advice on buying a new display, gaming and movies focus

Ok, I tried some searching and browsing of the stickies, but I would really like input based on my specific situation. If the admins feel this is a redudant topic and would like to direct me to some specific discussions I can read through, that would be fine.

So, I am just now stepping into the HDTV world. I know plenty about mid range home theater and stuff, but need some advice on what I should look for in this case.

The TV will be used for regular programming [haven't decided on satellite or cable yet... I am currently splitting my neighbors cable line for free... no box, but not much quality either], as well as gaming and movies. I plan on purchasing an HD-DVD player at the same time as the TV. I have a PS2 and a Wii. I may get a PS3 down the road, but thats not at all a definate.

My girlfriend [lives with me] took one long look at an LCD display and said "no way, that pixelation sucks, especially for games". I agreed with her.
So, I have heard Plasma is king, but projection is also an excelent option.

so, my criteria is a display that will work well with my PS2, Wii, an HD-DVD player, and is acceptable for SD material [like videos and broadcasts].
I am looking for between 42" and 52" and can spend up to about $1200.

I would really like to hear experience with Plasma vs. DLP vs. LCD projection with gaming. I can definately see motion blur with LCD flat panels.

I don't have a very large living room wich is the main reason I don't want to go bigger than 52". 46" is really ideal, but this is a less common size. 42" and 50" are both definately acceptable.

thank you for all the help in advance.

I don't understand your point. Are you telling me NOT to buy ANY HDTV? Just because of the systems I own? What the hell is wrong with you. I know for a fact that the Wii has a specific 480P mode for HDTV. And it's not like they are going to look WORSE than they do now [I have a 37" toshiba CRT with component inputs]

Anyway... I didn't think I was going to run into that on this forum, but I guess ALL forums have their resident negative posters...

Anyway, to answer gumby's question I will most likely be sitting 8-10 feet from the screen. However, we are moving in a month or so, but I am going to wait untill after the move to make my purchase.

I have considered sony, but they are quite pricey. I have mainly been looking at Panasonic and Samsung, just like everyone else. I have specifically been looking at the Samsung HPT-4254 and the HPT-5064, as well as Pani's TH-42PX75U and the 77U. These are all Plasma as you can see.... in my current living room a Projection set wouldn't have been very good... but we will see what happens in the new place.

So, next question is if anyone knows of any good write ups on plasma vs. projection for gaming, or even some of the specific sets in my price range in relation to gaming.

I may be new to THIS forum, but I am no where near new to forums in general. I have been posting on car forums for over 6 years, and not just about cars.

ANYWAY, I do NOT want to throw away my PS2 OR my Wii, that is absolutely rediculious. I play my Wii all the time, and have a vast library for my ps2 that I visit almost weekly. Not to mention that I have no money for a PS3. I have no interest in a 360, I hate micro$oft and don't really care all that much about the console specific games it has.


Now, if you would like to help, than offer me some advice that involves an HDTV as well as my ps2 and Wii, and an HD-DVD player [most likely an HD-A3]

thanks.