[bobgpsr]

IMHO if you have spent >$1000 on a surround system, >$500 on a subwoofer (not part of the $1K), added a BFD and done eq, spent >$1500 on a HDTV/display --- then spending $500 for a true high def source without macroblocking, etc that you get from over the air, cable or satellite hi def feeds, is well worth it. Of course then as Steve C says, you are then already kind of a AV enthusiast. I'm very pleased with the definition, color depth and sound from my HD DVD player. There is the approx 30% risk that you might get a problem player with these early (but very solidly built) players. Be prepared to keep exchanging it for one that plays without glitches. Two thirds of the users now have no major problems and 89% (from AVS polls) are very happy with the high definition performance and will continue to use their HD DVD players. Except for HDMI problems (broken connector on my display -- so I'm using component) I have not serious problems. Yes the player is a bit slow in startup (about a minute 40 sec from power up to playing a HD DVD). Hints are that a firmware update will speed it up some. The player has an ethernet port that accepts updates from the internet when connected and requested by the user.

It really depends do you want to enjoy high definition at its best right now or make do with a much lessor substitute with upscaling players or HTPCs.

Bob