LJ:

I thought that if you use the Optical and Digital Coax connections you are limited to 2 Ch. PCM and can't even get Dolby Digital or DTS? I know I heard this somewhere, from someone.

Looking at the owner's manual for the Sony BDP-S550 shows if I use the digital connections (not HDMI) I get "Dolby Digital/LPCM 2ch" or "DTS/LPCM 2ch" from any DTS or Dolby Digital based material (includes lossless, standard, and "plus"). What does this mean?

All the players I am looking at have 5.1 or 7.1 analog outs, so I should be able to get standard DD and DTS no matter what. I would prefer to use the digital outs so I don't have to rely on the bluray for bass management etc.

RR: Thanks again. I may just wait for the much awaited price breaks for the holidays and see what is available.