The Panasonic DVD E50 equivalent had progressive component output, not here, I think the E30 also had, but my memory is fading.
No - the E30 didn't have PS or component. The upcoming E55 has got both though.
I hope it does look like this
I would suggest the features listed are going to be fairly standard come Winter this year when the machine will make it's appearence:
- Toshiba and Panasonic have both adopted HDMI.
- Samsung and Toshiba have both adopted upconversion (into 1080i and 720p).
- Sony and Panasonic have both adopted Guideplus.
And the 80GB HDD will look small compared to the 'new' models that will be out then as the rumoured specs from this Winter's range of HDD/DVDR combos ranges from 120GB to 250GB. Then there is also the question of what sort of editting features and dubbing options will be available.
As for the 5.1 recording well - we'll have to wait and see - but it may just mean recording in AC3 as opposed to a Digital Input connection. Time will tell on this though...
IMHO though the machine to lookout for will be the upcoming Sony RX10 which should have 250GB HDD, PS, Guideplus, high-speed dubbing to and from DVDR (for + and -) as well as all the standard features you'd expect, i.e. Timeslip, editting. But then Panasonic and Toshiba haven't announced their next gen offerings yet so there could be better to come.