I need an honest non-technical answer to how much bigger a 52" APPEARS compared 42"

I'm wondering, I have a Westinghouse LVM-42w2 right now. I sit about 12' from the TV. It just looks tiny on the wall.

Will a 52" be sufficient? I stuck a tape measure on the wall yesterday and even went to BB to look at 52" but I'm having a hard time really understanding or visualizing the size difference.

I'm looking at the following:

* Toshiba REGZA 52HL167 ($1999 at Amazon, free ship)
* Samsung LNT5265F ($2199 at Amazon, free ship - also $2199 at BB but then there is tax )
* Sharp Acquos LC52D64U - $2349 Amazon shipped
* Sony Bravia KDL52W3000 - $2399 Amazon shipped

Here's the room:

Well, there's no way I'm getting a TV that big unfortunately

What if I moved 2' closer to around 10'?

I modified my picture. Would a 52" look anything like those two lines I drew out?

No way can I afford a 65" TV (what, like $5k? !)

I really can't push the couch too much closer either because it's over the TV and i'll be staring upwards haha

I just dont want tospend $2k on a TV to upgrade from 42" to 52" and then have it appear to be the same on the wall.

I'm really hung up on the 1080p, perhaps because I watch blu-rays. Recently when playing video games to get the right "look" I've been in the habit of standing up in front of the TV so I can get closer. I really rarely play from the couch.

Ugh. Now I'm thinking I'd rather not be in a situation where in a year I'm having remorse.

Maybe I should look at like a Samsung FTP5884 ($3200 shipped) which is 58".

Even with a budget I see 58" ones for $3300.

I can't possibly go over $4k in any circumstance. Ugh.

Well there are tax returns.

Don't I have issues though with my room being bright? Plus I would need to get it installed which would be a bear probably. I do like projection

Well I was just as Best BUy and checking out the TV's. They had one area on the wall wehere they had a 42", a 50", a 58" and a 63" all next to each other.

I'm really thinking I need to go minimum 58 at this point.

I like the projector idea but I do'nt have the motivation or energy really to install a screen drop in the ceiling, install the project mount on the ceiling, and then get all the wires (well actually it's just the one HDMI wire but still) up to it. Plus I don't have the darkest living room. The blinds are filtering and not blocking. The light isn't too bad - at night the sun sets through the windows that are to the left and right of the TV, so it really isn't that noticeable. THe only time watching TV kind of sucks is in the middle of the day.

It's funny I started today thinking , $2k or so. Now, I'm up to $3500

My wife is right though; we are'nt selling the house; we are going to be here for a while. We watch plenty of TV to warrant a better set. If I get one like this, I plan on keeping it there for at least 7-10 years this time. I'm thinking 58 might work. I have to go measure the window.

ALso, will the viewing angle be an issue? I have an angled wall mount now (which I need to replace) but if I just angle it down it should be fine, no? I cna't put the TV too low because of the jut from the fireplace mantle.

Actually I'm looking and in the 58+ range they are all Plasmas. I've never owned a plasma. What's the differences? are they OK for gaming? I've heard they have better black levels but how is PQ overall compared?

Thanks

The problem with moving the couch closer is that then I'd have to crane my neck. Looking up isn't bad when i'm 13' away but if I'm 8' away then it would be tough.

Are Plasma's really having a big burn-in problem? i've heard the newer ones today are pretty burn-in proof.

What's the reliability of a plasma vs. a LCD?

I think 58" is the size I need.

I also would really consider a projector; but I think the lighting in the room is just way to bright to make it work. I have an open floorplan and even if I blocked all the windows in the room I would still have all the ambient light coming through the kitchen.