Forget about CRT or DLP TVs, boob tubes and projection tvs are ancient technology. LCD or Plasma is better since they're digital, at their native resolution they're going to have much better picture than CRT. So I think you should go with either LCD or Plasma.
For LCD, you can't go wrong with JVC 40" model. It will run you about $1800 in stores like Video Only. Concidered one of the best among LCDs. It's a 1080 screen but I'm not sure it it can actually accept 1080P or if it's 1080I signal only.
For Plasmas, if you got space I would recomment Panasonic 50". It's a 720 screen but if you got space and are going to sit far enough back you probably won't see much difference. Should run you about $1600. If you're tight on space, then go for Panasonic 42" plasma or similar. Panasonic plasmas are very highly regarded in the video world.
Don't go to BB or anything like that, go to a dedicated video/audio store where employees know what they're talking about. Compare and see which type of TV you like more, LCD or Plasma. Often times these stores can give you a kick ass financing too.
Personally I own a Hitachi 42" 42HDT79 Plasma. Paired with
OPPO DV-981HD upconverting DVD player it gives me an incredible picture. Its resolution of 1024x1080 is higher than that of Panasonic's 1024x768 of same size so it will be better at displaying 1080I signal. It also features motorised swivel, 3 HDMI inputs, and a sweet remote with click wheels (like on pc mice) for audio and channel surfing. Cost me a little over $1500 this past christmas so it's a bit on a spendy side among plasmas.
Check out
LCD Forum at AVS
Check out
Plasma Forum at AVS
Then go and check TVs out for yourself. Make sure the place has a good return policy so if you don't like the TV after couple weeks, you can bring it back and get yourself a different one.
Then when you see a TV you like come back to AVS and read up on what people are saying about it.
Things to keep in mind when deciding which technology to go with:
LCDs generally have a higher resolution so they also work pretty good as a pc monitors, they don't reflect light (big plus during those winter days when sun shines right into your window and not even blinds help), slower response time, cheaper warranty, picture quality not as good unless you go with high end LCD like the one I mentioned.
Plasmas have fast response times, vibrant colors, lower resolution (but they still manage to look incredible), screen is made of glass so it reflects light, blacks are generally better, I think they consume more power. They're also heavier.
Anyway, I got carried away and made a big deal out of a simple question. Ooops.
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