Enjoying the debate, guys!
HD DVD has spoiled me a bit with regards to audio. I have a pretty decent setup (see me sig). I really enjoy the TrueHD tracks on those HD DVDs that have them, and DD+ in some cases (like Transformers).
I'd like something along the lines of this in my first BD player. The new Samsung, should the initial positive reviews of it continue, interests me with 1.1 from the beginning and the potential for 2.0 with firmware update. But, then there's the sound.
I can clearly tell the difference b/t an HD DVD audio and that of DVD's and television broadcasts. I'd like whatever BD player I end up getting being clearly better, too.
The Panny BD50 is way too much for what I'm willing to spend for a first player. I spent $322 for my first HD DVD player, and I'm looking at that same ballpark for the first BD player. The new Panny is already in the ballpark...