I am not a gamer by any stretch of imagination (actually I hate most things associated with it), but the best-bang-for-your-buck side of me is thinking why not get a BR and a gaming console for the same price as a BR player?

the lack of analog outputs, and the legwork it takes for IR capabilities...it's a hit.

with HDMI inputs of course.....otherwise you won't be able to benefit from the superb HiRez audio audio offered by the BluRay format (which if you have half-decent speakers is a large chunk of the benefit of going BluRay.
if you do want the HiRez audio, seek out a machine with the decoders on board and a multichannel output, otherwise you are limited to regular Dolby Digital/DTS, which both use compression (Dolby Digital uses an MP3-type compression, which isn't good).

Yamaha RXV-1800 :-)

in order for me to get the bennifit of all the cool audi formats.

every user has different needs. There is no "best"

Sure, there's all different types of MP3 compression levels, but we all know what a typical MP3 offering sounds like and it's not dissimilar to DD.

<center><img src="http://www.cepro.com/images/uploads/DENON_bluray_player_front_and_back.jpg"></center><p>: )

The PS3 decodes but cannot bitstream. A receiver with decoders is unnecessary. The PS3 sends PCM through HDMI.

If it's the 'best' you want, Goldmund might just be the answer.<ul><li><a href="http://www.goldmund.com/products/eidos20bd/">Goldmund 20BD</a></li></ul>

all the others, cant wait to see what the higher model can do.

this blu-ray is being fed to a jvc rs1x with a 92" draper screen and a 50" panasonic plasma, the plasma has 2channel audio in the ceiling set up symetrically as to where the plasma is.

I am using a key digitial 2in hdmi 4 out hdmi. im going to split the hmdi output of the reciever and then go to each display. I also ran rgbhv(or just rgb and 2 ch audio) to both displays as well as 3 cat5 to them.

the panny and projector both have HD cable boxes so the audio from each cable box is independent(all in the remote programming) and have there own audio. the reason why i ran the blu ray to both is the player is so good and cost a fair amount so why not be able to see it on two tv's simultaneously or separately while either display watches cable/sat.

Audio freaks might wanna look elsewhere.

If it gets decoded correctly, what difference does it make whether the player or receiver does the decoding?

Isn't DTS a straight data in/data out decompression? What makes one decoder better than another?

Some insist on their being a technical explanation otherwise they won't believe it no matter what they hear.
Separate DACs (digital to analog converters) sell in large quantities for CD player owners wishing to get better sound (mostly audiophiles), and they can improve the sound considerably. Same goes for DACs inside a pre-pro. They vary enormously in performance. No specs can tell anyone anything certain about how they will sound, it's all down to which your ears prefer.
Higher-end DVD or BluRay players usually sound better than budget machines because of their use of superior-sounding DAC technology. Just like CD players.