Anyone know for certain if the upcoming dual format players or scheduled next gen players will have the ability to send their Truehd, DTS-HD MA, to the soon to be released influx of compatible hdmi 1.3a receivers for external decoding?

I think the upcoming Samsung is specced to do so. The currently available LG cannot.

You want the decoding to be done in the player if you want access to advanced content. HDMI 1.3 and advanced audio decoding in the receiver isn't any more advantageous than $100 HDMI monster cables.

It's extremely advantageous to decode in the receiver... if the player isn't capable of decoding at all (as in, DTS MA).

By the way, the "advanced content' audio you're talking about is pretty much just UI clicks and beeps. Big whoopity-doo.