Hitachi 50UX57B 50 in. TV

As I stood in front of the TVs at Circuit City, the Hitachi Ultravision and a Sony (same price) were side by side. The picture on the Ultravision was just a hair better. Being the same price, I had the Hitachi delivered that afternoon. I have never been sorry. Great sound (it's now working through NINE speakers), perfect picture, and stone reliable (not a single service call). It would not be possible for me to recommend this set any higher. The controls are simple enough for a child, and the ease of hook-up was unsurpassed.

The only drawback? The weight. At 275 pounds, it was a challenge for the delivery people to get it place where I wanted it. But for the piddling $25 delivery charge, it was their problem. And due to the size, if it ever needs service, you cannot just throw it in the car and haul it to the shop.