Since I have learned that I can display High Def DVD on my Sony D50 I have been researching possible players. Although it would appear as though I can get 1080i on my D50 with the component connection it is not so clear that I can upconvert standard DVD to 1080i on those cables.

Unless I am misreading all of the specs on these players it would seem that I can only display DVD upconverted to 1080i thru an HDMI connection. Am I understanding that correctly?

Most are HDMI-only on component out, in my research. There are a few upscaling DVD players that have remote-hacks for component HD, however.

If you're looking primarily (or only) to upconvert SD-DVD, I'd recommend building yourself a low-end HTPC and using the RGBHV ("VGA") outputs on the computer to drive your PJ. It's a well-trodden path, and yields EXCELLENT results.

Toss in a myHD card and you can get OTA or in-the-clear cable HD as well (on the -130).

Toss in a cheap 10-bit video input card and you can de-interlace and scale SD sources (TiVo, etc) to make them "presentable" on the bigger screen.

Hit the HTPC forum if you're interested.