I've not seen this addressed in the forums yet....
I only have room for either a dvd player or a recorder/player combo unit
to feed my new Sony Bravia 1080 LCD. Will a recorder give a lesser PQ on playback of commercial DVDs due to it's dual role as a recorder/ player?
I'm looking at the new Sony RDR-VX555 recorder, as it has 1080 upconverting. I just wonder if it will perform as well as on playback as the hightly regarded NS75H.
Anyone have any experience with this issue/ question?

It's an interesting question and one that I've been considering recently too. I've got a Sony DVP-NC85H upscaling player (5 disc version of DVP-NS75H) and a Samsung DVD-VR330 combo VCR/DVD recorder. The hook-ups are:

DVP-NC85H >> AVR >> Samsung HL-S5086W (all via HDMI)
DVD-VR330 >> Samsung HL-S5086W (via component video)

I recently revisited a benchmarking test of the S5086 (720p/1080i) and it reminded me that it got extremely high marks for its own internal scaler. This has made me want to do a comparison test when I get a chance. I want to compare the result of playing a DVD on each unit when they're both connected via component video. Although I have room for both boxes, it wouldn't break my heart to find I don't one of them.

There have been a few recorders tested by Secrets, and they have all done poorly. For best PQ, stick with a dedicated player.

There have been a few recorders tested by Secrets, and they have all done poorly. For best PQ, stick with a dedicated player.
I hear ya' but I guess I'll still run my own eyeball test.

Well, I think I answered my own question. Last night I rented 2 copies of "Master and Commander" and ran both side by side, HDMI out, from my new Sammy 1080p7 player and Sammy VR357 recorder. No contest! The player was significantly sharper, with better colors and resolution, The recorder was not awful, but simply not as good. I also compared 2 copies of some scenes from season 5 of "24". In my opinion a really well- shot TV show. On this video-based material, an even bigger difference.

Now when my 981HD arrives this week, I'll do the same between the Sammy 1080p7 and the Oppo. That should be interesting!