By and large, CRTs can scan progressively only at 480--the current format for DVD and enhanced digital TV programming. They don't have enough juice to go progressive at any higher format. They draw HD at 1080i, since scanning 540 lines per field at one time is easier for them to do than to draw 720 lines per frame in a single pass. You are right, however, that if you want a TV that scans or illuminates progressively, it must be a digital TV, capable of at least 480p. Whether the progressive feature is located in your DVD player, STB, or TV set doesn't matter.

I hate to burst anyone's prejudices, but the best direct-view CRT on the market is the Sony 34" XBR, which is capable of incredibly smooth pictures and much more horizontal resolution than most other CRTs of its class. The German Loew models were great, too, though pricey and a bit fussy. I don't believe that they are available any more. The non-XBR Sonys have always been good choices, too, and Sony has had a policy of making last year's XBR the next year's regular model. The only Sony caveat is the scrolling bar at 1080i, which is hardly visible until someone points it out to you. Some people don't mind it; it drives other people crazy. To be honest, I don't know whether Sony has yet found a way to correct it, since it was an integral by-product of their TV's scanning. If your're interested, you might check under "direct-view TVs" at the AVS forums to see what people are saying about Sonys these days.

Other companies have produced good direct views, too--Panasonic, Philips, Toshiba, and Samsung, to name three, though R&D on these kinds of sets has all but tapped out. I don't think that it makes much sense to buy an HD-capable direct-view CRT under 30" no matter what size your room is. Step back from the screen to any degree, and the HD advantage all but disappears. With any of the 30" to 40" sets, you shouldn't be any further than a few feet away to enjoy the resolution.

Ed