Hi,

We're looking to get a new tv and are really having trouble deciding which one. We were open to anything plasma, dlp, lcd, but have really decided to move to a 60" model, and the price range of a rear projection would definitely suit us better than the others.

I think we've narrowed it down to a 60" sony (SXRD or XBR2) or a 61" samsung DLP.

I know newer models may be around the corner, so is it good advice to just wait, or may me be waiting forever to have the latest and greatest? Are the new ones major improvements?

Which model would you select here?

Thanks so much!!

Hi,

We're looking to get a new tv and are really having trouble deciding which one. We were open to anything plasma, dlp, lcd, but have really decided to move to a 60" model, and the price range of a rear projection would definitely suit us better than the others.

I think we've narrowed it down to a 60" sony (SXRD or XBR2) or a 61" samsung DLP.

I know newer models may be around the corner, so is it good advice to just wait, or may me be waiting forever to have the latest and greatest? Are the new ones major improvements?

Which model would you select here?

Thanks so much!!

We've heard promising things about the kds-r60/70XBR3 although no news on whether or not there will be picture quality improvments. In my opinion, if there is, it'll be worth the wait even though it is set to release in October. HDMI 1.3, 120hz technology, and a few other things will be awesome improvements, but we haven't heard anything about the picture update which is the main thing we are all hoping for. I guess in the next few months you will know when more information leaks. Up to the buyer.

If you buy one now go XBR2 without one doubt.



Damn you Sony for not letting us know more!! damn you!!

damn you rear projection manufacturers for making us choose Sony!! DAMN YOU!!

Hi,

Sure, I would expect newer models to have better features, but I can imagine the price costing quite a bit more.

I am leaning towards a xbr2 as of now. We do need to get a tv now/since our old one just "passed away", plus we were looking to get a newer model anyway.

If I can get the xbr2 for around $3000, would that be a decent buy, or is that still too much and should wait.

The samsung dlp's have really gone down in price also (under $2000), but I'm thinking that the xbr2's are a step up. Do you agree?

Thanks again!

If I needed a TV today, I would get a plasma, because they have a long lifespan. By next year RPTVs will be available with LED, laser, or other types of light sources that last 30,000. hours or more. You can get a 56" Samsung now that has a LED lamp. I would not buy a RPTV that uses an ordinary bulb that has to be changed every year or two.

IB

Hi,

plasmas were what we were originally leaning towards, but the 60in models are still very expensive.

We saw a bunch of 50in ones that were attractive also, but thought that 60in would be even better to have? Do you have specific models that we should look into?

Thanks!

Hi,

Sure, I would expect newer models to have better features, but I can imagine the price costing quite a bit more.

I am leaning towards a xbr2 as of now. We do need to get a tv now/since our old one just "passed away", plus we were looking to get a newer model anyway.

If I can get the xbr2 for around $3000, would that be a decent buy, or is that still too much and should wait.

The samsung dlp's have really gone down in price also (under $2000), but I'm thinking that the xbr2's are a step up. Do you agree?

Thanks again!

if anything they are going to get cheaper..xbr1 msrped much higher then the xbr2 series, I doubt the xbr3 will shoot up in pricing with all TVs falling in price

If I needed a TV today, I would get a plasma, because they have a long lifespan. By next year RPTVs will be available with LED, laser, or other types of light sources that last 30,000. hours or more. You can get a 56" Samsung now that has a LED lamp. I would not buy a RPTV that uses an ordinary bulb that has to be changed every year or two.

IB

yea good game on paying nearly twice the price of an SXRD to get similar quality @ 60 inch size...bulbs burn out like once every 3 or 4 years, I wouldn't go ahead and buy a plasma because of lifespan figuring that replacing the bulb is nota big deal at all. After you replace your first bulb, your probably never going to do it again. With the way TV is advancing, your not going to be keeping your XBR2 any longer then 7-8 years, if that. Imagine how the quality of TV is going to be changing..are you planning on keeping your plasma for over 6-7 years? didn't think so


My plasma will last me 20 years! gliven glaven

tvs are going to have 100,000:1 contrast ratios pretty soon

Hi,

Since everyone here is definitely much more knowlegeable than I am on this, what would you specifically get?

Here are some models that we looked at and kind of liked:
50 in plasma: samsung 5054 - $2000
61 samsung dlp - $1800
60 sony sxrd (newer black model) - $2400
60 xbr2 - $3000

so we're pretty much deciding between these. Any other suggestions? I'd like to get the tv this week.

Also, are there any particular online vendors that are reliable with good prices? And we would want to get an extended warranty - are the ones from online stores just as good as those from the local circuit city or best buy?

thanks!

Hi,

Since everyone here is definitely much more knowlegeable than I am on this, what would you specifically get?

Here are some models that we looked at and kind of liked:
50 in plasma: samsung 5054 - $2000
61 samsung dlp - $1800
60 sony sxrd (newer black model) - $2400
60 xbr2 - $3000

so we're pretty much deciding between these. Any other suggestions? I'd like to get the tv this week.

Also, are there any particular online vendors that are reliable with good prices? And we would want to get an extended warranty - are the ones from online stores just as good as those from the local circuit city or best buy?

thanks!
first off, get the extended warranty through sony. They offer the lowest pricing and they are more reliable.

second off, if you get a plasma/LCD, your paying for the flatness. Rear projection is for people wanting great picture quality and wanting to pay less. If you have the room for rear projection go for it because it is a much better deal.

third off, I'd take the 60xbr2 over the kdsa2020. Price to performance ratio from the samsung to the SXRD is enough to where its worth spending a little more. In the long run you'll be more happy. GO in to the store and compare. Sometimes you don't get the best view in store, but SXRD is the best. Get it professionaly calibrated and you will be in business! If you don't want to spend the extra money the kds-60a2020 is awesome..I've got a friend with the a2000 and its friggen awesome I'm in love. Eiether way you have to get it professionaly calibrated..ISF style. A must.

Do I have to purchase the tv from sony to get the extended warranty from them, or can I do so separately?

Here are some models that we looked at and kind of liked:
50 in plasma: samsung 5054 - $2000
61 samsung dlp - $1800
60 sony sxrd (newer black model) - $2400
60 xbr2 - $3000If I were in your situation I’d go with a 58 inch Panasonic plasma right now. They’re available for around 3 grand give or take 500.

Do I have to purchase the tv from sony to get the extended warranty from them, or can I do so separately?

you just need a receipt..it doesn't even have to be an authorized sony store, meaning you can buy it from random stores online, you just have to have a receipt. You need the receipt to get your warranty that comes with the TV as well.

FWIW I am in the same situation as you and after looking and reading about the 50" plasmas, 60" Sony and 61" Samsung DLP I am going with the Samsung.

I'm getting my warranty from Mack for $210 including up to 2 bulb replacements which piggybacks on the manufacturer's for a total of 4 years.

FWIW I am in the same situation as you and after looking and reading about the 50" plasmas, 60" Sony and 61" Samsung DLP I am going with the Samsung.

I'm getting my warranty from Mack for $210 including up to 2 bulb replacements which piggybacks on the manufacturer's for a total of 4 years.

Your buying an inferior product, but whatever. KDS-60A2020 is by far the best deal on the market, especially since you can find it for like $2200...it cannot be beaten, period.

The 2020 is definitely in our minds, especially since it has just popped up in stores, but you really think the xbr2 is a better buy even after its higher cost?

And as for the warranty, I'm trying to find on the sony site, where I can purchase extended warranties only, do you happen to have a link?

Thanks!

I'm in the same boat, I'm replacing my 7 year old 65" Mitsubishi. I'm looking at the XBR2, the Mitsubishi 65" 731, 732 and 831 and the Samsung 67" I think they are all around the same price and I'm not sure which way to go. I'm going to be hooking up my PS3 for Blu-Ray,my Xbox 360 for HD DVD, Directv H20 for HD programming and Philips 642 for DVD. I hope more people post their experiences and opinions.

I would love to hear where I should be shopping as there are a lot of places online to go, or should I stick with Brick and Mortar?

Good luck with your decision.

Good Luck with your decision as well.

Any different perspectives are always appreciated!

I'm in the same boat, I'm replacing my 7 year old 65" Mitsubishi. I'm looking at the XBR2, the Mitsubishi 65" 731, 732 and 831 and the Samsung 67" I think they are all around the same price and I'm not sure which way to go. I'm going to be hooking up my PS3 for Blu-Ray,my Xbox 360 for HD DVD, Directv H20 for HD programming and Philips 642 for DVD. I hope more people post their experiences and opinions.

I would love to hear where I should be shopping as there are a lot of places online to go, or should I stick with Brick and Mortar?

Good luck with your decision.
The Samsung 1080p DLP is the only display that accepts 1080p inputs over HDMI, component, and VGA, making it a great choice to match with the 360. Despite all the comments above, no display blows the others away -- rather, it all comes down to personal preference. The Sony and Samsung are the 2 most popular choices, and they are both excellent. I personally don't like plasma since the SDE bothers me, while others can't enjoy DLP due to RBE, and others are bothered by poor color uniforimity with LCOS. Each technology has its pros and cons, none is perfect, and only you can judge which is the best for you. So spend some time viewing all of them, and go with whichever looks best to your eyes.

Well my two cents:

I currently have a 50" Sony XBR1. I've had optical block failures and the "green blob" is still apparent in at least SOME A2000 SXRD's (whcih are identical to the A2020's except for the black versus silver finish). While Sony just extended the warranty on the XBR1, it's still admitting to a problem that IMO should not exist in the first place. The image quality is good, but the color uniformity issues are a problem.

I ordered a Mitsubishi WD-57831 "Diamond" 1080p DLP last week...should arrive tomorrow if I'm lucky. It's the third highest rated TV on CNET, has 1080p inputs (over DVI-VGA for my 360) and I'm not one susceptible to rainbows on active picture...meaning that with my XBR1 I noticed that I did see them on my old 720p Samsung HL-R5067 DLP but they weren't an issue. The Mits also fully resolves all 1920x1080 lines of resolution in 1080i/p sources, something the most recent Samsung DLP's do not (not sure what this means directly upon viewing, but I'm one of those that needs that subtle reassurance).

I'm also using a PS3 for Blu-ray, currently via component on my XBR1 but I will go to HDMI @1080p. I use an Oppo 970HD for upconverted 1080i DVD on the XBR1 via HDMI and it's a great picture (when the optical block isn't failing...which DRASTICALLY softens the picture, along with image retention and green/yellow stains).

Not sure if any of this helps you, as the same reasons have caused me to buy multiple TV's in the last few years. We had board issues on our DLP (part not available and no ETA) which caused my wife and I to upgrade to the XBR1, which now has the optical block issues after year, causing us to buy the Mits DLP. Before that it was geometry and random color issues on CRT tubes that created two upgrade issues then (my last Sony HL-S CRT HDTV is on it's way out as we speak).

Bad luck...sure, but I figured I would pass along my issues.

Good luck! :D

EDIT: For what it's worth, I've been driven nuts in stores with the "screen door effect" on plasma displays. Sure the color and vividness looks GREAT! The visible pixels though, with my viewing distance of 8-10 feet though is a deal breaker (not to mention the cost increase).

Of all the pictures, we liked the plasmas the best to be honest. But we really want a 60in screen, but the plasmas in that size are too pricey for us right now. The panasonic is near what we may want to spend, but we don't like the silver frame (for some reason the xbr2 frame is fine for us though).

So we figure a rear projection may be the best in terms of size and value. The thing is the samsung is $1000 less than the xbr2 and the sxrd2020 is right in the middle. In terms of styling, we favor the xb2, but each look good for us. So it comes down to expert opinions, such as those here.

The one thing that I worry about is the technology that is awaiting. I would hait to spend the money now only to find that there will be super improvements in the near future that will be at similar cost to what we would spend now. Is that the case? Or are these decent prices for a set now? For example, the samsung is a lot less than what it was just a few months ago. Are they going to be like computers where there values drop so quickly?

Thanks!

Hi,

Is there a huge difference between a 55 inch screen to a 60". I would like to go bigger of course, but the store that I'd like to buy the set from only has the 55in models. In terms of the room, the seating will range from 8 feet away to 12 feet away.

Have any of you thought about this - I can get the samsung set for say $800 less, or for the 56 in model $1000 less than the xbr2. With the money saved I can get some other goodies and such, or just save it so that when the new lines of tvs improve even more in a year or 2, I'll have some money left from this saving to buy a newer one then. Or do you think the xbr2 will still be one of the top of the line models in a year or 2?

Here may be a silly question also, but we are planning to have children in the next couple of years. Would having a set so big do any harm for a child's sight, etc?

Thanks!

hubbabubba, there is no right or wrong answer for you since it is all just opinion, and yours is the only one that counts. Here's my two cents: 1) At 8'-12', a 56" display is fine (I sit 11' from a 56" Samsung); and 2) if money is tight and you like all these sets pretty much equally, then IMO you're better off getting the less expensive set (Samsung DLP). With the money you save, you can get the display calibrated (the Samsung is known to have one of the absolute best PQ's following calibration) and get a high def DVD player such as the $400 Toshiba HD-DVD player. To be honest, you'lll get more bang for the buck in terms of PQ improvement going with a high def player than you will comparing the PQ differences between all these great displays.

Over the years, yes, prices have come down (I paid almost $4000 for my 3 1/2 year old Samsung DLP) and the technology improves, but the improvements year-to-year are relatively small. I don't see any major improvements in the near future.

Your buying an inferior product, but whatever. KDS-60A2020 is by far the best deal on the market, especially since you can find it for like $2200...it cannot be beaten, period.

Really? To me these 2 TVs are not that different. What exactly makes it so inferior to the KDS60A2020?

Really good opinions everywhere!

I'm really torn right now on what to go for - do I go all out for the xbr2 or save a little and use that money for other things. Money is not the biggest factor, it really is the feeling of the value of what I am getting. While the xbr2 (or other models) used to cost much more, the truth is that they have come down in price a decent amount, and I would be getting any of the listed models towards the end of its cycle (I know the 2020 is pretty recent).

I'm just wondering if in the NEAR future something else will come along that will be much better for the same money that I would spend now. If that is the case I may just do what BillP mentions, in buying a 56" set and using some of the money left to buy some other things. So what do you think of that?

Either way getting any of these sets, an extended warranty, a stand, and HD equipment is definitely going to be a pretty major purchase, so I really appreciate everyone's time and ideas.

Thanks!

I'm just wondering if in the NEAR future something else will come along that will be much better for the same money that I would spend now.

Not likely. You will pay a premium for anything "new" and a super premium for anything "new and improved."

Your buying an inferior product, but whatever. KDS-60A2020 is by far the best deal on the market, especially since you can find it for like $2200...it cannot be beaten, period.

Perhaps he needs 1:1 pixel mapping through VGA like I do? Sony is inferior in that case. There's no reason to jump on someone because they've chosen a product that suites them.

Perhaps he needs 1:1 pixel mapping through VGA like I do? Sony is inferior in that case. There's no reason to jump on someone because they've chosen a product that suites them.

No, I just think the Sammy's picture is better. But they are both excellent.

Just so we are on the same page, I was referring to the samsung ***87 models. I know the 88 models are out also. Are the 87 models just as good in terms of picture quality and all?

thanks!

Just so we are on the same page, I was referring to the samsung ***87 models. I know the 88 models are out also. Are the 87 models just as good in terms of picture quality and all?

thanks!

Yes. Not much difference. PIP, built in tuner and the 88 is all black where the 87 has a silver stripe at the bottom.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=823964

Do most feel the ***88 models are worth the increase in price? I don't even think I've seen them in stores yet. But I know the ***87 can be had with pretty big discounts now.

As an update, I took my wife out looking at lunch today and she liked the XBR2 best. She couldn't see a picture difference between the 2020 and the XBR2 but liked the styling of the XBR2 better.

I agree with her that the picture is the same between the two models. It was much better than the Mitsubishi 65732 it was next to and a close with 87 Samsung. The store was showing Discovery HD. The XBR2 also had a Blu-ray player hooked up and the sales guy switch inputs to a 1080i signal over component to the XBR2 and loaded up Open Seaon. It looked way better than on my older Mistubishi.

My dilemma now is whether to get the XBR2 or go with the 2020 and spend the extra cash on a new HD DVD player.

BTW where are you shopping and finding the XBR2 for $3k. Best local place I can find it for $3500?

where are you located, and do you prefer local than online?

Did you look at the samsung at all, or are you definite on the sony? I'm torn between the 3 of them (xbr2, 2020, samsung 87).

Between the sony's, its the price that is the biggest factor. And it's not really that we can't afford it, it's more of is the xbr2 worth $600-$800 more than the 2020?

where are you located, and do you prefer local than online?

Did you look at the samsung at all, or are you definite on the sony? I'm torn between the 3 of them (xbr2, 2020, samsung 87).

Between the sony's, its the price that is the biggest factor. And it's not really that we can't afford it, it's more of is the xbr2 worth $600-$800 more than the 2020?


I'm in Utah. I usually don't have issues with buying stuff online. But for this I want to make sure everything works right so I want a place that I can return it if needs be. Also the interest free option appeals to me. I guess I'd rather put the money in my ING account for 18 months, then pay it off.

When I looked today the TV's were right next to each other in the following order. Samsung 87, 2020, XBR2, 65732. It was obvious that the Mistubishi was not as good a picture, which surprised me as it was my favorite going into the store. The 2020 and the XBR2 looked virtually identical as far as PQ goes. The Samsung was close but in some shots it didn't look as good. Granted it was just Orange County Choppers on Discovery HD.

A little further down they had the Mitsubishi 73731 and the XBR2 70", while very big, niether of those looked all that great in comparison the the 65" versions. So while my ego would like that size TV, the rest of me brought me back.

I also went by Costco and looked at the 67" Samsung for $3k. If I decide to go the Samsung route, I think I'd get that one. But right now I'm leaning towards the XBR2 since I've already got devices to play HD movies, and my wife really likes the sytling of the XBR2. But to me the PQ was the same.

i'd go with the xbr2. it has new, improved light engine so virtually no complaints over color uniformity issues as has been documented with the a2000/a2020. the xbr2 sets can be calibrated to perfection giving you best pq for a screen that size.

nothing against sammys, but imo their pq is not as good as xbr2. a2020 can give you outstanding hd pq, but persistent compaints with color uniformity makes them a riskier proposition. i paid hundred more for peace of mind. no regrets with my 60xbr2 purchase.

how long have you had the xbr2, what were the other models you were considering at the time of purchase?

One thing that hasn't been mentioned about the choice of going plasma is the glare issue. Not sure if this is an issue of the OP.

For myself, I was looking at a 50" Panny plasma or 55" Sony A2000 last fall. Given that it was going in the family room with lots of windows and glare (the previous CRT was practically non-watchable at times), plasma was not going to be a good option. Also, I was hooking up a PS3 to it and 1080p on the Sony made it more appealing. So don't forget the glare issue with plasma. Most of the time, viewing plasma's in stores in not an issue since they tend to be set-up in darker areas.

On a side note, I spent so much time researching the plasma that the wife just ok'd me purchasing the 50" Panny for our bedroom (where glare is a non-issue).

Just my two cents,

js

Do most feel the ***88 models are worth the increase in price? I don't even think I've seen them in stores yet. But I know the ***87 can be had with pretty big discounts now.

You won't see them (the ***88s) in stores. There are only a handful of internet stores that carry these TVs.

To me the price isn't worth it. You can get an authorized ***87 61" for a little over $1900 shipped to your door. That's really tough to beat. Yes, the XBR2 is probably a better TV. But is it worth an extra $1500? To me its not.

Is the Sony 2020 a better TV at about $400 extra? Again, to me it looks a little worse but basically about the same. Another no brainer to me.

I'm going with the ***87 and not looking back. There are literally hundreds of threads on here that will convince/dissuade you one way or another. Just pick one and stop reading on why you shouldn't buy it.

Is the Sony 2020 a better TV at about $400 extra? Again, to me it looks a little worse but basically about the same. Another no brainer to me.


To me the A2000 looked enough better (calibrated in a home versus calibrated in a home - not store comparisons) to justify the relativley minor price difference. I also really liked the fact that I could optimize the settings independently on each input. I was nervous about blob/tint issues, but after a ton of looking for issues with all kinds of different content on my TV I've found no flaws at all. Plus issue-wise the Sammys seem to have at least as many reported problems, so either way you go there's a chance you'll get stuck with a bad set.

My basic recomendation on this issue is to simply spend some time watching properly calibrated examples of each set and get what looks best to you.

You won't see them (the ***88s) in stores. There are only a handful of internet stores that carry these TVs.

To me the price isn't worth it. You can get an authorized ***87 61" for a little over $1900 shipped to your door. That's really tough to beat. Yes, the XBR2 is probably a better TV. But is it worth an extra $1500? To me its not.

Is the Sony 2020 a better TV at about $400 extra? Again, to me it looks a little worse but basically about the same. Another no brainer to me.

I'm going with the ***87 and not looking back. There are literally hundreds of threads on here that will convince/dissuade you one way or another. Just pick one and stop reading on why you shouldn't buy it.

I agree here. My budget for a new Television/Monitor just recently went up and I'm going to pick up a 2007 61" LED HL-T6187S. If the XBR2's were enabled for what I want to do they would also be in consideration. For me SSE (or is it SDE on these?) has been dramatically improved on the XBR2's.

I wouldn't consider picking up an XBR1 because the KLW-9000 SDE has driven me crazy the last 6 years with my HTPC. The XBR1's seem only slightly better when I look at them.

Edit: Usually when looking at displays I see them at Fry's, and unfortunately, they are not calibrated near to the level of perfection that I'd like to see them in. This may be the reason for the large amounts of SSE/SDE (still not sure which it is for these units) that I'm seeing on the XBR1's, this can be offset when properly calibrated however. On Fry's show floor there is a noticeable difference between the XBR1's and XBR2's in the same place.

Hi,

We purchased a tv tonight but am doing more research just in case we have a change of heart.

I'm a little saddened by not getting the xbr2, but figured we could save some money here also, so we got the samsung 61*87. We were also very tempted by the 60 sxrd2020 which was right next to it, but we liked the styling of the samsung more, the samsung would have been about $500 less, and the picture quality looked just as good.

We bought it at best buy, and did a price match which they said they normally don't do (with the retailer that I presented), but the saleperson was kind enough to work it out with his supervisor. So we got it for $1849, but then add the tax (hate that!), delivery, and the 4 year plan, and we had a pricey setup. But at least it had the 2 year no interest which is what we wanted. How did we do? Could we have done better?

I'm still reading and learning so much. Hopefully I did alright, please let me know!

Hi,

We purchased a tv tonight but am doing more research just in case we have a change of heart.

I'm a little saddened by not getting the xbr2, but figured we could save some money here also, so we got the samsung 61*87. We were also very tempted by the 60 sxrd2020 which was right next to it, but we liked the styling of the samsung more, the samsung would have been about $500 less, and the picture quality looked just as good.

We bought it at best buy, and did a price match which they said they normally don't do (with the retailer that I presented), but the saleperson was kind enough to work it out with his supervisor. So we got it for $1849, but then add the tax (hate that!), delivery, and the 4 year plan, and we had a pricey setup. But at least it had the 2 year no interest which is what we wanted. How did we do? Could we have done better?

I'm still reading and learning so much. Hopefully I did alright, please let me know!

Not bad. Can you cancel the 4 year plan and get credit and then maybe buy a $210 plan from Mack warranty? Not sure how much the BB plan is but that might save you some money.

Overall I think you did pretty well. You paid a little more than online but have the peace of mind to take the unit back in the next 30 days if you don't like it.

Nice work.

I am looking for my 1st HDTV- Hitachi 65" CRT RPTVs are $1300 at a local store near me. The only thing it doesn't do is 1080P, which I guess is a problem if you want to play PS3 or high def/ Blu-Ray DVDs, but for everything else people say CRT RPTV is still very strong as far as PQ goes. I think I may see how everything shakes out before blowing $3000 on a Tv.

Hi,

Thanks for the advice on the warranty, I'm definitely looking into that. I know that I can cancel the plan if i wanted to, but how good is that mack warranty? i looked through the thread, and it seems decent for bulbs, but no news on anything else yet. While best buy may be a joke, it did help in the years that i had our dlp. Funny enough, once the plan ended in january of this year, right after it was serviced, the tv no longer turns on.

I knew of the amazon deal, but as you mentioned, I do like having the peace of mind. More than that, I wanted the 2 years no interest.

thanks!

Hi,

We purchased a tv tonight but am doing more research just in case we have a change of heart.

I'm a little saddened by not getting the xbr2, but figured we could save some money here also, so we got the samsung 61*87. We were also very tempted by the 60 sxrd2020 which was right next to it, but we liked the styling of the samsung more, the samsung would have been about $500 less, and the picture quality looked just as good.

We bought it at best buy, and did a price match which they said they normally don't do (with the retailer that I presented), but the saleperson was kind enough to work it out with his supervisor. So we got it for $1849, but then add the tax (hate that!), delivery, and the 4 year plan, and we had a pricey setup. But at least it had the 2 year no interest which is what we wanted. How did we do? Could we have done better?

I'm still reading and learning so much. Hopefully I did alright, please let me know!

Congrats on the purchase. I think you will be happy. I wish BB has the XBR2 as my decision would be made with points and 2 years interest free. I'm still torn between the three with the XBR2 leading. One major downside of the Samsung for me was the placement of the power button. I took my 21 month old with me last night to look again and he immediately found the power button the Sammy and proceeded to turn it off and on and off.... needless to say, not something I want him doing at home. The last hurdle for me is now getting the price reasonable local as opposed to going online.

Please give us an update once it is installed and up and running.

From the 3 - xbr2, sxrd, and samsung, I think I narrowed it down to 2 - the xbr2 and samsung. But at $1000 more, I wasn't sure the picture quality was so much better on the xbr2. In terms of styling, the best buy had the sxrd and samsung next to each other which was great, the samsung just seemed so much more modern and sleeker.

Even with that, I still have a week before it will be delivered, and am still researching. I just wanted to get it first, because in some places this model is already sold out, as the new ones are already available.

Have you considered getting a projector instead?

i have one, and gives off a 92" image which will be next to the tv. The new set is replacing a 42" dlp that just died.

I dont care what anyone says, nothing compares to a projector when it comes to value.

I dont care what anyone says, nothing compares to a projector when it comes to value.
I'll agree to that. But in terms of practicality, a regular set is good to have. It's just that after experiencing such a big screen, a 42" just doesn't cut it anymore.

Our projector screen is a plain wall, and the projector is a dlp infocus 4805 which is not HD. But even regular cable channels through s=video look good to us. So for many that say the tv will really only be best for HD, I'm hoping that at least the picture will be similar to the projector.

the one thing that I have been asking is whether we have to worry about the set being too big. My wife's favorite seat is about 8-9 feet away. While some say that there may be eye fatigue at that distance, I'm hoping that if we can handle 92" at 12 feet away, we'll be able to handle 61" at 8-9 feet.

Either way, I'll be checking the set out again to make sure we'll be happy with it.