it is time to upgrade as I have a 27" Tau flat screen and sit about 12-15 feet from it (GASP!) and have trouble reading text on screen. I am bound by the size of the entertainment center, so I will not reach an "ideal" size. Realistically it will be a 37-42".

Here are my criteria:

Max Width: 40 1/2"
flat Panel (LCD or Plasma)
HDTV Tuner
under $2000

Anyone have any specific recommendations? Price is a definite consideration...

A lot of other threads debate the merits of Lcd vs plasma so I will let you read those...

When you decide which technology you want, I can recommend the Samsungs since they seem to reach an ideal compromise between price and performance. The new Samsung plasma series was well reviewed on cnet and their new 61-65f Lcd line is acclaimed by LCD users ( I am a new ln-t4061f owner and must say I am quite globally satisfied ).

If you are looking for a plasma you might also check the Panasonics and for a LCD I would warn you against the very tempting Sharps - they are plagued with banding problems as of now.

Personnally I would also not go for no-name brands since I've been using Samsung lcds for a while - but I'm sure some fellow posters will give good comments on those anyway.

Best thing to do - go to a store with a DVD you know well and compare!

Too bad the Pioneer 4280HD is 40 15/16" wide otherwise that would be a strong recommendation.

Too bad the Pioneer 4280HD is 40 15/16" wide otherwise that would be a strong recommendation.

The inside width of the space is actually 41" but there is a lip to get past and I'd rather have a buffer. I'll remeasure and look at the pioneer... :cool:

edit: sadly, the Pioneer is way above the budget line... :(