HDTV plasmas with 4000:1 contrast ratio.

I just hooked up my TH-42PWD6 today, and I'm pretty happy with it so far. I thought the specs on the HD version did say 3000:1, versus 4000:1 for the EDTV. I have to say, however, that according to the AVSForum folks, contrast ratios are highly suspect b/c there is no specification for how to measure it.

Eldartford--I'd still recommend running component to your HD box. I used both S-Video and component from my CATV HDTV box, because I wanted the stretch modes when the channel was 4:3--the component on my box puts out black barred 4:3 in a 16:9 window, so it fools the Panny into not using stretch and I am slightly worried by screen burn. The component for HD channels is *considerably* better quality...

I bought this as a stopgap until the Sammy 1080p DLPs show up late this year/early next, with the intent of moving it to another room later. Now I'm reconsidering--the PQ is fantastic from where I sit (about 9' away). I'm now also not sure I really need the 60" I was thinking about...

Reubent...The wall mount (or a stand) and DVI interface module are worth about $375. So you would be paying $425 for the tuner and the speakers.

Edesilva...The DLP sets are very good, but they are about 19" deep, and my setup really needed the 4" plasma because of doorways to the left and the right, with walkway across the front of the screen.

I had heard that component connection is often no improvement over S-Video, so I have decided to wait and use DVI when I get a HD monitor. The length of cable is about 25 feet, so the cost of component wires would not be trivial.

Just get yourself to somewhere you can judge for yourself in a side-by-side test. If you like it, buy it.

There does seem to be some consensus that Panasonic is the best *ss-kicker in quality, well it is this month anyway.

DVI is important. Built-in speakers are not.