need some options...player/receiver

[robk329]

Here is my situation. I’m interested in adding Blu-ray capability to my current system. My components are a few years old but are good quality:

Marantz Receiver SR7200
Pioneer Plasma PDP 5040HD
Marantz CD/DVD/SACD

Due to the fact that my receiver is unable to process the current codec’s, several on this forum have recommended the new Panasonic BD-50. In that way, I could continue to use the Marantz and connect to it via the analog outputs on the player. However, I would also like to consider the option of buying a new receiver (say Onkyo 805 or some other) that can do the processing and a different player.

Can anyone offer some suggestions on cost/benefit and some alternatives for receivers/ players? I don't want to make a choice by working around a piece of equipment that's dated but at the same time if the BD 50 solves the problem it would be simple and clean (and maybe a less expensive option).