A DLP or LCD Rear Projector will be more than twice as deep as the average flat panel in either LCD direct view or plasma display technology. The newest Samsung's featuring the Gen 4 DMD and the pedestal stand are about 14" deep, but the pedestal base requires 20" of depth. I think that no matter how you cut it, whether you choose a pedestal or a conventional LCDRP/DLP stand, 20" of footprint depth will be required. If you want a display that will minimize (or eliminate entirely if wall mounted) the floor or bureau space necessary for the display, then plasma or LCD direct view are your best choices.
Addressing picture quality is much more subjective. All of the fixed pixel devices seem to lack some degree of naturalness (not a very technical term) visible in CRT based displays. Ghosting and trailing are evident in all LCD based designs (less apparent in rear projector) and black levels in plasma displays are lacking except in the most expensive models. DLPs seem to be the most natural, if you dont suffer from the rainbow effect, but again are just not up to a quality CRT display. But then again, you cant get any CRT displays that are in the 42+ size range that will even fit on a bureau.
Life is a series of compromises, and choosing a wide screen display is as well.
Addressing picture quality is much more subjective. All of the fixed pixel devices seem to lack some degree of naturalness (not a very technical term) visible in CRT based displays. Ghosting and trailing are evident in all LCD based designs (less apparent in rear projector) and black levels in plasma displays are lacking except in the most expensive models. DLPs seem to be the most natural, if you dont suffer from the rainbow effect, but again are just not up to a quality CRT display. But then again, you cant get any CRT displays that are in the 42+ size range that will even fit on a bureau.
Life is a series of compromises, and choosing a wide screen display is as well.