I have a Sony 52 LCD and with my OLD DVD player it wasn't the greatest. But after I got a Sony upconverting DVD player (
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-DVD-Player-DVP-NS75H/sem/rpsm/oid/146242/catOid/-12873/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do )with the HDMI cable it is SWEEET! I noticed a difference. BTW don't EVER buy 'their' (bestbuy, circuit city, etc) cables.
Go here and save a TON!
http://www.monoprice.com/home/?style=
No affil, just a happy customer....
Oh, if you can't wait I'd recommend at least looking at the PS3 that has the BluRay player. Plus you can play video games, store photos, etc.. Does more then just a player.