[wbassett]

One reason for wanting/using a remote power up/down feature is if the PS3 is setup as a media server with a ton of TV shows and DVDs archived on an external HD. For that there is no need to go over and put a disc in, so it is nice having a normal function like that.

Sonnie I agree that Sony missed the boat on that (not having an IR pickup to integrate with existing systems/remotes) and they should have thrown in an HDMI cable too seeing how inexpensive they are on Monoprice and RiteAV.

Other than that, the biggest issue for some people is the limited audio out options, but it does play SACD, which a lot of players won't. If you can live with that the PS3 really is one of the best BD players and most update-able. What I would do is see if Best Buy has a display setup with the PS3 also connected and have them spin a disc and let you play with it to check it out. Otherwise see if someone you know (or your kids) have one and will demo it for you.

Games... I had my PS3 for a year and my wife got me my first game for Christmas. I wanted one mainly to check it out, but also as a 'show off' piece of my setup. Although I'm not a gamer, both my wife and I were saying WOW!

Other than that, how many HD DVD's do you have? You might want to check into a combo player like you were originally thinking, or wait and see what Toshiba is going to do, they might end up putting something out.