Best big screen for under $4000.00

Pioneer Elite HD630 or HD730. I have an HD530. The cabinet is a piano-grade gloss black. The picture is outstanding. What sets Pioneer above other brands is its ability to realistically stretch 4:3 pictures. This is a key feature, since most programming, and many DVDs, need to be stretched to fill the 16:9 screen. In addition, the Pioneer excels at cable and over the air broadcasts, which some other brands are terrible at. Also, the Pioneer, at least in my experience, can be placed right next to a window and in a room with bright lights with with no glare/reflections on the screen from outdoor or indoor light. Try running a projector in a bright room : )
In sum, you should take into consideration not only picture quality, but also stretch modes, cable and over the air capability, and whether the screen can keep away glare/reflections.

I still have trouble getting used to a High Definition TV that has a picture tube. I suppose it is a bit like Solid State vs. tube: all of the specs say Solid State; most of us humans go for tubes.

I think that a really good projector is the way to go, followed by plasma.

Forget the rear projector. Also, I agree that DVI is the an essential as you will always have the option to use this or component.

Go to CNET.COM for great reviews and user opinions...If you can go with a projector, you won't have to spend much to get the '' at the movies'' effect. I have a very ordinary Epson projector (bought it for presentations) and the kids will take a James bond movie on a 100'' screen any day over the best 60'' tv you will put it up against. There is really something magical about projecting something over a whole wall...If you really wish to get a 60 inch'er, I think that the Sony LCD screens are incredible for the money, although they will not provide the deepest blacks....the picture is still very, very good. I was watching an HD broadcast on PBS the other day, just amazed at the resolution and detail of this Sony...

I also decided that the Samsung DLP / DVD combo through DVI was the least "compromised" choice out there. After ISF calibration, PQ is stunning. Standard Def sucks on all bigger screens, just a fact of life. The HLN 61 can be found for less than $4K as the HLP sets are coming out in the next quarter...

John

I must respond to Sogood51's comment regarding the Infocus X-1, as stating it "blows RPTV out of the water!"
I used to temporarily own the X1, and that would be rather subjective. Actually, rainbows and lack of good black level, not to mention DEFINITE EYE STRAIN, would keep me from ever making that statement! (and I'm rather subjective and open to view's). No projector I've seen yet under $5k has as good of a black level and as accurate of a picture potential as a properly calibrated (good quality) CRT based RPTV!!! And still, I'm a huge front projector fan and advocate!...gotta love the large screen image!
Still, let's be reasonable, there are some excellent RPTV's out there at 60". The Pioneers, Mits's (not as 3d as some), Tosh's, Sony's and many others offer some superb, even world class picture potentials at 60"! For all practical purposes, doing 1080i or 480P at this size is adequate. some will do 720P, even better.
Still I would say your choices arn't as critical as you're inquiring for! A PROPERLY CALIBRATED QUALITY tv is what you're after! (light control in room is a huge plus as well) calibrated right, there are a ton of simply stellar RPTV images to be had from many! I wouldn't limit your thinking to the thought that you need to find "that one special unit!"..seriously!
Find one that has a good rep, good reviews in the Hifi mag's, and get it calibrated! You'll never look back.
The only real thought you might have is whether or not you might have considered a front projector and separate screen set up for that money!!! a $5K faroudja DLP and screen would potentially get you an image that overall rivals what you might get from a smaller RPTV for overall impact! But, that's subjective. I do find that once you take that plunge, you'll never likely want to go back! This stuff's getting better and cheeper all the time!
Infact, that said, I wouldn't pay $4k for an RPTV at this point, as you can get more than superb for around $2500 at this size new! Again, a properly calibrated "decent RPTV" will look worlds better than an improperly calibrated world class Elite, XBR, or whatever TV! That's the truth.
Good luck