Trying to playback a 1080i HDV tape shot on a Sony camera. I get timecode, but just a black screen. The menu settings have been changed to 1080i. Shouldn't I be seeing something?

I know what you mean. It really is a feature it should have. At least for 60i.
But It only plays back 720P recordings.

That 1080 setting in the menu is for upconverting the 720P on tape to 1080 out

Dang - I was hoping that wasn't the case. The Sony deck plays back 720 tapes, albeit in downconverted standard definition only. I'd like to have that capability on the BR-HD50 deck as well - in terms of 1080i. It seems like an omission that wasn't really necessary to keep costs down on the deck, considering that the Sony is priced similarly, and it does it.

Agreed. Same goes for the lack of HDV to DV conversion via firewire on JVC gear.