HDTV time for me at last!

[Feanor]

Wow, congrats!

As T mentioned, the higher Panny model uses the newer NeoPDP panel. Aside from superior contrast, that panel also uses less energy and has a better anti-glare coating.

As with all HDTVs, it's essential that you do a calibration on the settings. The factory settings on TVs are all over the place, and you want to start from a consistent reference point. On the Pannys, I've found that the best picture quality is from the Cinema mode. It's not as bright as the other settings, but it's the most accurate and it renders absolutely breathtaking picture quality with film-based sources.

As for the receiver, I'm surprised that the new Onkyos lack multichannel analog inputs. As someone who still plays SACDs, that's a deal killer for me. I just checked the midrange receivers from Denon and Yamaha, and all of them still have multichannel analog inputs. My understanding is that the Yamahas in Canada are a lot less expensive than the Denons, so you might want to take a look.

Great input, Wooch. Thanks.

For starters I'll be sure to use Cinema mode; high brightness isn't an issue with me since the set will be in below grade room with minimal light from windows.

Yes, I'll check out the Denons and Yamahas. A quick check I did of the Denons in my price range seemed to indicate that they too lacked 5.1 analog inputs, but I'll double check them as well as the Yamahas.

[Worf101]

(Worf stumbles to the computer whiping sleep and spittle from his eyes and mouth)

WTF????
Feanor's asking WHAT?
He's gonna buy WHAT!!!!!

(Worf dials NSA headquarters in an undisclosed location)
"Yeah, it's started. Yeah a real die-hard luddite friend of mine just said he's a going Hi Def. Yeah, real 22nd Century stuff. Yep, last week he was using home made candles and churning butter by hand. Yeah, I'll coordinate with local authorities and start looking for pods and sech. Out."

Hey man in all honesty, welcome aboard. I get to live the thrill of HT discovery al over again. I'm no expert on the panels you mentioned but your choice of HT Receiver's seems good. I echo AA's comments about a late model receiver. You could get a "6" or a "7" series Onkyo that'll do everything the current ones do for a lot less coin. Check the Bay. Welcome to the wonderful world of HT and I expect reviews and stories posthaste.

Worf.