http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=394076&pCatg=5883

Here is the support page at Magnavox. http://www.m4c.magnavox.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpindex.pl?scy=US&slg=EN&ctn=42MF438B/27

Sony and Samsung are the leaders in HDTV tech. Plasmas have better black and I think color performance; LCDs tend to be sharper.

I’m trying to make the same decision myself. I’ve got a 19″ CRT, and I want a 32″-40″ monitor or HDTV that I can use in my bedroom. If I had the space, I’d go larger (yours will be larger, to fit your cabinet). I want to use it for Cad or TV or movies.

Let’s face it. You and I must have a 1080p HDTV so we have the option to use it for everything. Think about it. Trouble is, I know I want Sony Bravia, but that’s so expensive.

Samsung is definitely the way to go if you’re looking at an LCD TV. My parents and my grandparents both own one and my Electrical Engineering friend from school just bought one as well. They are, in a word, superb.

I’d also pitch you DirecTV. Their HD programming and quality is amazing. And I’d suggest you steer clear of Comcast since I’ve heard that they are compressing HD channels in rather noticeable ways: http://www.multichannel.com/blog/100000410/post/1150024115.html

Let me add another vote for an inexpensive Vizio from Costco. We have two and for the money, you just can not beat the brand.

In terms of choosing a size, there are several websites that give suggestions. One is:
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/what-size-screen-display

Personally, I encourage you to see in person and research the Samsungs that have the Texas Instruments DLP technology. These are cost effective and give a very wide viewing angle. These machines come in two varieties. The variety with bulbs will require replacement of the bulbs every several years for about probably $300 if I recall correctly. There is another version with LED that never needs replacement but costs more initially. I got my Samsung 50inch DLP with LED on sale at Fries for $1499. I have no affiliation with Samsung, TI, audioholics.com, or Fries but I did research these things actively before making a purchase.

From the image it looks like you were watching the Rice/SMU? Go Rice!!! Here’s a thought. Buy a Rice season tickets and you can get all the HD you want on the 50 yard line.

I also have a Saumsung LN650a. I got it mail order at FRY’s for $1450. Every time I watch it I say to my wife, “Wow, look at that picture”. She doesn’t usually car about tech stuff but she sincerely replies “Yes honey, it really is pretty amazing”.

You didn’t list a distance, but since you want a 47″ or less, you may not see benefits from 1080p unless some of your seats are around 5-7′. If you plan to sit 10′ back or so on a 47″/46″, you probably won’t see enough of a difference to justify the $300-$500 increase.

You should easily be able to find an entry level 2008 model 46″ Panasonic or Samsung 1080p plasma online for less than $1500. Or a 768p in a B&M store below your price point.

Good luck.

I have a 46′ LN650a samsung lcd. its a bit over your range (about 2000 now) but its worth it. Darkest blacks on any lcd i’ve ever seen, huge contrast ratio, 120 htz, 4 hdmi ports, plays video, music and pictures from usb. Has built in port for internet so you can get rss feeds and weather. Sleep timer for off and on, and does 1080p. I still haven’t seen any lcd that beats it.

Dave, most of the seating will be pretty much straight on with some of it off to the left. Viewing angle might play a role for that seating. The fireplace is huge, approx. 5 feet tall counting the mantle. Mounting the screen is not desirable to me for that reason as I hate looking up at a screen for any length of time.

Your budget should be OK for 42″ – 46″ – you might also be able to save a few dollars going 720p if you’re not sitting close to the screen itself. Also as was mentioned last years models could be more economical as well.

Where is the seating in relation to the nook? Viewing angle may be something you weight a little more heavily if you’re going to be on an angle to the screen. Is there anyway (or desire) to mount a screen above the fireplace?

My TV area complete with fireplace is very much like yours. A 42″ Panasonic plasma would be a good choice. There are some great deals on last years model.

My TV area complete with fireplace is very much like yours. A 42″ Panasonic plasma would be a good choice. There are some great deals on last years model.

Costco is a good source for budget minded shoppers. Check both in store and online at http://www.costco.com.

Costco does not carry high end TV’s. We went to Magnolia Audio/Video.