I got the Sony XBR2 40" LCD. It is simply an amazing TV. I can't say enough good things about it. Watching Heros in HD was really cool.

AND it supports 10 inputs. 3 HDMI, 2 Component, 2 Composite (one with S Video) plus ant and cable.

 

I agree with this, but whatever you do, don't buy from a retail location (think best buy, etc) as you will be wasting TONS of money. Check out www.pricegrabber.com, enter the model number for the TV you're interested in, and see how many hundreds, or even thousands of dollars you can save by purchasing from a reputable online merchant.

 

Again, DLP may be a good value compared to LCD or Plasma, but it requires maintenance every couple of years. Projection LCD is the same. Personally, I'd put out just a touch more $ to step up to flat-panel LCD, generally still cheaper than Plasma.

 

Panasonic makes some of the best Plasmas out there. As for LCD, I'd stick with Sony or Samsung like I mentioned earlier. (Pioneer Elites would be baller status). Plasmas has a glass front so reflections is also a problem. I've been more than happy with my XBR1 Bravia LCD. I wouldn't mind getting the newer models since it supports more than 1 HDMI inputs. That's the other thing to consider. Hooking up your set with HDMI is the best connection followed by Component inputs. That will ensure the best possible picture on your set. Don't use connections with regular RCAs. The difference is night and day. If you have to use Component connections for video, I would suggest Optical wires for the audio. HDMI supports both video and audio. The next thing after is to calibrate your set. Then sit back and be amazed by the picture quality!

Another one to consider is the Sony SXRDs!

 

You need to tell us your budget, requirements, and viewing environment (amount of lighting).

Some good choices:

Budget
Westinghouse LVM42W2 - $1500 for a 1080P capable LCD
No standout plasmas in this price range.

Mid
Sony Bravia XBR2/3 40" $2500
Pioneer PDP-4270 42" $2500

High
Step up to a larger model or higher end lines. Sony Qualia, Pioneer Elite

 

CRT FTW, IMHO

 

I still have a Mitsubishi 27" tube TV from 1990 and it's still working great. That sucker wouldn't die. It's good for the basement. Back in the days, I think I paid a little over a grand for it.

 

Simple rules to follow....

LCD - Sony is the best. Spend the money, and dont get the cheap crap.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP....latpanel_32to40
Plasma - Panasonic/Pioneer are the industry leaders and are the best.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/store...000000000005702
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/p...0985820,00.html
Dont look outside those three brands.

DO NOT get any DLPs front/rear projection , etc etc etc....they are dead technologies, and will be gone within 5 years.

LCDs are about 2 times the price, but can be a better investment.....

Here are advantages/disadvantages....

LCDs

Pros
1)No break in time
2)Great for videogames
3)Dont eat as much power

Cons
1)Grittier than plasmas up close
2)take longer than plasmas to warm up
3)Picture not at crisp (contrast ratios dont compare to plasmas)
4)Dead pixels NOT warrantied
Plasmas

Pros

1)Amazing picture quality with 10000:1 contrast
2)WAAAAY cheaper than LCD
3)Faster fire up time

Cons

1)Requires a 200 hour breakin period for long life and no chance of burn in ( I can send you the DVD for that)
2)Eat about 2 times the electricity than an LCD
3)Not the best for video games

If you dont play games, and do a proper break in, a plasma is a better choice than LCD.

 

CRT is better than plasma or LCD for cost, image brightness, and longevity. Only thing the others have on it is size.

 

Sharp is also an industry leader for LCDs but their recent line has been plagued with problems. Perhaps their next line will be good. They're ahead of SLCD (Partnership between Sony/Samsung for LCD panels) technology wise. They opened their 8th generation plant while the XBR2/3's are produced on 7th generation glass. I would've gone with a Sharp D62 AQUOS if it didn't have manufacturing problems so I ended up with the Sony XBR2.