Off brand hdtv sets.....

Some of these brands have a couple of models that have garnered good reviews as value products. Vizio seems to have had the most success, with many models recieving good reviews as very good value products, though not neccessarily as top performers. I would consider them if I was working within your budget, especially if they might offer a more appropriate bigger screen.

You are likely to have more repair problems and performance will not be as good. The margin in TVs has shrunk so that you can get a good deal from the major companies. I got a 42" 1080 Panasonic Plasma for my wife for $900 this fall, you should do better now. I don't think it is worth the gamble.

the worse thing about my Visio 50" plasma is the worry that if it breaks I have to send it to CA to get it fixed (or replaced) performance wise it is amazing.

I know it is bettered by other sets out there but it is so good I do not care - more money for hi fi...