HD-DVD user looking at new Samsung? Opinions please.

[ADWyatt]

I own Toshiba's first-gen HD-DVD player, the A1, and I really like it. Despite the fact that it's a 1080i player, on my Sony 60" SXRD top-notch releases like 'Batman Begins' and 'King Kong' look stellar. Since I could only get a couple hundred bucks for it if I sold it and committed to BD, it only makes good sense to keep it and use it for the few exclusives that HD-DVD may someday have in the future.

However, it appears obvious to me that BD will be the dominant player in the near future. The great titles that are coming, combined with the latest players at more affordable prices (not to mention Sony's decision to experiment with MPEG 4) and the PS3 factor, weigh heavily in BD's favor. Fortunately, my TV has an additonal 1080p HDMI slot, and so I have room to add a BD player.

Of those that I've read about, Samsung's new player, due in March, looks very appealing. At a suggested price of $799, it looks like a winner. (Of course, I'd be stupid to even think about LG's hybrid player; since I already own an HD-DVD player, that would mean more money for less quality.) If I may ask readers here, how good do you think Samsung's quality is? For those who have read about this new player, do the specs look as good to you as they do to me? What are any potential downsides to this unit?

Assuming that it's a go, it's nice to know the player will be coming out at about the same time as 'Casino Royale.' Now, that's something to look forward to!