If budget really isn't a problem, and you can afford to wait a while, a new technology called SED is on its way. The result of a collaboration between Toshiba and Canon, Surface emitter Electron Display sets use electron emmission technology just like a CRT (so the picture quality is every bit as good), but since the electron emmission is from the surface rather than a gun, SED sets will have a flat screen form factor, something like 4cm or so. These will be the new standard for light, slim, flat screen displays. The picture quality will blow LCD and plasma away (real blacks, very short recovery time for pixels so no blur in fast images), and will use less power than LCD or plasma, too. And they'll be 1920 x 1080. Sorry to complicate your choice even more, but if you can wait these sets really sound like they'll be worth it. From what I've read production has already started, and sets will be available end of this year or early part of next. Pricing should be comparable to plasma, and the first models will be in the 40-50 inch range. If you need something right away, I personally like plasma. CRT is too small and heavy, LCD doesn't have true blacks (neither does plasma but it's better than LCD), and RP sets have too small a viewing angle. As for ED vs. HD, if you can afford it I'd go HD. I compared the Panasonic sets and, while the ED picture looked good, I saw "jaggies" around the text that wasn't there on the HD, and the HD sets seemed to have better depth. Personally I'm waiting, only because I can't currently afford a good plasma HD, especially when SED is less than a year away.

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!!!

I guess I should have gotten a KD. The cabinet rep from Riceland designed the kitchen layout including appliances but that's it. I have learned the hard way you really can't assume things... since my GC builds big beautiful homes I thought he would "take care" of things like this but I should have realized he needs drawings to follow! The electrician that laid out the lights, I was told was their "residential guy" and does kitchens all the time but again, probably following drawings. Oh well, meeting with the GC and electrician this morning (husband is happily off to work), maybe there is something that can be done. The best solution we came up with last night is to place a second can at the cooktop almost next to the one that is there, these will then be centered on the hood and in our opinion look like they are showcasing the range and hood. We also want them to remove and plug in the hole in the ceiling at the dining room opening. I think this would solve all the problems. Hopefully they are willing to work with us... I have my fingers crossed... other than that, things are looking so good here!

Junction box is centered in the room and it's actually one that wraps around the joist. I thought about adding a recessed light there but it would just be in the center of the room which I dont think would help with lighting because it would create shadows on both sides. Therefore since it suppose to have easy access I can't just stick a junction box on the stud and drywall it over. That's the reason I thought about using the cover linked above so there would be access to comply with codes. BTW thanks, I like the granite and cabinets as we'll but my wife hates the color of the cabinets. She wants them darker. Possibly gel stain but that's way down the list of things to do of me :)