Need help making TV decision

EDTV will give me better viewing on non-HD sources and TiVo than HDTV? (Perhaps I should ask, will HDTV give me worse viewing than EDTV on these sources?)

The Panasonic TH-42PHD7UY is the "commercial" 42" and is HD I believe. But it does not have HDMI. Am I correct that I really want a digital input of some kind for DVD at least, even if my cable box doesn't support it? All these years in high-end audio have me concerned with proper interfaces and minimizing conversions.

EDTV will give me better viewing on non-HD sources and TiVo than HDTV? (Perhaps I should ask, will HDTV give me worse viewing than EDTV on these sources?)

Yes the Pansonic EDTV pixel format fits the DVD/TV format optimally and it does a farily good job of down scaling HDTV sources. I saw both EDTV and HDTV Panasonic models side by side working off an HDTV source and I would say that the scaled down HDTV signal on the Pansonic EDTV was impressive...as good as a DVD and comparable to the full HDTV on the more expensive Panasonic model, but of course not as high definition as HDTV, noticable pixels and graininess up very close.

Apparently scaling up is tough as data has to be "created" and lines become blurred (some HDTV's with fixed pixels have better algoithms than others for up scaling - so it is worth comparing if you definitely want HDTV but watch a lot of regular TV or DVD's)

...scaling down is quite a bit easier for the TV's algorithm and a nice clear image can usually be retained when it is scaled down (making less data from more data).

As for HDMI - I am told that in future some pay per view cable/satellite services may only come in HDMI format so as to limit piracy...if true, then it would be annoying not to have an HDMI input if you end up using those services.

Thank you!

Just watch: LCD prices will come down further as Samsung has begun production at its 6G fab.

After reading your thread carefully- I would offer that a commercial Panasonic Plasma 42 inch EDTV display may best fit your needs. It will be tops for standard DVDs, do HD TV well, and give you s decnt reult for Seinfeld etc you mention ( Standard Def programming). It MAY have a cble card slot as well ( you have to check this- I can t remember). One place to look is visualapex.com. MAny other vendors. Commercial displays do not come with speakers ( but you could connect them direct if need be) and do not include a stand unless you want one-( stand or wall mount is an option). The price of a 42 inch plasma commercial- is way less than an LCD with a preferable contrast ratio-