I just bought a new Panasonic DMP BD-55 blu-ray player, 7.1, all audio formats(both internal and bitstream) and latest 2.0 profile.($399.00). I couldn't be happier.
For the record, the component output WILL pass 1080i, but you will obviously need an HDMI connection to get full 1080p AND pass the surround sound(bitstream ) format thru one of the latest pre-pro/avr's IF you wish to have that one cable connection. One of the features that this player has(I am not sure about the other co's) is it allows you to split the audio/video thru the HDMI cable so you can still send the 1080i video signal thru to a non-HDMI HD TV(via component) but still access the bitstream audio thru a compatible AVR/Pre-pro.
If one doesn't have access to any of the above, the player will pass thru all the surround sound formats(including tru-hd, dts master etc.) via the 7.1 analog outputs.
