I'm looking for a big new LCD or projection type

I dont think DLP is the way to go, it is the cheap way to go but it is on its way out....folks want flat, and if we are trying to get the best sound...we need flat, slim, and ideally on the wall.

a friend works at a TV shop in town & suggests DLP or CRT over plasma, LCD etc that is unless you want something thin/narrow etc.

He also prefers Mitsu Diamond series over the more expensive Sony stuff

Most of the high end stores here in town also prefer diamond series over the more expensive sony stuff

The Sony SXRD XBR2 is far superior to the Mitsubishi. It uses three separate chips and no color wheel. It's a big TV, (wide and deep) but the picture is beautiful. It's available in either 60" or 70" sizes. More expensive than the Mits but clearly superior even to the new Mits models that have just arrived in stores. The Mitsubishi's are nice TV's and represent an incredible value in relation to the size TV you get for the money. Also the mid-level model is a much better value than the Diamond line as it incorporates the Dark Detailer shutter that increases black level. Diamond line has the shutter but beyone that you're paying mostly for convenience and cosmetic upgrades.

That said you should definitely look at the just arriving Mitsubishi LCD flat panels. Available in 40", 46" and 52" sizes. I've only seen the 40" entry level model with a Philips BluRay playing the Discovery Channel Planet Earth disc at 1080p. The picture was as detailed and sharp as any I've seen and had that elusive 3D quality. Like with the DLP's the mid-level model represents the best performance/value as it adds 120Hz refresh and a fourth front accessible HDMI input. Might be a couple of weeks before they're all available in stores.

I think Sony is the way to go. The SXRD is close to LCD except way off axis, but better than anyone else's DLP, especially the XBR SXRD mentioned above, in my opinion. If you want an LCD, get a Sony Bravia - there really isn't anything out there that touches it, so far. The new Sonys are adding the 120hz refresh to the Bravias and also to the top SXRD.

Looks like I will be getting the KDS-Z70XBR5 when it comes out in a month or so. I need the screen size and the 72" Sony LCD is apx $30K. From all indications, the new SXRD is supposed to be pretty close in picture quality to the 72" LCD but at a much more reasonable price. I currently have a KDL-46XBR3 Sony LCD in my office and the picture is just incredible.

From what I've seen, I believe plasma still has a more movie like picture quality, now closely followed by LCD and then the sony SXDR and I-dla and then DLP sets. Sixth Ave. Electronics in NJ (rt.4) has been clearing out panasonic plasmas (older models) and even the new panasonic 58inch 1920X1080 plasma can be had for less than $4,000 if you haggle. I'd look at plasma first and then the high 4ms refresh rate LCD's from sony,sharp and samsung. Ultimately, the picture quality will depend on the source.