Good question landshark.
i have been researching TVs for almost a year now. I was originally going with a RP, but I got permission from the wife to spring for the LCD. I have spent hours at CC looking at the Sony KF50WE610, the Panny PT50LC13 and the Hitachi 50v500.

I have decided to go with the Hitachi, although I think all three are good TVs.

I ruled out the Panny because I thought the picture was a little brighter on the other two. I did like however the Panny's ability to work as a computer monitor.

I really couldn't tell the difference in the picture between the Sony and the Hitachi. I went with the Hitachi for two reasons:

1) I think it has a cleaner look. I am going to mount the TV in a cabinet and the Sony's base has an oval bottom that sticks forward of the TV. I am going for a flush mounting look and don't want that oval piece sticking over the ledge of the cabinet

2) Everything I have read suggests that Hitachi's Ultravision system is the best projection TV around. I know all of these TVs are touted as being LCD, but they are also at heart a hybrid rear projection unit and Hitachi makes many of the parts used in other units.

So, off I go to get the Hitachi. Planning on buying in a week.

Regards,

Shane