If you want the cheapest players go with the HD-DVD format.

[HDTV1080P]

If you want the cheapest players go with the HD-DVD format. The quality Sony PS3 cost $499 and is sold out in many places since it is in demand. If you want a Microsoft XBOX 360 add on HD-DVD one can find plenty of them on line for under $180. Or one can find the first generation factory new Toshiba HD-D1 online for under $265. HD-DVD is so cheap compared to BLU-RAY.
The Sony PS3 is only around $200 more expensive then the first generation Toshiba HD-DVD player. People that spent over a $1,000 for a HDTV display do not mind paying $200 more for a BLU-RAY player that outputs 1080P and has more studio support. Maybe if the HD-DVD format lives long enough in a few years’ HD-DVD players for under $50 might appear on the market with BLU-RAY players selling for $200. It is possible that HD-DVD players will always be cheaper then BLU-RAY players until HD-DVD players are no longer made. Maybe one day retail stores will have HD-DVD players on clearance for $20.