First, what is your budget and what size TV do you want? You might be able to afford a plasma set; prices have been dropping steadily. To simplify things there are two basic kinds of sets: Direct-View: These are plasma, CRT and LCD sets. You view the picture directly from the screen. Direct-View TV's are much more expensive the larger the screen size. In the largest sizes (50-60"), the rear-projection sets will be cheaper. Rear-Projection: LCD projection, DLP, CRT projection. With these sets, they use different types of technology to project an image onto the screen from behind. They usually include some sort of projection bulb light source. CRT projection sets are the cheapest of all, but they are very large and bulky and take up a lot of floor space. The other types of rear-projection are smaller and take up much less space. However, none of these could be considered really "flat", and are not meant to hang on a wall, for example. It's really not necessary for you to worry about the technology behind the set (DLP, LCD, etc.). You need to be concerned about what size screen you need, how you will be displaying the set (do you want to hang it on the wall, or sit it on a stand?), how you will be watching it (just you and your husband, or will you be having Super Bowl parties?). Also, once you decide on a size and style, you should go to a TV store and look for yourself and decide which picture you liked the most (same as when you used to shop for a TV in the olden days). It's what your eyes see and enjoy that matters, NOT the technology. The main drawback of the rear-projection sets is that they don't usually have a wide viewing angle. If you look at the screen from too far up or down or to the side, the picture washes out. Also, personally, I'm not happy with the fact that there's a very expensive light bulb which needs to be replaced occasionally (8000 or so hours, and usually costs $400 or so). For the direct-view sets, the main drawback is price in the larger sizes (40" and up). Some people who are especially attuned to variations in picture quality will say that LCD tv's don't have a good picture. That's a personal thing to decide for yourself. If you want a 42" set, the plasma prices have come down a lot, and you can get a nice set for $3000 or a bit under. In the 42" plasma world, you might see some sets which are EDTV, not HDTV. That means they don't quite have enough resolution to view Hi Definition TV in its complete and total glory. The advantage to EDTV is that they are usually about $1000 cheaper than the HD models. AGAIN, don't let the labels drive you crazy. If you look at the two types side by side, and you can't see a difference, decide for yourself if you want to pay the extra money for the HD tag. Also, don't let people worry you about plasma burn-in. The new sets don't burn in any worse than the old-fashioned TV's did.

Yes, it has been discussed before, although those threads may have fallen off already. Neither one is "best". It all depends on personal preference, budget and what you will be doing with it. Most videophile magazines and websites will say that plasma has a better picture. That may be true, but I've seen some fantastic pictures on LCD screens. Plasma doesn't have the burn in or life-expectancy problems it used to have, and LCD TV's do allow more wide-angle viewing than they used to, so the differences between the two technologies is closing up. However, I still think that Plasma has an edge in that you can view it at any angle, up down or sideways, and the picture will look the same (like "traditional" tv sets do). For screen sizes of 42" or higher, plasma is also cheaper than LCD, for the moment. The best thing for you to do is decide on a screen size, think about how you will be using the set (do you play video games? Watch a lot of sports in HD? Do you have friends over and they watch the tv from an angle?) and then go to a store and see which picture in your price range looks best to you, and buy it.

Most of the above is very true, except a 60" LCD (if available) will likely be just as expensive--if not more so, than a 58-60" plasma. You can get the exce3llent new Panasonic 58" 1080p plasma between $3,900-$4,700--depending on where you buy it. There will be no LCD at that size or price range that performs in the same ballpark with the Panny. The advantages of most plasmas over LCD's (particularly on the Pioneers and Panasonics) are the far superior black levels and extremely wide viewing angles. But one needs to know if the room is bright where you will be watching and how far you sit from the television-and even what size you might want--not to forget what busget you have for the HDTV. There are a lot of variables. Sony's and Samsung LCD's have generally very good wide angle viewing (for LCD's) and also better black levels than most, if not all, LCD's. Black levels are particularly very important for contrast--not to forget getting good blacks that don't look gray or dark blue. Greg

Personally, I would go with an LED-LCD. I'll explain briefly the characteristics of 3 choices to perhaps help you make a choice. You'll notice a big price drop this year on regular LCD and Plasma's because they want to reduce the supplies. I'll start with Plasma...every pixel on a Plasma tv gets used. Even the color black, is a color that gets defined on a pixel. Each of the pixels on the screen is a cell filled with a gas similar to neon that reacts to various voltages that provide the colors. Over time, the gas leaks out of some of the cells. It's not very noticeable at first but in certain scenes, you might see a tiny black dot that you may even think is a spec of dust at first. As more of the cells deteriorate, the problem gets worse as time goes on. The time span of course depends on the quality of the unit. You can expect to see this maybe after the 5th year. I'm not saying all will do it in that time span but eventually, the problem is inevitable. A regular LCD tv is different. The screen is made up of liquid crystals. You can actually make an LCD display using a mixture of dish soap and salt sandwiched between polarized glass. When you introduce various voltages, you'll get images on the screen. The LCD must use what is called a "backlight". This backlight is similar to a florescent bulb. They are not user replaceable. I'm sure you've seen how over time, a florescent bulb starts getting dark on the ends and eventually it gets progressively worse. The same thing happens on the backlight over time. If you and your family watch the tv often, you may not notice it right away or, you'll find yourself fooling with the brightness and contrast allot. Again it could start as early as 5 years. I've seen them start after 2 years and some earlier, it depends on the quality. The LED-LCD is the going thing right now. The liquid crystal are pretty much the same but the "backlighting" is LED (light emitting Diode"). LED's give a much better light and you'll notice the sharpness is very good. LED's have a tendency to last many years (some anticipated to 50 years or more, many know to last 25 years for sure). Yes, there is a possibility some can go bad sooner but for the most part, they are very reliable. Visit anyplace like Wal-Mart, Sears, Best Buy, SAMS, Costco that has many of each type on display. You'll see the LED-LCD is much sharper. When buying, I recommend a non reflective screen. If you can get one with a flat finish around the edges, I think that would be better on the eyes also. Most have the glossy "Piano" finish around the frame and after a while, you get used to it and don't notice. But a non-reflective screen (flat) with a non reflective outer edge is what I prefer. Check them out when you are looking, you'll surely see what I mean. The LED-LCD is right now, the higher priced of the 3. If price is the preference, you'll see large screen Plasma and regular LCD really greatly reduced in price these days. I hope this info helps you in your shopping and good luck!!!