I bought the Panny TH50PHD8UK two years ago. According to the opinions on this forum there is no noticeable difference in picture quality between component and HDMI input. So I didn't purchase optional HDMI blade for this TV at the time. Now with HD DVD, Blue Ray DVD, and upconvert DVD all require HDMI input, it seems inevitable that I need to buy a HDMI input for this TV.

My question is what options I have for HDMI input. Is the blade listed on the owner's manual (TY-FB8HM) still the only option I have now? This blade only has one HDMI input and cost $160 (@Amazon). It there any other alternative that may have more than one input or cost less? If I can only get one HDMI input with the blade is my only other option HDMI switch? Which switch would you recommend?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

You could always get 2 blades and put them in slots 1 & 2 if you want. Also, the 7-series blades will work in this model as well, maybe you could find one of those cheaper?

The 7 series will work, but I remember it only uses 1/2 the resolution for HD 1080i though. So the 8 series blade is the way to go. The new 10 series blade won't work. $160 is too high. If you don't mind used, you should be able to find one a lot cheaper. Also try some of the forum sponsors like VA. I got mine a lot time ago from PC Connection. You could try a site like Froogle, dealtime, mysimon, pricegrabber, or any other shopping 'bot too.