First, I just want to say "Thanks" for this thread.
I have the same TV and was trying to install Yellow Dog Linux on my PS3. I'll spare you the details of the attempted install, my panic when I couldn't get a display through the HDMI port, and my jubilation when all it took was unplugging the TV for a minute to get the HDMI working again (Panic can really interfere with your ability to think of simple solutions). But anyways, even with the latest firmware (1.90) YDL can cause the HDMI port to misbehave with the RCA Scenium 50" DLP (HD50LPW175). I'm not really feeling up to trying another distro at the moment, but I would guess it's very possible they would give the same result.
Again, I just want to thank everyone and hopefully my small contribution can guide in those who are having trouble with this TV and PS3 Linux.