Thanks very much to all of you for your answers, I really appreciate your taking the time...so, if I understand:
The more HDMI ports, the better.
Get the biggest you can afford.
If I can spend, high cost plasmas are good
Get components with optical hookup (sound)
Also, does anyone know what those ethernet looking ports are for?
Get components with optical hookup (sound)
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Ideally you want HDMI audio hook ups to decode the highest level blu-ray tracks, check out the Onkyo receivers, they’re good and you don’t have to spend a fortune.
For your blu-ray player I would suggest a PS3, even if you’re not a gamer, you can hook it up to the internet (free) and get firmware updates when available for your PS3 and blu-ray player.
Ethernet could:
1: be used for firmware updates, very likely.
2: be used for movie down loads somewhat likely, sony already has models that do this.
3: be use for network video streaming (playing your own video files) could happen, wouldn’t bank on it.
4: service use only, you will never be allowed to use it, probably the most likely.
BTW if you are willing to spend 5k and want a big picture, have you ever considered a front projector? For less that 5k, you could have a 120 inch screen. Just askin.