35. Rumor has it, that this would bring the price down to ~$190 before tax.

BTW, There are several online review places that gave the BD35 VERY HIGH marks.

Good Luck Jeff and check out that link to AVS,
Rob