Budget of $2,000 - $3,500 otd...we'll be sitting around 7 - 10 feet from the lcd tv.

Thanks for the input...

Budget of $2,000 - $3,500 otd...we'll be sitting around 7 - 10 feet from the lcd tv.

Thanks for the input...

Go 1080p.

If you don't mind some glare due to lighting, the Samsungs are within your budget and have great PQ. Sony and Sharp are good next choices in that price range.

As LCDs are still an immature technology, you have to take your chances with design issues and manufacturing defects:
Samsung - halos, triple ball effects
Sony - clouding, flashlights
Sharp - banding
Toshiba - greenish tint
Vizio - grayish blacks

Try to purchase one from a store with a liberal return policy (e.g., Sams, Costco) so that you can return it easily if you run into issues. This can occur with even the best and most expensive LCDs.

holy smokes, it's still this bad???

I thought the lcd's would of resolved the issues by now.

So, should I get a plasma or dlp instead?

The newer Sharps i have seen look good i had a bad 46d92. I have a Sony XBR4 and it is perfect. It seems like Sony has got the problem mostly resolved but for a fiew that pop up now and then. I would stay away from Samsung and Toshiba for now. The new LGs and JVCs look nice and the New Mitsubishis are super sexy. For plasma the Samsung 50" 1080p is super nice.

Is it only the Asian lcd's that dominate? Good gawd, we americans suck azz when it comes to electronics...:(