You would have to watch the same channel with a stationary "bug" in the corner (network ident) for a very very long time to get burn in, current plasmas have about the same chance of burn in as a CRT. It's not an issue.

SG: Thanks for that link! I'm hoping it's down another half G by early Dec.
I assume you like it/love it!? I BM'd them...

CF: I hear you on the "next new thing", but my guess is the new 70" StarTrekTV will be 8Gs...not in my "need to spend" for a TV we'll be watching 4-5 months/yr in a warm, sunny clime. I am not a Luddite, but I am happy to take the recent/today's tech for considerably less dough than the new/v. expensive gizmo. Jes' my 2Cts on a fixed income, lol!
BR,md

Sounds good MD! I think you should check out DLP technology then. I know the 70" are still up there in price, but a 70" DLP won't be $8,000, so give it a shot and see what you think. The best thing to do is to try and view these things, but a few notes when you walk into a store.

a) Most of the time the salesperson knows NOTHING and maybe even less than you do. If you get a knowledgeable salesperson, consider yourself fortunate.

b) The store is a horrible place to view these sets. Lighting is poor, people have tinkered with the settings, and the signal is being split up so many different ways it makes for a lousy picture.

So having said all that, maybe you can try and find a smaller store to go to so you can view these TVs. You could also have the salesperson fire up a DVD.

The new Sony LCoS sets are just starting to trickle into stores, but it will probably be another 2-3 weeks before you see them out on the shelves.

Just got home from Ultimate Electronics. They had the new Sony 50" SXRD set up in one of the theater rooms. I must say, even with the store lighting and no HDMI feed, it had a great picture. I watched some baseball on ESPNHD, and flipped through a couple of movies. No rainbows, screen doors, or visible pixels (noticed screen door effect and some pixels on the new Sony 60" 3LCD ), and good contrast for the blacks.

You were right Chris - matte finish on the screen, much to my relief (maybe you should work there). The 70" was somewhat difficult to see with light reflections in the main part of the store.

Anyway, I hope prices will come down a little by the time the CEO starts building the Biltmore Jr. next summer. It will be my first theater room and first chance to have a set bigger than 36". If not, she might have to forget about the butler's pantry. :D

Leaders of plasma tv's with best overall value and performance is panasonic. Read the consumer reports they have most of the reviews though. I think Sony products are given too much of a hype. We have been sony fans for like 10 years but lately, other competitors have caught up and even surpassed them

We got a 42" Panasonic HDTV Plasma for $2500 at Fry's electronics :thumbup: :D :thumbup: They usually sell for 2700-3000

At the same time, we got a 50" Samsung DLP TV for $1700
at Sams Slub. Hahaha. What I like about this is when the bulb goes bad you just have to replace it and the picture quality is almost as good as new.

Great lines! :bustingup :rofl:

Hey Jaba if you think the Panasonic has te best ratings check the Pionner Elite 50" now thats a TV.. in my opinion. I have had mine for a year. No burn-in this TV its incredible.

A HT room! Man that is awesome! I am nowhere near a house that size yet, but that is very cool! You might want to consider a front projector if you have a dedicated room :) :D

MD, here is a Samsung 71"!!!! Not a bad price either, and this is from Crutchfield...(great customer service but high prices)

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zzdxXPb...0&I=305HLR7178

I'm just talking about over all value, features and quality. I know Pioneer is superior and high quality. In fact I wanted a Pioneer elite but it was just too expensive. :thumbup: Ughh! You make me jealous.