UGH!!! My head is spinning....I've read all the threads....some good advice, some bad. All I'm wanting to do is buy a nice set and watch some HD-TV and some DVD's...nothing fancy.

I need to make a decision on a 50" 1080p Rear Projection set.

Candidates:

1) Sony KDS-A2020 (SXRD)...found one at Sears.

2) Sony KDS-A3000 (SXRD)...haven't found a 50" in Austin yet

3) Sony KDF E3000 (LED)...these are everywhere

4) Samsung HLT-76S (DLP)...these are everywhere

I compared #3 & #4 side by side and the Sony looked slightly better, but the dumbass BB sales guy said the Samsung was better.

#1 & #2 have gotten good reviews but are older models?

Crap...someone give me some feedback. Thanks in advance.

UGH!!! My head is spinning....I've read all the threads....some good advice, some bad. All I'm wanting to do is buy a nice set and watch some HD-TV and some DVD's...nothing fancy.

I need to make a decision on a 50" 1080p Rear Projection set.

Candidates:

1) Sony KDS-A2020 (SXRD)...found one at Sears.

2) Sony KDS-A3000 (SXRD)...haven't found a 50" in Austin yet

3) Sony KDF E3000 (LED)...these are everywhere

4) Samsung HLT-76S (DLP)...these are everywhere

I compared #3 & #4 side by side and the Sony looked slightly better, but the dumbass BB sales guy said the Samsung was better.

#1 & #2 have gotten good reviews but are older models?

Crap...someone give me some feedback. Thanks in advance.

Well, I'm not the Lord but I have owned a Sony 60A2020 since April. I have been extremely impressed with this TV. When using the best HD sources (e.g. blu-ray and HD Satellite) the picture quality is stunning. It has performed flawlessly since I turned it on. Good luck in your quest.
Mark

I don't think the Lord visits this forum...

I don't think the Lord visits this forum...

Do they have internet up there? :p

I stood in Sears the other day for a good HOUR just staring at an A3000, E3000, Panasonic LiFi and Samsung DLP. Played with a ton of settings while staring.

The E3000 looked great overall. Very pleasing skin tones, good detail in football stadium settings & not overly punchy with the colors. Very very little motion blur.
The A3000 looked just as good, but it looked a little "softer" than the E3000. Not as crisp. There was no image blur whatsoever.
The Samsung DLP was bright bright bright!!! Did I mention BRIGHT? Made my eyes bleed after a while. But the clarity was outstanding. A very good looking unit... It had no motion blur, but it's flaw was bad bowing at the top of the screen. I have seen this on a few of the Samsungs.
The Panny Lifi looked good, but overall had a dull look to it... No matter how I adjusted brightness or color levels. It was always dull in comparison. The picture also was not nearly as clear and sharp as any of the others. I would only recommend one of these lifi sets if you get a STEAL on it.

As for the A2020? It's basically the older brother of the A3000. I really can't tell much difference side by side between the two. So if it's a great price, why not.

I keep wanting to justify spending a few extra on an A3000, but I always come back to the E3000. I've been looking at it for months, and it WILL be the one I buy. Unless the SXRD's dramatically drop in price within the next month or two.

...I compared #3 & #4 side by side and the Sony looked slightly better, but the dumbass BB sales guy said the Samsung was better....

I think you've just answered your own question, both as to your preference and how much you should listen to a minimum-wage store salesman. Enjoy your Sony.