Go with a SONY for LCD
Definitely go with the SONY for an LCD projection TV. If you're thinking of DLP, then I would look at Samsung. However, whenever I go to showrooms or electronic stores, the SONY and Panasonic LCD projection TVs definitely show the best, sharpest, and brightest pictures. In my opinion, they look way better than Plasmas. Of course, anybody with a Plasma will not agree with you but, understand they have a hefty investment to protect. Go see for yourself on this. The major advantage Plasmas provide are deeper black levels and greater viewing angles. However, everyone that I've seen, even the $9K HD displays show very visible pixels. The gaps between the pixels are either too wide or too dark and that does two things, it takes away from the brightness of the screen, and it gives you that really annoying jagged edge on images showing straight lines at an angle... something that really bothers me, but maybe not others. Also, even if Plasmas last as long as they say they do, most have still not overcome the problem of burn-in, something that I find is completely unacceptable, never mind for a premium-priced product. And if it does dim or go out, you can only get it repaired or throw it away... LCD or DLP, just replace the lamp!
If money were a problem, I would go for the Panasonic LCDs, definitely best bang for the buck, though users have complained about bulbs bursting early. I'm not a big fan of SONY except that in some cases they design things nicely. But I will say that their LCD projection TVs are definitely impressive. I'm getting one myself in a couple of months. I looked at the 55" KDF-55XS955. It has two HDMI ports in place of one on the 655 (about the only major difference in terms of features). However the 955 looks noticeably better than the 655, just go to a store to see the difference, you'll see what I mean.
