Re Oppo's new BluRay player and 720p TVs

I recently purchased a 50" Panasonic plasma TV on sale for $750. I guess it was so cheap because it only outputs to 720p, a fact I discovered after I had it delivered and installed. I'm not disappointed with it; far from it. PQ is great. Its hooked up to a Denon SD DVD player via an HDMI cable and most of my standard DVDs look great on my new TV. My question is, I'm planning on buying Oppo's new BluRay player (the $500 model being hawked on Amazon). Am I going to benefit from improved PQ with this player in 720p? Its a little pricey but if anyone here can assure me its a good investment and I can play BD discs in 720p just fine then I'll spring for it.

Yes, BD is going to look much better than DVD, as long as you aren't sitting absurdly far from the set.

You don't really need an Oppo for BD quality; cheaper players will do as well on BD.  Oppo is mainly for top notch DVD playback, and  SACD/DVD-audio.  Even the DVD playback improvement is going to be rather small and only readily apparent on select scenes on some discs; Oppo is for video perfectionists with large DVD collections, huge 1080p screens.  Furthermore with a 768p plasma you won't be getting full benefit out of the Oppo scaler.  Basically I don't think it's worth spending extra for an Oppo given your set, I'd get a cheaper LG (if Netflix streaming appeals to you), or go for a really cheap Vizio/Magnavox.

I'm using the Oppo on a 720p projector. Agree with the post above that for blu ray any player will give you almost the same picture.

In my case I will eventually upgrade to a 1080p projector so it made sense for me in the long run. In the short run the ability to play almost any format or disk I throw in it, and analog audio connection since my receiver pre-dates HDMI were the selling points.

Its also the fastest loading player although I wouldn't but it for that.

If factors such as that don't matter then the Insignia, Magnavox, or Sony 350 that is being cleared out are all fine players that I also own.

The downside of the Insignia/Magnavox are they just finally released firmware updates which creates issues in playing some disks. For example the Insignia wouldn't play my daughter's Twilight disk. Hopefully the the firmware update I'm doing tonight will fix that. Also didn't like DVD disks I burned by HD camcorder files on

The Sony while more, at least played all my disks

Thanks guys for your input - you saved me a bit of cash. While I'm not gonna pick up the Oppo based on your advice I do however want to purchase a relatively good BluRay player (no discount or "good enough" models). What do you guys recommend in the $175-250 price range? Also, I just joined the Plasma TV club coming from the RPTV world. The sound that comes from the built-in speakers is rather disappointing. I often find myself turning the volume way up - is this normal?

I would look into a panasonic 60 or 80. they are fine players.

Jacob

Stick to a major brand with a history of delivering FW updates.  I ahve several Panasonics and the Oppo.  Other than they are slower than the Oppo I have no complaints with any of the Panasonics.  The PS3 is down to $299 so that may be a contender too.

Another vote for the Panasonic 60.  It is a great player, and Panasonic regularly delivers firmware updates as necessary. 

The Oppo player is outstanding.