This particular panel is on sale at Sears right now for WELL under a grand. The price is black friday like pricing... That said, my dad want's a big screen Hi Def. He doesn't do gaming or pc work on his TV so this will strictly be for cable HD feeds. He's not an audio or videophile and doesn't want the best of the best. A good set for a GREAT price is what I'm looking for.

I've read the forums and posts and such and I understand the black levels aren't as good as some of the other panels. That said, how would the black level on this compare to the black levels on some of the better LCDs?

I have a Sharp Aquos 42" 64U and I'm quite happy with the black levels. Will it be at least that good?

The other option for him is the 46" 720 Sharp Aquos that is going on sale at Sears this black friday for a smidgen under a grand. Maybe he would be better served with an LCD but primarily he watches a LOT of rented movies and a LOT of sports... that's going to about be it. Movies and Sports.

Is it a good idea to buy the Hitachi given the price and what he is looking for out of the set or should we hold off and get an LCD?