I have read the indepth primer on upconverting DVD players, but wonder if I should upgrade just based off my DVD outputs. I have two DVD players, one to a Infocus 4805 and one to my Panny plasma (768 native). I have a Panny DVD-RG62 supplying the 4805 via component and an old Panny DVD player my wife bought in 2000 supplying the plasma. Ayhow, I am wondering if I should upgrade players and run HDMI to the plasma and an HDMI-to-M1 cable to the 4805. That way, I can keep everything digital. I am not concerned about upconverting players since the plasma and 4805 will do all of that anyhow. If an upgrade is in order, what are some lower cost options (around $100/ea)?

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

BTW---The plasma is also fed by a Directv HR20 via HDMI (so I would need a switcher) and the 4805 is fed by a new HR21 (haven't hooked it up yet) so that may need a switcher as well.

You can get a Toshiba D3 for $80USD at Costco that includes an HDMI cable,HD DVD is dead but it's still a great DVD upconverter.
The Philips players go for ~$60,they play PAL DVD's and DivX.

However, the upcoverting really won't do me much good, will it? The 4805 has a pretty good chip in it and the Panny plasma is only 2 years old so I believe it is fine as well. Is there anything about the Toshiba that really makes it a buy aside from the upconversion and use of HD-DVD's that remain?

Toshiba has great customer service just like OPPO,if you have a problem you can call 24/7.

Toshiba has great customer service just like OPPO,if you have a problem you can call 24/7.

Aside from customer service, how will it perform compared to an Oppo or the newer generations of dvd players? Also, will HDMI really make any difference for me?

Aside from customer service, how will it perform compared to an Oppo or the newer generations of dvd players? Also, will HDMI really make any difference for me?

You asked for a player that's $100 so you can't expect much,if you want a good universal player then I would recommend the OPPO 980 for $170.As for HDMI it made a differance on my HDTV compared to component but YMMV.