One thing to consider--the quality of the HDTV you will buy. On some of the better sets, and especially on a front PJ setup with a doubler, the prog scan DVD does an inferior job compared to the scan conversion available in the TV. I have tried a Pioneer Elite PRO710 both with progressive and standard outputs from a DV37 DVD, and I can't say that one was actually better. Different, with varied strenghts. It could depend on your tastes, the quality of the DVD transfer, or even room lighting. The closest association I can give is comparing an outboard DAC to a high end one box CD player--which component has the better convertor? Hope this makes sense to you. The upshot is if you buy a lower end HDTV, the progressive DVD can make it look a lot better. But you still have to suffer when you watch any other video source.
Progressive DVD players?
I am going to purchase a new DVD player and am considering the Sony S7700 (being discontinued). I don't own an HDTV, or HDTV ready, TV that can take advantage of progressive scan, but I will probably purchase one in the near future. Is the quality of progressive scan pictures that much better? I will use the unit 70% for music, 30% for DVD. I am interest in your thoughts on the different players out there.