Which one: Sony, Panasonic, PS3... or wait??

[HDforever!]

Guys,

I'm in a major quandry. I have a 61" Samsung 1080p DLP TV on its way that needs some decent HD content (over compressed, HD Lite satellite and cable HD SUCK!!).

The Sony's been delayed and there is no word if it will or will not be able to decode (out of the box or via firmware) the advanced audio codecs. It will output 1080p/24 via HDMI from the start, however (a big bonus). Seeing how it's a Pioneer Elite clone, the quality in and out probably will be great. It does not have 8 channel analog outputs (Fox already has a 6.1 lossless track in the field), so it will probably be hampered even with advanced audio support. $999 MSRP.

The Panasonic has reported CUE issues (for DVD only or does it apply to Blu-Ray too?--I already have an Oppo DVD player with no CUE issue), does not have advanced audio out of the box (but I've read it has a card in the box good for a future firmware update to turn it on), it does have 8 channel analog outputs so I'd assume it will be upgraded to 8 channel advanced audio support. No 1080p/24 output though it does have the same Sigma Designs chip as the Pioneer Elite and Sony that do (firmware update??). Has a fan in it for cooling. Supposedly, good internal audio DAC's, and good DVD-Audio music quality. A little sharper, more vibrant picture than the Samsung. $1,300 MSRP with 3 free discs (offer still stands?).

The PS3 has come out, but is ridiculously hard to get and may be for the next few months. No 5.1 or 8 channel analog outputs (so no advanced audio until I can get a new surround processor with HDMI 1.3). Dolby TrueHD 7.1 output via HDMI now, DTS-MA supposedly soon via firmware update. No 1080p/24, but perhaps later in an update. Runs warm to very hot depending on the reviews. Inconsistant reviews on picture quality compared to stand alone players. Could be buggy as it's a game console first and foremost. Does have built in SA-CD decoding, but again I need HDMI to get it. $500-$600.

Currently I have a pre-amp with one set of multi-channel analog inputs, but no HDMI so I can't use the converted advanced audio codecs as LPCM. I don't want to have to upgrade now to HDMI 1.2 equipment, and then yet again for HDMI 1.3 support. I need something that will work well now (bang vs. buck) until there are enough processors on the market to go HDMI 1.3 with advanced audio codecs built-in.

For right now 1080p/24 output may not be a big deal since I doubt the Samsung will accept it and convert it to 48 or 72 Hz to get rid of judder. If it accepted 1080p/24 and only converted to 30 fps (60 Hz), then there's no benefit. I would need it for a future 1080p front projector, though.

Advanced audio playback is of concern to me, as you might have guessed.

Then again there's always the worry in the back of just about everyone's mind with this war that we'll plunk down $1,000 for a player and wind up with HD-DVD the winner (or eeh-gads... neither format). I'm sure some HD-DVD consumers think the same way about their format of choice.

I could sure use some sage advice. Other people's opinions can have voices of reason come through, especially from those who have personal experience with these Blu-Ray players.

Thank you.