Jagz,
Check out "Secrets progressive shootout" at hometheaterhifi.com While I realize you are not interested in a progressive player, in their reviews of these players they rate the interlaced output. Some people use the interlaced output to feed to a scaler. For this application they need the best possible interlaced output available. If I remember correctly, they ranked the Sony ES9000 interlaced output as one of the best current players.
All of that being said, my opinion is that I don't think it will matter to you on your 6 year old 50" Hitachi. I would get a throw-away player($200 - $250) now, which will still look better than laser, and opt for higher scale player when you upgrade your display. You can then move the cheap dvd to the bedroom or den.
Good luck,
Mike P.
Check out "Secrets progressive shootout" at hometheaterhifi.com While I realize you are not interested in a progressive player, in their reviews of these players they rate the interlaced output. Some people use the interlaced output to feed to a scaler. For this application they need the best possible interlaced output available. If I remember correctly, they ranked the Sony ES9000 interlaced output as one of the best current players.
All of that being said, my opinion is that I don't think it will matter to you on your 6 year old 50" Hitachi. I would get a throw-away player($200 - $250) now, which will still look better than laser, and opt for higher scale player when you upgrade your display. You can then move the cheap dvd to the bedroom or den.
Good luck,
Mike P.