This will be for my father for Christmas... its been about 18 months since I've looked at any home theater products so I'm out of the loop. Can you please recommend a few brands and model numbers that I should start off looking at? Only rules are 1080p and price must be $2,000 or less - firm! I like Samsung, Panny's, Sony SXRD... open to others. I'm thinking of buying at a B&M (quick, easy, and in stock) unless there are newer or better models available through any online retailers. I'm thinking this should get me a 55"/56" or 60"/61"... don't mind the smaller if its a better TV and under 2K$

Thanks for you help!

This will be for my father for Christmas... its been about 18 months since I've looked at any home theater products so I'm out of the loop. Can you please recommend a few brands and model numbers that I should start off looking at? Only rules are 1080p and price must be $2,000 or less - firm! I like Samsung, Panny's, Sony SXRD... open to others. I'm thinking of buying at a B&M (quick, easy, and in stock) unless there are newer or better models available through any online retailers. I'm thinking this should get me a 55"/56" or 60"/61"... don't mind the smaller if its a better TV and under 2K$

Thanks for you help!

I am by far not an expert, but i have been through a few sets in my time. I am now viewing a Samsing HL-T6189S (61" 1080p DLP). It is driven by LED's instead of the incadescent lamp, which results in much better color representation, and awesome black levels. They are available in a cheaper version (which i would actually recommend). the cheaper version is the 87s series. Check out the HL-T5087S, the HL-T5687S, and the HL-T6187S.

Don't be afraid to go up a size, as the bezel on this set is VERY small (5/8"), so a larger size will still be a smaller physical sized set. My 61" set is only 54-3/4" wide.

There is a VERY large thread devoted to these sets, but don't let it scare you, the problems talked about there seem to be poping up in much smaller numbers on the newer produced sets, and all have fixes available.

2007 Samsung LED Owner's Thread (HLT XX87/89S) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=827799)

Sony KDS-A3000 series.

http://reviews.cnet.com/projection-tvs/sony-kds-55a3000-55/4505-6484_7-32468848.html

Thanks! I did notice the LED driven sets in my brief browsing today... is the 87 series just a different case or is the PQ any different? Just wondering why its cheaper...

This Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=827799) should give you all the info you need for the Samsung DLP's.

I think the 87 does not have bluetooth or Picture in Picture, but everything else and the PQ will be the same. Very minor cosmetic differences too from what I've read.

Tough to beat that Sony.

I bought the Samsung HLT5687SAX from Amazon, for $1699 free ship. It hasn't arrived yet. That is a pretty good price from what I've seen and it has great reviews. I saw one at Circuit City this weekend for $1799, which is good, butcha gotta pay taxes at the B&M...

Tried to get a link to Amazon, but can't get it to work

Just search amazon for 'HL-T5687'

I don't want to muddy the water but I bought the Mits 65733 and have never seen a better pciture. And I looked at them all. Tv was $1999 with free stand. I have seen it various places for $1700. Big and beautiful.