OK we just purchased a new Samsung 56” DLP HL-S5687W and I need to purchase a new DVD player because my old Sony is a 480i. I would like to just go and get a HD-DVD or Blu-Ray but I was burnt by the Sony BetaMax before so I will be waiting this time.

*This TV is 1080p so is there a benefit to using a DVD player that up-converts to 1080p? I had been looking at the Panny S52S which gets great feedback but it outputs to 1080i - is that OK?

*I also was looking at the Oppo 981 which is 1080p but for $229 I start thinking just go with the HD-DVD. What about the macroblocking issue with the 981 and this model Samsung?

Yes, some have complained about MB with DLPs, so I would recommend the Oppo 970 if you want an upscaling player, or the Tosh A2 if you want high res. IMO, both high def formats will be around for many years (LG is even coming out with a dual-format player). The 1080i vs 1080p issue is way overblown, IMO -- any decent display with a decent deinterlacer will make 1080i and 1080p inputs look identical.