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

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.

Every Sony I SXRD I have seen are eye-catching but ultimately unnacceptable out of the box. They come with the color levels cranked way up. Just look at scene taken in a lush green forest. But wear your sunglasses. I have seen a couple of ones that that have been adjusted. Those were much better. Take a look at the new JVC I-DLA. I haven't seen one yet but they are getting great reviews for their picture quality. Supposedly they are one of the rare TVs that have true colors out of the box. And they are only 11" deep. This is an RPTV. Apparently shallow RPTVs are on their way. The one complaint with the JVC is the linear distortion on the edges. The reviewers don't seem too upset by it, but I haven't seen it. That is the result of the shallow depth. Though there is a technology coming on that is suppose to correct for all of this. Add in laser or LED bulbs and I am pretty excited. Next year, maybe. Plasma has burn-in and reliability issues. Though from most reports done right it blows away LCD. I am not sure. Pretty much every Plasma I have seen looks more like an over produced poster than a photo. DLP has the color engine, though LED illumination gets rid of that and LCDs aren't big enough yet. Of course, the real problem with almost all of them is that they are set at the factory way over the top for color. And your big box stores just leave them that way. So how do tell how good they can look. Drives me crazy when I go into the stores. Most of the TVs on display are horrible. At least that is my take on it.

You should check out Vizio P50HDTV. 50" Plasma. I am not a plasma fan, but I bought one! Multiple inputs and 1080i and will only set you back about $1,400. View it in theater mode and you will see what it is capable of. Out of the box it is not great, but I used the custom settings from the Sound and Vision review and it is hard to justify spending more. IMHO

Just got another Sony KLD-46xbr, this time an xbr4, which is the latest 1 that just came out (my house got jealous of my office). This new TV sets the new standard and I've noticed it's even a little better for watching sports, probably due to some tech improvements. People who have seen the set immediately ask where I got it and how much it cost. Retail is around 3500 but it can be found online for a lot less. That would be my recommendation - if you can swing the funds, why "settle" for something less?

NEW 1080p 58 inch. flat panel LCD from Panasonic or new 1080p Samsung 47 inch.LCD with 15000:1. These would be my choices in 4 large price range. New 47 inch LCD 1080p from Vazio or Westinghouse if your are on tight budget.