$1700 to spend - need best 42 inch TV

[Scottay]

I have 1400 - 1700 to spend on a TV - 42 inches is my minimum, I don't necessarily need a flat panel (rear projection would be OK if I can save a little money), big surprise is that I am confused, plasma vs lcd (in flat panels), and DLP vs LCD in rear projection vs. flat panel. I, of course, want HDTV ready but don't need any tuners,

questions on the lower cost brands - is there a friggin diffrence, don't they all get their parts from the same place. Vizio? Sharp? Maxent? Are there quality issues. My first inclination is to go to Costco or Walmart and the lowest cost Plasma 42 incher and be done with it? What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[aarond]

buy the Vizio at Costco best return policy of any store that I've ever shopped at. http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=1333

 

[mtrycrafts]

I have 1400 - 1700 to spend on a TV - 42 inches is my minimum, I don't necessarily need a flat panel (rear projection would be OK if I can save a little money), big surprise is that I am confused, plasma vs lcd (in flat panels), and DLP vs LCD in rear projection vs. flat panel. I, of course, want HDTV ready but don't need any tuners,

questions on the lower cost brands - is there a friggin diffrence, don't they all get their parts from the same place. Vizio? Sharp? Maxent? Are there quality issues. My first inclination is to go to Costco or Walmart and the lowest cost Plasma 42 incher and be done with it? What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Scott

Have you checked the recent issues of Consumers Report? They have evaluated a number of flat panel TVs, repair history, etc.

 

[jcPanny]

Sceptre LCD

Check out the 37" Sceptre LCD from costco. Slightly smaller than your criteria, but it is 1080P and only $1500.
Got a good review from secrets:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_4/sceptre-37-inch-lcd-hdtv-11-2005-part-1.html