Any further advice, NDub? I want to make a move before long, but will be doing some extensive research first.
There are so many choices for HDTVs - brand name, size, technology. It's all about what is best for you, though.
Where is the TV going? That will tell you how big of a screen size you need. A living room will probably require a larger TV than a bedroom. 37-42' is a good size for a living room. A 50' is ok, too. Anything beyond that is for your basement or massive living room.
How important is picture quality? Because a source (satellite, digital cable) will be needed. The proper accessories (HDMI cable, power center) and if you want surround sound (digital optical cable, upgraded speaker wire) are very, very important. Your HDTV is only as good as it's source and what carries that source.
Next, what do you like to watch? For 99.9% of us, it's sports. So you have to think: which TV fits what you like to watch?
-DLP, LCos and LCD projection TVs tend to be cheaper for such a large screen size, which ranges from 42 to 65 inches. These newer projection TVs don't protrude so far in the back like past projections and are very light for such a screen size. The drawbacks: You've got replace the bulb about every 4 years. You get the best picture when you're looking at it straight on. So if you've got seating off to the side or even at an angle from the screen, you won't get the full contrast, which is a big deal for HD. The viewing angle is better than in the past, but still not as good as plasma or LCD or even generic tube (CRT).
-LCD. These range from 15 to 46 inches. You can pick one of these up for around 1,200 bucks (without the accessories, of course). They have a 160 degree viewing angle so you can watch them from anywhere. They have decent contrast ratio and a bright picture. If you're into video games, this TV is the best for them because you don't have burn-in. The drawbacks: Pixel drag. They've gotten much better at it and most have 6 to 8 millisecond refresh rates, so you don't see much pixel drag on fast-moving objects. But, for sports fans, you may notice a very minor blur behind a ball flying through the air because the pixels aren't becoming active/inactive quick enough to keep up with the signal. Personally, I have an LCD and really don't see this.
-Plasma. This is, without a doubt, the best picture you can get. The contrast ratio on these bad boys is 5-10 times better than LCDs or projection TVs. Trust me, that makes a HUGE difference. You get the most vivid, colorful and realistic picture with these. Viewing angle is like 160-170 on these, too. You can get them as small as 37' and as large as 58' (a 103' from Panasonic for like 30K comes out next year). The drawbacks: If you game, this probably isn't for you. Burn-in comes the most from video games because they have non-moving objects (life bars, scoreboards, etc.) on the screen all the time. These also heat up because they require much more power to...well...power.
If you're still reading, here are some brand names to and to not consider:
KEEP YOUR EVIL EYE ON THESE:
LG plasmas, LCDs - The XD engine makes these bad boys shine. And they're very, very resonable in price, too. The flesh tones look the best on these, as well.
Sony LCDs - You may more for these, but the XBR engine built-in to some of them makes the picture quality rival many plasmas.
Panasonic plasmas, LCDs - Nevermind Consumer Reports' ratings. Check one out yourself. They're nice.
Samsung - You spend a bit more here, too. But they've got a real deep contrast and the reds are real nice.
Pioneer plasmas - forking amazing. But you'll pay 3-4 times as much as any other. And that's a lot for a, say, $1,000 TV.
STAY AWAY FROM:
Westinghouse - Every floor model we had (about 3-4) had to be sent to service because something wen't apeshirt inside of it.
Maxent - Here was my line when people asked "What's Maxent?"
Me: "Have you ever heard of it before?"
Customer: "No."
Me: "Exactly."
Insignia - It's the Best Buy house brand. You won't find it anywhere else. It's cheap, but don't suckered. These are generic TVs.
Holla if you have any more questions....