Technical Question

If your source is 1080P and your display is 1080P then the display will not process the signal. The same go's if both are 720P.
If your source is 720P but your display is 1080P then the display may convert it to 1080P if you allow it to in the displays setup menu. If your source is 1080P and your display is 720P then the display will convert the signal. BUT this is as long as the 720P display it can accept the 1080P signal. Most 720P displays will not accept 1080P but will accept 1080i.
If you do have to have the signal processed try both the source or the display to see what does a better conversion.
A standard DVD 480P upsampled signal will not look as good as a true 1080P signal.

THEN.....how much difference would I see (not hear), if any, from the 80 to the 83? Basically, from what I see, the 80 is a same or step up in sound and major step up in video than what I have now. My elite 45-A universal player and elite receiver are both about 7 years old. I will have to A/B cd's (not as concerned about movie audio) with both the analog and optical outs to see if I can hear a major difference.

It's (video) all moot if you don't have a very good display. Like speakers and av gear, if your system isn't revealing, you won't hear certain differences. So, if you don't have a very good dislay, you may not see the difference between the 80 and the 83. Keep in mind, power cords, conditioners, quality of electricity and quality of HDMI cables all make a difference in being able to see the difference in BD/DVD players.