Thoughts on Plasma, LCD, DLP and which way to go

For 3 to 4k a nice, true HD, Sony plasma can be had with HDMI input and the usual inputs/outputs. The resolution is advertised as 1024 x 1024.

For less than half that a 42" rear projection DLP HDTV is a damn good buy; have seen a Sony Wega for something like 1500 at one store locally.

Rear projection has periodic bulb replacement ongoing cost; plasma is a finite product that, one day, will simply be tossed when it is worn out. An expensive consumable. For high quality sources a HD plasma is at the top of my list.

When 42" LCD (not rear projection) TVs become more price competitive that would move to the top despite the much better contrast ratio of plasma TVs overall. LCD units are much lighter so easier to move and mount on a wall; they use less power, and the picture is fabulous (except for the lack of total blackness) on my Sony 23" LCD HDTV Wega model.

All of the above is pretty close to what I have heard. The Plasma's I was going to wait until next yr because they are still pricey. I just saw one of the new Hitachi Plasma's 42 inch it looked pretty nice. Here is question, has anyone noticed in the TV's, are you seeing better set's in the 42 inch, 50 inch or other?

How about LCOS and SXRD?

LCD technology is taking over along DLP technology. Also, DLPs have new TI chips out this year. These sell more because you get a lot for your money as prices have dropped significantly. However, if you plan on viewing from extreme angles you still need a CRT or plasma set. I think the newer LCDs have a wider viewing angle than the DLPs. There is also new technology coming--LED light sources for Samsung LCDs and new LCD technology which will bring some units past plasma prices and into new resolution and color territory at huge prices. I believe new silicon wafer technology sets from JVC and now Sony are available. For 50 inch plasmas the fijitsu and pioneer pro lines are the best I've seen in their price range. For DLP's I like the upper range Mitsubishi sets and the new 56 inch Samsung pedestal set. Sansung makes a terrific new 60 inch LCD which is displayed at their flagship store at the Time Warner Center in NYC. The new sony silicon based units have gotten some good reviews but I have not seen them. The 60 inch I-DLA JVC is nice for the price but ultimately the picture will depend more on your source as many sets have greater resolution than the signal they will be receiving. Like computers, whatever you get will be out of date in a couple of years so don't look back....