HDTV - 1080i vs. 1080p

[Freakin]

I'm looking at getting an HDTV in the next 2 months, since I'm getting married in December. Currently I'm looking at the Sony KDS-R50XBR1. It's a 50" SXRD system that is supposed to be a phenomonal 1080p picture. The problem is, it doesn't support any 1080p INPUTS [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]. It has a fantastic upscaler to make all signals 1080p, but this seems like a strange move by sony.

The picture looks like the best rear projection HDTV available right now, so it's obviously quite appealing to me. Do you think I'll be regretting it when PS3 and HD-DVD comes out?

Also, what's minimum viewing distance for 50" and 60" screens?

Freakin