Thanks for all your help ... I just ordered the Sony BDP-S1700 with a three foot coax cable for the audio. Hopefully the installation will be simple.
I was tempted by the Meridian player but could not justify the $570 US for how much it will be used.

You guys are very helpful.

G68SL, G98DH, DSP5500, DSP5500HC, DSP3100, JL Audio F112 Sub, DirecTV, Sonos, 4 Revivers (Highend-Source)