Hi. I am gearing up to buy an HDTV and am thinking Pioneer 42" Plasma. I have some questions for all . .

To take advantage of the resolution available with HDTV, do I need to change my DVD player to one of those that claims to upsample? How is this accomplished? Is it superior to a standard DVD player of high quality?

I listen with stereo speakers with mono block amps and would like to continue doing this. I am able to do this because my present TV has a variable out. Does anyone know if the Pioneer has an equivalant out? In their specifications they list a monitor out. Is that the same thing?

I will most likely opt for the 720p model. I sit approx 9' away. How much, if anything, in your opinion will I be giving up to 1080p on HDTV broadcasts and/or DVD?

Is there some sort of affordable outboard device to throw a quasi surround experience? Can I stay with my mono blocks adding this?

I would really appreciate hearing from those of you with some knowledge and/or experience.

Thank you.