I'm brand new to HD. I posted the following on another board I'm a regular on, & it was suggested that I post it here in hopes of getting answered by knowledgeable folks!

A local pawn shop has a used 2005 Panasonic 52lcx15 52" Rear projection set at what I consider a low price.

What is the difference between Rear Projection / LCD / Plasma? This set is rear projection. I THINK it's also LCD.

The picture seemed really dark in the store. The manager said I had to sit on axis with this type of set. I lowered myself to screen level & it improved, but still seemed dark. Do the lights have to be out in the room for this type of set?

Any knowledgeable advice would be really appreciated. I wasn't planning on moving to hd yet, but the price is awfully cheap & with my failing eye site (my surgically repaired left eye now has a cataract that I may be living with for awhile) the bigger set would really help.

2 other questions: how long does this type of set tend to last? My viewing room is pretty small. With a regular crt tv, the small room is a +. Will it be a problem with this type? The projector is built into the frame.

Googling got me very little information & no in depth reviews.