Here is my situation. We are an older couple with often visiting kids and grandkids.

Room 1 has a Sony 55" 1080I LCD projection TV (2 y/o). This TV is only used by wife and I. Hooked to Comcast HD with DVR and upconverting non-BR DVD player. Viewing distance is 10-13'. We are happy with it.

Room 2 has a recently deceased Sony 35" CRT. This is what I am replacing. This room is where kids, grandkids, dog, etc hang out. I bought my wife a Wii for Christmas and it will go here. DVD Player with Comcast digital for now cause I am not paying another $100 deposit for a HD box:) Viewing distance is 6-11'. Room is on North end of house so its normally dark.

As everyone probably realize by now most of the big retailers are going to have some Samsung 720P Plasma (42"-$699 and 50"-$799) and 1080P LCD (40"-$799 and 46"-$1099) I am sure other brands will be on sale for similar prices also.

Also most of the Big Box retailers have the Mitsu DLP 1080P 60" ($999) and 65" ($1199) on sale.

Here are my options:

1 Go Cheap with either the $799 50" 720P plasma or $799 40" 1080P LCD. I am leaning toward the bigger 50" Plasma vs 40" LCD for same cost as my main option. On stand now but wall mount later.
OR
2. Go Big and more expensive with moving the 55" Sony into Room 2 and buying a big DLP for Room 1.

I am not interested in a which is better 720P vs 1080P or Plasma vs LCD vs DLP argument. They all have pros and cons.
I am interested in succinct comments of one vs the other relative to size and viewing distance, Wii gaming potential, child durability, etc.

Thanks in advance

Secondary TV, no HD, being viewed by a group of non-discerning individuals? I think those 42" 720p plasmas are perfect, save your money.

Panasonic does a demonstration where the whack their plasma screen with a hammer and it doesn't break. I believe it would be more durable than the plastic screens on LCD or DLP.

jeff

Thanks Jeff. I have been leaning toward the Plasma too.

So the Plasma would be fine for Wii gaming?

And since the 50" Plasma is only $100 more than the 42" would it be worth it?

Eight inches doesn't seem like much but it is a significant difference. I'd go with plasma, too. I've been running a Panasonic 9uk for the last two years and love it.

Something else you might want to look into if you're wanting to give the grandkids the "WOW" factor (and the wife, too, since she's getting a Wii :) ) then you might want to look at a projector...plenty of decent 720p pj's in the price range you're looking at....could easily end up with a 100-110" screen if you've got an empty wall to play with. :) You would have to supply a HTB (Home Theater in a Box) for the sound. The pj would be a bit more problematical to set up...ceiling mount, running wires/cables to your HTB, DVD player, etc.,. Just a thought. ;)

Best wishes on your project and Happy Thanksgiving!
Ed

Thanks Jeff. I have been leaning toward the Plasma too.

So the Plasma would be fine for Wii gaming?

And since the 50" Plasma is only $100 more than the 42" would it be worth it?

I'm with Intheswamp, BIGGER is BETTER! Imagine the wife bowling and playing tennis with the Wii projectied to life size! It's really a fun experience!

I had really thought about the Pj route, had a wall pretty much scoped out and everything.

Then my wife decides she wants a dog. I said fine as long as she takes care of it and all. She agrees and off she goes.

What does she bring home. A Great Pyrenees puppy. Tiberius is 6 months old now and around 80lbs. Take a guess where his living quarters are? Needless to say I no longer have an empty wall....lol.

Thanks Jeff. I have been leaning toward the Plasma too.

So the Plasma would be fine for Wii gaming?

And since the 50" Plasma is only $100 more than the 42" would it be worth it?
Plasmas are great for gaming, period. I use mine with an Xbox 360 and it's great. Just make sure your Wii is set to output in 16:9 and you'll be good to go.

As to 50"vs 42", bigger is better :D