Local shop has a steal on a 50" plasma and the only downside I see to it is compatibility with 1080i and not 1080p. I do not own a HD-DVD or Blu Ray player, but am trying to think for the future. Will a 1080i set play content from an HD DVD player? Adding to the complexity perhaps, do the new HD players provide 1080i, 1080p, or can you choose either? Not so caught up in subtle quality differences, just want to make sure future compatibility is not a problem.

(Separately for what it's worth, the set in question is the Philips 50PF9431D. If there's now way it will play hd dvd, I'll opt for the Panasonic TH-50PH9UK. The panny is a better set, but it's for a home gym and I'm not being so picky, just want compatibility for future.)