The Grand Wega 55" LCD was my first HD set bought, Max flat panel size 42" wasn't going to cut it in the space the TV was going. >42" meant either DLP, Giga-bucks Plasma or LCD Rear Projection. Toshiba 62"HM95 DLP was very close to sucking me in, but in the end, DLP's picture was just too 'mushy', and I had more concerns with the long term functionality of a unit that relies upon the precise alignment & movement of millions of mirrors (DLP) or the inherent system strain on the longevity of plasma. DLP's colors were more saturated & vibrant than LCD, but IMO that only matters in showroom demos; watching the evening news in that vibrancy just isn't necessary. Plasma was bar none the best picture, but then becomes extremely cost-prohibitive in the same size range. In the 50"-60" LCD range, the KDF-55E2000 is at the high end price wise, but in this case, you absolutely get what you pay for. It is simply the finest LCD rp set under $2300. The SXRD LCDrp line are the only size-comparable units that generally exceed the Grand Wega in quality, but it also exceeds it in price as well.

LCD rp, while definitely more screen-doory than DLP, essentially has no integral moving parts, has the longest likely shelf life, with only bulb replacement to consider over it's life. LCD rp is simply the lowest-risk engineered technology.

No matter what HD set you buy, make sure you get one with HDMI inputs, and use these exclusively, as long as your devices support it. HDMI gives ASTOUNDINGLY better performance than Component video with composite Audio (or Coaxial or Optical audio for that matter). Used Component on one input, HDMI on the next and then swapped back and forth on the same signal. Difference was night and day, especially for audio. The KDF 55E2000 has dual HDMI inputs, good call from Sony to accomodate at least your cable box and an HDMI capable DVD player.

Have had no concerns re: true black on LCD. Seems a small point at best. Analong (Standard Def; SD) signals are horrid, almost unwatchable. You may well find yourself becoming an HD snob.

Yamaha DVD 5750 ps player @ 480p produces very good images, but the true HD revelation is when using 720P sources (haven't found a 1080i source yet; HD-DVD/BR or hybrid is coming). HD sports are astonishing, worth the HD jump alone.

In general, HD programming as of Jan 07 is still pretty early. HD shows are for the most part a mish-mash of 16:9 HD, 4:3 HD & 4:3 SD signals sliced together. This is particularly noticeable when using Auto Wide, where parts of a show are in true HD widescreen, then cuts to commercial and it's shown in 4:3, or if another feed comes in during an HD sports broadcast from an SD source. Whie Auto-Wide (which adjusts picture size & resolution to to incoming signatl) is awkward at first, it's the only way to ensure you always get the full picture; all of the full screen processing modes result in some level of cut off sides of the screen for non HD wide screen images. This becomes a significant issue when watching sports, because the top & bottom of the screen is where the text bars are located. This is not specific to this unit, just a general complaint re: HD broadcasts that will likely diminish as broadcasters are mandated to switch over to HD signals in the coming months and years.

Only complaints about the performance of the KDF 55E2000 are:

1) Tinny sound of the TruTXT Surround audio , the unit sounds like it's straining with this factory setting. Too much treble.

2) Having to modify the Custom visual settings for every individual input. I understand the focus on flexibility here, but honestly, how much per-device tuning makes a real difference one you've found a general picture setting that you like?

At 55", this LCD weighs only 75lbs, half the weight of my previous 36" CRT. Easy to move for two people, but awkward for one. Wouldn't suggest 1 person moving it by themselves, even though the weight is not unreasonable. That said, you may want to tether the unit to your stand, whereas earlier CRT's weight would do all the stabilization required.

Bottom line, this is the finest LCD Rear Projection set you can buy for under $2300. An outstanding entry-level HD bigscreen device clearly head and shoulders above it's competitors.