New TV buying suggestions/recommendations/help
 

My parents are planning on buying a new TV soon, since the current one (a regular 27") is starting to have issues. My mom mentioned possibly buying a flat-screen and/or HDTV, and I'll be pushing for this, but it would help if a good deal is found. The area the TV would go in is about 45" across, so anything wider is out of the question.

Since I have no idea about different companies, etc. I figured I'd ask for help here. Any recommendations or suggestions? Thanks.

I'd actually like some feedback too. I'm in the market for a bigger TV and am looking at some rear-projection HDTV-ready units.

I know rear projection is an older technology, but I haven't really seen any good reasons for looking at the higher end stuff. Space isn't an issue, and I'm only an occasional movie watcher so it doesn't have to be state-of-the-art. Is it worth it to spend the extra $1,000 or so to move up from rear projection?

Thanks. I was searching just using TV and it would be too small a word to be included in the search. (FYI - your first link goes to a thread on TiVo)

Even if I wasn't big into movies, I'd still definitely go widescreen. As far as inputs, I'd made sure it had DVI so I wouldn't have to worry as technology upgrades and I expand my home theatre/sports lounge. Of course, if you already have a lot of peripherals make sure you have the required inputs.

If you're not willing to spring for ISF calibration, I'd make sure to pick up a copy of Avia or Video Essentials to do it yourself. Both can be rented if you don't want to have a copy around.

One thing with flatscreens, geometry is notoriously difficult to fix. The trade-off of course is the expanded viewing angle. Non-grognards will probably not notice.

And the requisite links:
http://hometheaterforum.com
http://www.avsforum.com