Flat screens?

What 55dok says is absolutely spot on. I own BOTH plasma (Panasonic) and the latest Sharp Aquos (LCD) both in 42".

The Panasonic plasma is by FAR the most realistic (even though it is TWO years older than the Sharp). I heavily regret the Aquos purchase. LCD manufacturers are LIARS. It claimed a 10,000 to 1 contrast ratio for the Sharp....clearly this is pure and utter BS!

I wish there were more honest people around like 55Dok - it would have saved me learning the hard way! But, as usual the reviews all gave Aquos a high rating....complete BS.

BTW: I also owned Sony Vega 36" XBR HD CRT tube TV and it was BETTER than both the new flat screens for natural colours and contrast. The new flat panels however have the edge in terms of accurate geometry (especialy towards the corners) and brightness however.

For a sleeper LCD check out Olevia - highly rated by Consumers Reports and IMHO gives a picture quality second only to the Sony Bravia series at 2.5x the cost.

Although I think Rlwainwright is correct that you will want 4" greater than you actually buy, you'll also notice that it really doesn't matter all that much because the picture is soooo much clearer than a convntional CRT TV that you'll find it easy to watch and generally pretty satisfying.

Remember that the TV is only half of the equation...an HD source, either over-the-air, cable, or satellite is the other half...standard cable or even satellite is going to look about the same as it does on your old TV. A good quality progressive scan DVD player hooked up with component cables or one of the newer upconvert DVD players is an inexpensive way to get great picture quality for movies. Blu-Ray and HD-DVD player prices are dropping rapidly and will also upconvert your current DVD discs to look great on an HD TV. I agee that Plasmas are the way to go right now. I have two, including a Pioneer 43" that looks great with my HD Directv.

My pick [someday] is the LG 50" 780i plasma [1080 is overkill & too costly at this point in time, IMHO].

I like the LG because: 1) 60,000 hour life 2) 2 year mfg. warranty 3) currently about $1500- or less. 4) 15,000:1 contrast ratio

Very impressive picture, but if there is a lot of ambient light in your room, go with an LCD

We thank all of you for your very thoughtful comments -- this is really helpful -- fantastic!

Drake and Raquel