DVI decision help

[teriyaki]

I'm finally ready to plunk my $$ for a new video set up and I need your help.

I have a 35in non-HD XBR and I want to add a 42-43 inch plasma to the living room. I've narrowed my decisions to two models Pioneer 4330 or Hitachi 42HD.

Pioneer has 2 tuners, etc but no DVI input.
Hitachi has 2 tuners AND has a DVI input.

Pioneer has a better picture but no DVI.

I'm running Directv right now and will be upgrading a set top box. There are two without DVI that i'm considering and a samsung SIR 160 which will be released soon (with DVI).

My questions are:
If I go with a non-DVI plasma, what will I be missing? Is it important?

Also, if my new directv receiver has a DVI built in, will my non-DVI TV still work?

I guess the safe thing would be to wait and get the Hitachi TV and get the Samsung decoder but I sure like the picture on the Pioneer.

Email responses will be greatly appreciated.
teriyaki88@hotmail.com
Thanks in advance

[projo57]

The best plasma I have seen to date was a Hitachi model 42HDT20 w/o DVI input. The new ALis technology is truely amazing with continuous verlical phosphor channels.:cool:

[kevinw]

Without DVI you MAY not be able to view HD from sources that have copy protection. Like HBO and PPV. More than likely OTA will not be affected.

[teriyaki]

I went with the pioneer 4330.
My rational:
1) Most of my viewing will be OTA sporting events, network programing and DVD's.

2) Better picture now and alway will be better (between the two models).

3) Hope that Pioneer or someone else will come up with a solution to upgrade the MRU to handle DVI later on.

Steve