Just a quick point of clarification....the 42" plasma you referred to from Visual Apex is the EDTV model and not the HDTV. From everything I've seen and heard there is not a highly perceptable difference in viewing regular cable or satellite, but I believe the difference is greater when viewing DVDs. The most authoritative resource I have found on this is located at www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com. I recomend a stop over at that site before you make any final decision.