Panasonic CT-34WX15 34" TheaterWide HDTV-Ready Flat Screen TV
Big bang for the buck
Here's my setup at home: <br /> <br />DirecTV HD/TiVo <br />Sony Progressive Scan DVD player <br />Xbox/Gamecube/PS2 <br />Sony DTS 5.1 receiver (4 years old) <br />Polk Audio surround sound speaker system including sub <br /> <br />While not the most braggable setup on the planet, it really does hold its own.  Anyways I was finally ready to move into HD territory.  I had been researching the issue for quite some time and decided that tube TVs still consistently deliver some of the best picture quality.  I was really wanting the Sony 34XBR960 which is essentially their most advanced tube TV to date.  I went to Circuit City and compared the Sony side by side with this Panasonic.  In terms of picture quality they were the exact same but the Panasonic was about $1,000 cheaper.  This was a no brainer.  The main difference was that the Sony utilized their memory stick technology and the Sony also had a built HD decoder or ATSC.  My TiVo box already handled that for me so I didn't need to shell out the extra dough. <br /> <br />Directv users take note that most subscribers cannot get their local channels in HD.  I had to buy a Terk model off the air antenna that picks up local broadcasts in HD (I have no idea how it works but it is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen).  I'm not a fan but I watched Nascar for over an hour last week b/c it was so beautiful and the surround sound was awesome!!! <br /> <br />For the money you cannot beat this wonderful TV!!!  My next purchase will be the matching S97S Panasonic DVD player.  It utilizes HDMI technology that upconverts all signals to 1080i.  Can't wait!!!