I am torn between these two models. I love the size of the 67" but if has a pic quality not as good as teh 61" I could live with the smaller size. So here is my real question, do these two TV's use the same light engine, and just blow up the pic for the 67". Also is there any diff between the viewing angles of the two sets, I have read several people complain about the view angle and brightness loss on the 67" but not too many on the 61". Also if the 61" has less dark corners than the 67". So if they are the same ill take the 67", but if the picture gets horribly darker on the 67 vs the 61 id get the 61. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Of course 1080p resolution uses larger pixels on a 67" screen then on a 61" so at too close a viewing distance the image would appear grainer especially with SD "filmed" programing or with DVDs.
I suspect that they use the same light engine except for the lens so the 67" may have to have its brightness level set a little higher then on the 61". However the sets electroinics may allready compensate for this in the setting of the birghtness percentage numbers the user can set.

Depending on viewing distance, there shouldn't be any significant differences between the two.

Also, comparing the two at a store is the dumbest thing you can do. Of course the 61 is gonna look slightly better, the 67 is reflecting much more light.

I thought about the same thing until I had the 67 at home. The 67 looked much better than the 61 at the store.

The TV will look fine from a logical viewing distance. Logical just happens to be 8 feet for me.You might think it's too close, but you'll be amazed how fast you get used to the size. I already think it's normal.

Pull the trigger on the 67", you won't be disappointed. Both TVs have received very positive comments in reviews. The only weak point of both models is their inability to do black levels at reference levels. For $1,800. (with free White Glove delivery from Amazon) for a 67" screen, I can live with that. The price drop from 6 months ago to now will more than pay for a professional (not BB or CC) calibration if you're dissatified with the picture. I've had my 67" for 2 months now and am very satisfied. It's a terrific value.