If I was to be handed my first PS3 game for free, i most certainly wouldn't argue with Resistance.  Thus far, its has been the best game on the system.  Good for you.

As to the hacks at the store, tell them you want a system that can output a completely digital signal (HDMI) and that won;t need to be sent to the shop every six months.  If that's what you request, all they'll have for you is a PS3. 

I agree that Socom has been very secretive.  I think that it is because it will be the bomb!  It has to be.  With the overall popularity of the game, you'd think something would be leaked.

Let's all hope it means that they are doing their best to come up with a game that will use the PS3's full abilities.  Let's hope that it is the forefront in shooters for years to come.  Let's hope they get the online version all ready to go for the trens of thousands of players that will log on to get it on!!

First off, let me agree with the earlier post that the 5.1 issue is all on your end.  There are various reasons that this could not be working.  Check the playback settings for the movie first.

I have had one Blu-Ray freeze but I couldn't tell you which disc it was.  I can tell you that i have had no issues since.

If I remember correctly, one thing to look for in the movie audio settings is if you're using the "uncompressed" PCM audio or just dolby digital 5.1.  I realized last week that if you don't have the proper stereo receiver that you won't get full surround with the uncompressed.  Stick with the Dolby or the DTS.

The "i" in 1080i or 720i is for interlaced.  The "p" in 1080p or 720p is for progressive.  In interlaced mode, lines are used to display the image onto your screen in different halves of the screen, upper or lower first.  These lines move so fast its hard to see but sometimes can appear and affect the quality of your image.  In progressive, the lines are displayed all at the same time as the frame, thus, reducing that "liney" image.

1080 is just more image than 720, no other way to put it.  But because of the display type, you may see some image issues (like the lines in interlaced).  Its all a personal preference.  Your TV should auto switch to the highest quality image.  If a 720p game or movie, it should be at 720p and no higher.  But on a 1080p game or movie, it should be at 1080i if thats the highet your TV allows.  If you didn't want 1080i in that case, you could set your PS3 to only go as high as 720p.

I know I just took the long way to say, its all your opinion and choice.