42" Plasma Recommendations

Ray · 2007-09-26T02:36:02+00:00

Well, after 13 years my 27" Sony Trinitron has given up its ghost (in a rather sudden way). It has faithfuly served me through VHS, LaserDisc, DVD, and DirecTiVo. I feel like I've lost a beloved member of the family.Ok, now the good news...I basically have carte blanche from my wife to buy a Plasma set so I don't want to blow this opportunity. Viewing distance is about 10 feet. Based on preliminary research, I'm pretty sure a 42" set will work in my living room, but if there is a different set in that size range that someone is in love with, I'd be happy to hear about it.I'm also thinking that $1500-$2000 will get me what I need (also based on prelim research). So here are my questions...Do I need 1080i right now? I understand that most programming is 720p, but I do want to buy something that gives me room to grow. That also applies to inputs/outputs.I have DirecTiVo and will eventually upgrade to their HD package if that means anything. As for the TiVo portion, I know that DirecTv does not offer built in TiVo in their HD boxes, so I might consider a stand-alone HD TiVo because I really like their DVR platform over DirecTv's.Should I go for Plasma or will I be happy with LCD?Lastly, what other questions should I be asking?Hopefully I didn't do too much rambling, but it isn't every day you get to buy a new toy like this so you can imagine that I'm quite excited. I can only hope that this one will last 13 years too (if the technology doesn't change by then, lol).Thanks for any brands and/or models you can recommend.RayRemove NO and SPAM to reply