Think I've Finally Made the Choice: 51WS500

[bobojay]

Well we haven't bought anything but a Mitsubishi TV in the last 20 yrs. Never a problem with the 4 we've bought from 13 to 36". Last one, 36", is now 11 yrs. old. Still works perfect, but I think we're ready to try HDTV.
We've looked a few places and the Sony's seem to have a brighter picture, and of course are a little cheaper. Good reputation also. I have relatives, 2 of them, that have just bought the 43HT20 running them on analog cable. The picture is stunning and very bright.
I'm also considering whether I want to buy at a local merchant or online. I've found the 51WS500 for $1979.10 with free shipping, don't know if this is white glove or not yet. The difference in price and no sales tax will pay for an extended warranty of 4yrs. although that's another ? mark to ponder.
I've found tons of info on this forum that I appreciate very much and I'm sure I'll be back for more.
Any comments or suggestions on my thoughts would be appreciated.
Incidentally, right now we have 4 and soon to be 5 HD stations in the Kansas City area. And I'll be using a Dish Network non=HD receiver for the forseeable future, at least until they get their setup less complicated and cheaper.:D

Bob

[57U]

Bobojay: Welcome to the forum:

You talk about comparing pictures in stores. This is next to impossible because very few stores have their sets properly calibrated for a meaningful comparison.

You talk about the picture being very bright - yes it is when it's set up directly from the manufacturer, unfortunately, that is not the proper setup for the home, so "very bright" is "Very Wrong"...

If you haven't done so already check out the posts in the FAQ forum, especially

1. Which HDTV should I Buy?
2. If Only I'd have known...
3. Other FAQ posts as applicable.

Continue your research and good luck.

[bobojay]

I've already read all three of your suggestions. Thanks! The store that I saw the Sonys and Mitsubishis in has a dimly lit "video" room that has about 12-15 large screen projection tv's in it. It also is equipped with various pieces of furniture to give you a kind of living room feeling. The way they've got it set up is you can go in there and check out the various tv's individually or whatever your preference is. They also have a couple other brands but those are the 2 that I focused on. The relatives that have the 2 new Sonys have not had theirs set up by professionals, I could tell, but the pictures were still great on them..........I commented that they both have the brightness set a bit high, but that's the way they want them. :)