Looking to purchase a new HDTV and I want help from people who are not trying to sell me something. I'm looking to spend something in the $1200-1400 range, but could be convinced to spend as much as $2000 if it seems worth it.

I will be viewing the TV from 6-8 feet and using it for HD Cable, Sony PS3, and connection to a computer. I'd like something 42-50" and I am unconstrained by brand name. TV size/weight/depth is also not an issue (read: willing to have a heavy/bulky TV if I can get better picture quality for my dollar)

Since I will be using the TV for various gaming and computer use, I assume that puts Plasma out of the question because of burn. The questions I have are:

What is the merit of LCD over DLP and vice versa?
What is the deal with Sony's SXRD technology and how does that fit in?
Does anyone have any insight into what we can expect from Laser TV when it is released?
Given my intended usage, do you have any specific recommendations (Brand, Resolution, Size, Type, etc) or particular TVs I should check out and compare?

Thanks for your help

Looking to purchase a new HDTV and I want help from people who are not trying to sell me something. I'm looking to spend something in the $1200-1400 range, but could be convinced to spend as much as $2000 if it seems worth it.

I will be viewing the TV from 6-8 feet and using it for HD Cable, Sony PS3, and connection to a computer. I'd like something 42-50" and I am unconstrained by brand name. TV size/weight/depth is also not an issue (read: willing to have a heavy/bulky TV if I can get better picture quality for my dollar)

Since I will be using the TV for various gaming and computer use, I assume that puts Plasma out of the question because of burn. The questions I have are:

What is the merit of LCD over DLP and vice versa?
What is the deal with Sony's SXRD technology and how does that fit in?
Does anyone have any insight into what we can expect from Laser TV when it is released?
Given my intended usage, do you have any specific recommendations (Brand, Resolution, Size, Type, etc) or particular TVs I should check out and compare?

Thanks for your help

Don't rule out Plasma for gaming. Plasma does not burn-in anymore. There can be image retention, but that goes away quickly.

If you want to play close to the screen, you will not like LCD because it is blury when sitting close and has motion artifacts. Plasma does not have these problems.

For $1400-1500 you can find choices in 50" Plasma. Go to stores and look at displays with your own eyes... see which ones look the best to you. You will find RPTV's and DLP's to have the worst picture and worst viewing angles. You will find LCD to be blury if you stand a foot from the screen. Plasma will be the best picture of all.