I purchased some CinemaQuest "Ideal-Lume" Panelights but I was disappointed with them. At only 13 watts they were not bright enough for my application. I thing you would need at least 2 sets (4 lights) for use with my Pioneer PDP-6020 plasma.

Here they are:
http://www.cinemaquestinc.com/ideal_lumesb.htm

So I picked up two Sunblaster T5 fluorescent lamps from a hydroponics store to use as backlighting. They are 2' long 24w with 6400K temperature. My PDP-6020 is wall mounted so I used some sticky back velcro (with high temp glue) to mount them to the wall. I placed the lamps vertically on either side of the screen with the bulbs facing inward (facing each other). They are about 5" in from the sides of the TV. This seems to give just about the right amount of lighting with no dark spots or bright spots.

I've been using them for about 3 weeks and they make a tremendous difference esp. when watching in a darkened room. Eye strain disappears completely.

Here's a link:

http://www.sunblasterlighting.com/t524.html

I think you will find the 6400K for the Sunblaster is no where near the same as the 6500K of the Ideal-Lume. I have measured the spectrum of many lamps and the only one that even comes close is the Ideal-Lume because it's design. If you just want back lighting than just about anything will do but if you want accurate back lighting you need the Ideal-Lume.

I suspect that you are correct, Derek, as it has a CRI of only about 80, in addition to the slightly lower color temp. I have found very mixed results myself, though one of my aquarium tubes comes much closer than the rest.

Interesting points but what else comes into play? I have relatively dark paint on my walls and the backlighting seems just right from the Sunblasters. Perhaps the dark paint is why the Ideal-Lume don't seem bright enough.

If you are going to be so exacting in a lamp spec is there also a particular colour and sheen of paint that is required?

The Ideal-Lume looks the wrong colour to my eyes and not bright enough. I still have them and have tried one of each lamp at the same time. For me, with my room setup and wall colour, I prefer the Sunblaster lamps. YMMV.