I'm trying to get rid of my sharp 42D62u. I love this forum because I don't have to go into details of the Sharp and explain why I bought it. Nevertheless - the quick rundown is that the Sharp is a 1080p LCD and IMO, doesn't do a great job with the blacks. Much of the TV I watch is SD and local HD channels. I do plan on buying an HD-A3 for movies. My viewing distance is between 9-10 feet away.

I've never owned a plasma - only the Sharp LCD. For those that have experienced both TV's or have recommendations, please chime in. Right now I'm leaning towards the 4280. As many have said, resolution isn't #1 when it comes to PQ.

Do you all think I'll notice an improvement in PQ with what I'm watching? What's the better of the two TV's.

No thoughts no this anyone? I've looked at the Pioneer twice in the store and it stands out in that it's a little 'truer' in terms of color - just a little dimmer - (I know I know - compared to all the LCD's with there settings cranked up.)

No question at all havenlock ... go for the 4280!!! When you see what this set is really capable of doing you will be astounded. I've always been a plasma fan and currently own a very good Panny model. That said, i've also auditioned the Kuro in my home theater room and it is incredible. I will be getting one myself, just trying to decide on size. If you already like what you see at the retail store, believe me you will be blown away when you get this set home in your environment and pull up a good OTA high def feed or a good DVD source. What they say about resolution being around 5th in line when it comes to what constitutes a great pic could not be truer with the Pios. When you get the contrast/true color depth/blacks etc. correct, it can easily 'trump' a lesser set (even with 1080). All of a sudden you will see a richness that will add such a sense of three dimensionality and 'depth' to the picture you simply cannot help but be wowed! Good case in point .... last night I went over to a good friends house after he had just purchased a new LCD (I won't mention name brand, but it was one of the majors). A 1080 set to boot. Yes, it had sharp detail, bright colors etc. but there was something really lacking with the pic for me. After returning home and firing up my plasma it jumped out at me like a smack in the face. The LCD picture (even with it's good attributes) was very two dimensional by comparrison. Gone was that rich mix mentioned above that gives the picture on my plasma that looking out the window 'lifelike' image. I guess living with my set for the last two years I was used to it and taking it for granted, till last night when being able to view both sets back to back really reminded me why I have been a plasma fan from the start. Hope this helps a little, but I feel very comfortable in saying 'go for it' you will be sooooo glad you did. (especially with the new lower MSRP on the 4280 now) .... it's a STEAL!!! :)

Thanks for the great reply Dovetails. I don't think I'll have the SDE but maybe i won't know until I get it home.