Sony KV36XBR450 36" XBR Flat-Screen HDTV
Best set I have ever owned.
I bought this set in 2000 and have never had a problem.  I did buy the 5 year warranty - but never used it.  The picture quality compared to my $5,000 plasma is much better - no distortion on the 4:3.  If you have any concerns, buy the extended warranty.  It's cheap protection.  Also, go to other sites and read the reviews there.  You will find that they are overwhelmingly positive.