3D TV is it the way to go?

[JohnnyD]

You'll probably replace/upgrade your main tv 2-3 times before 3D technology is any good. If the blockbuster movie production houses are still having trouble getting it right, it's sure to be quite a while before it gets broad support in the home.

The quality of specific models within a manufacturer are pretty consistent as you increase the size up to the 55" range or so. Typically, the manufactures will have a few different lines they produce at the standard sizes - such as, Sony has an EX- line that comes in something like 32", 37", 42" etc and an NX line that comes in the same sizes but with different features.

Sony Bravia and Samsung have been proven leaders.

Do your research and have a decision made before going to the store. Stores will often optimize their higher-margin TVs so the pictures look better than the ones they make less money on - some stores have been found to have the cheaper TVs on Standard Def channels and the pricier units on HD channels.

Also, talking to the workers at any of the stores that sell TVs to try and get more info is a waste of your time. They are typically poorly trained or trained to guide you towards the higher-margin units.

Lastly, after you choose a TV and go to buy it... do not let them talk you into buying any cables or other accessories for the TV. Monster Cables, Gold-tipped, higher throughput, Next-Gen... these are all marketing buzz words that are used to convince you that the wires they sell at the store will perform better than the wires you get elsewhere. They aren't and they are a huge waste of money.

Buy your cables ahead of time from monoprice.com. You could save yourself up to $100 or more. Use that saves to buy a bigger/better TV.