Matt, thanks for the response. However, at the moment I am kind of "in limbo". I actually went in to Circuit City to buy the Sony KDLV40XBR1 LCD flat panel. (Had my wife talked in to letting me buy it and all...). I really like that model, but my only reservation has been screen size, and I have been hesitating because of it. It's the largest direct view flat panel LCD Sony make, but it's still only 40 ". Grrrrr ! What I REALLY want is a 50" screen for my TV room. That's when the Sales guy suggested the rear projection 50" SXRD. I had read up on the SXRD previously, but discounted it because generally I think the picture quality of the rear projection models (on HD) are not as crisp and sharp as the direct view flat panel LCDs. BUT, when I viewed the KDS-R50XBR1, the picture quality (on HD) blew me away. It is really good, compared to other rear projection TVs I've seen. I guess LCoS works, and I could be tempted to go for it. However, since most channels are not HD yet, it really needs to produce a sharp picture with standard input signals, and from what I have seen so far, and read here, I am not convinced that it can do that. So, I guess I am now waiting until : 1) I can be convinced that the 50" Sony IS in fact capable of a (reasonably) crisp picture with standard input, or, 2) They produce one that is or, 3) Sony comes out with a 50", or maybe even a 46" LCD flat panel direct view model in the near future. That's what I would REALLY like. Any word on that for the new year ?

Same comment as 7. above. I just viewed the KDSR50XBR1 at Circuit City. The picture on Satellite HD was really great. I then had the sales guy hook it up to non-HD channels, and the picture was terrible. Ghosting all over the place. and no contrast. He said it was because of "weak signal". I dont know if that waas true or not. What are other people's experience with non-HD channels using this TV ?