DO NOT BUY ANYTHING until you check out the Sony KDS 50A3000. I was in the same boat you were, looking at 46" to 50" flat panels and plasma's in the 2000.00-3000.00 range But the newer Sony A series projections, particularly the LCoS based SXRD technology, are a different breed. It is much thinner and lighter than the older projections, just 14" thick and 70 lbs., has the new craze in HDTV's, 120Hz processing motion-flow, has 1080p resolution, 3 HDMI inputs, has deep black levels with best in class primary color accuracies, and is a beautiful looking TV. When the lamp goes out in 3-6 years, you can replace the bulb yourself, and its like a new TV all over again. No lost contrast levels like flat panels or burn in screens like plasma's. I found mine BRAND NEW IN THE BOX at Hi Fi Buys in Nashville, Tenn. for an incredible low price of just 1299.00 + tax. (financed by Sony - 18 months, same as cash, no payments, no interest). Check this TV out online and then go check the picture quality out in person. I promise, you will be amazed.......JMelet