Yes.. not worth to buy a blue ray now. If u must have one.. get a Sony PS3.
No point getting the HD-DVD also (it just lost in format battle to BlueRay.. so it wont be popular next time..) So you have a transition choice... DVD player is out going but we are expecting it to be stady for at least next 2 years.. no improvement to it i think.. but that also indicate you to have a spoilt of choce and good price. Say spend around 500 dollar and get one with a HDD inside, so you can transfer some show in side and watch at convenience. Note : Falconite DO NOT encourage Piracy.
Okie..U want to look into features like HDI ready and withthe cable provided... no fear on Sumsung and like brand.

They are stable. Keep away from Akira and likes...