Thanks for all the good information.
Black levels: When folks say plasma has better blacks, does that mean good shadow details or that blacks are just more black, which can block out shadow details?
Source: I live in an apartment with Comcast feed. Is there a better alternative for a source for me?
DVD: Right now I've got a Sony 9000es and imagine I'll move up to Blue Ray and/or the Oppo, of which I've read many good things.
Magnolia: I stopped by yesterday and saw the 2008 Sony against the 2009 Pioneer Elite. Both looked really good. I thought the Sony showed a little grain in continuous tone images, but had a little better shadow detail than the Elite. Both were fed a 720 image according to the salesperson. At the size range (about 50") and with their source I would not say that artifacting was an issue with either of these models. The salesperson said the new Sony XBR comes out in Septmeber or October. I may wait until then, so I can compare it to the other two. Has anybody viewed the new Sony XBR, such as at CES?
Thanks again for all the good input. Jeff