Gonk,

The depth of your knowledge never fails to astound! Thanks for the info and for saving me $500 as I will most certainly be buying the BD50 instead---when they start showing up.

Will the BD50 play music CDs as well as all DVD formats?

My computer techs don't know the answers as to computer sound cards and Blu-ray s/w specs yet but are going to try to find out. I will report any interesting findings.

Thanks again...