Another "help me decide": Yamaha Rxv-663 & Samsung LN46a650 - which Blu-ray player

[trustwell]

I live in the States, have a Yamaha rxv-663 receiver and a 46 inch Samsung LN46a650. Currently, they're connected via HDMI.

I'm having trouble deciding between the Sony 350/550. I don't think I need the extra audio features on the 550 and I'm comfortable buying my own usb drive and updating the 350 to 2.0. Is the 350 update even out yet?

From what I think I understand my receiver will pick up the bitstream via PCM and interpret that itself. Basically - in my situation - because the receiver can do the job, I do not need a player that does it as well. Is this correct?

Also, I'm thinking about the Panasonics Bd-50, 55, and 35.

I'll need something with a hard drive (or that can take a hard drive) for the BD Live content. I suppose they all can handle that?

Any help would be appreciated.

TW