Bigger is Better...

The problem with LCD is that it looks good from the sweet spot, but when you move off-axis, left or right, you get that tropical fish, florescent thing happening -- and LCD also has a problem with "blacks" which becomes exascerbated when you move off-axis. I'm not sure why HD would look any better from a satellite than from an HD Box. I get mine from an HD Box and the HD I get looks terrific -- I just wish there was more programming available. The difference between HD and non-HD is really startling, which makes it hard to watch anything in standard def. If you're looking to skip the auditioning process, trying to find a kid who knows anything about the screen, etc., I don't think you will go wrong with a Panasonic. The guys and gals over at AVS Forum seem to swear unanimously by Panasonic plasma.
Check out the PANASONIC - TH-42PX25U/P. It has HDMI input and is HDTV ready. Next, you'll need an HDMI equipped DVD player.

Do check out avsforum.com, you will find NEC being mentioned as one of the best and on par or better than Panasonic by many.

I have a NEC 42VP4, 42" EDTV, bought it while Panasonic was out of stock 6 months ago. With a little tweaking (and all monitors need a little tweaking out of the box), PQ is equivalent to Panny and I am only using component input. NEC also makes its own glass, and they are still made in JAPAN, not like the newer Panny which is coming from China if avsforum.com threads are accurate.

Best part is NEC monitor has lots of input option, unlike Panny professional version which needs optional "blade". Consumer version will not have this issue, but cost a lot more with the added ATSC tuner, speakers, and stand, so still a good deal.

I bought my plasma from plasma concepts. They were very easy to work with, but the proof is generally when things go wrong. In my case, everything went right--delivery showed up on time, everything worked, no dead pixels. They also got points in my book when I ordered the separate panny DVI card and a DVI cable over their website, and they called me to let me know that the DVI card came with a decent DVI cable. A lot of internet retailers would have just shipped it; they lost out on $90 by being attentive. I appreciated that.

I'd note that they also had a special "AVSForum Members Price" on the panny I bought, just for the asking... Check the threads over at AVSForum.

Labtec--I'd be careful of blanket statements like HDTV via CATV being bad. It is highly dependent upon a lot of factors. I've tried to summarize some of the relevant factors in a post here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?bhome&1083566550&openusid&zzEdesilva&4&5#Edesilva

YMMV.

Thanks for that, Ed. What's the "dead pixels" thing? Sorry, I'm a complete doofus with this video stuff. What would constitute (in dead pixeldom) reason to send it back?