Sony XBR2 LCD vs. Panny 60 Plasma

Hey all-

Looking for opinions here on my decision. If you own either set, please let me know in addition to your comments.

I was one of the lucky few who got the Sony Bravia XBR2 40" 1080P LCD from BBuy on their 12/31 pricing goof.

However, while I admit I always liked the picture of the Sony, it was previously out of my price range and I was pretty much settled on the 42" Panny Plasma (60 series).

I see now that they have them at Bbuy on a pretty sweet price, PLUS 36 months no interest (loving using someone else's money... )...

I primarily watch sports, network TV (HD if possible now.. man, already spoiled) and movies. I don't game and probably won't use as a monitor, but might.

Current room is not very brighly lit except for a few hours in the afternoon, but can solve with windowshades. Might be moving in a few months, brightness of room TBD.

Should I keep the Sony and feel lucky to have scored a great TV for such an awesome price? (I don't appear to have the clouding issue..)

Or should I save $600 bones and go with the plasma, get a slightly bigger screen and a technology more suited for my watching?


Thanks in advance... appreciate it!

Petey

Do you have a link for that coupon? I think I tossed it b/c most of the time those coupons are only good for "regular price"... and I think it has an instant rebate right now...

I sit about 6 - 8 feet away.

Probably only 10" chance to use as monitor... would do that at new house as more of a toy (i.e. "see my cool wall mounted flat panel TV also is a monitor!") vs. it being a practical thing.

Thanks... I'm so on the fence... might just go buy the Panny, put them side to side in home and then make up my mind..

I got the coupon # over the phone from Bbuy cust. service but it was only good on regularly priced items.

Still... wondering if the Plasma for $600 less is the right thing... slightly worried about burn-in, but it appears you can for the most part mitigate that risk by being sensible.

Any other opinions out there?

Thanks.

Also.... what distance do you all consider a 40-42 inch screen "good" for... if I'm sitting 10 feet away, should I get the 50" panny instead? Don't want it to be overbearing in the room.... but hey, bigger is better... right???

Thanks all.

I think I'm going up to 50" panny. Visited the place we might be moving to (new construction condos - wife's mom's co-worker lives in first phase) and the room is definitetly HUGE! Probably 20" from couch to wall where it would be mounted.

The couple living there had a 56" SXRD... NICE. The husband wasn't home... definitely wanted to talk TVs with him!

Would consider a bigger 1080P DLP (LcOS) but wife would prefer if TV be mounted on wall (kid concerns... which will be valid... have 15 month old and 1 on the way...)