Basic 2-channel A/V setup: Analog or HDMI?

I just purchased my first TV in many years (I watch a lot of movies while riding my rollers in the winter).I need to get a decent DVD player: my $50 special looked OK on the old 20" TV, but not on this one (a 42" LCD Plasma). I already have a Sony 9000es with VSE Level 6 mods for my audio setup, but it only has analog outputs. Would I be better served by purchasing a newer 9100es with the HDMI output? I realize that a stock machine won't match the sonics of my VSE-modded Sony, but the DVD playback is primarily what I am interested in with this system. I am keeping my main rig for audio playback.