Well, the way I've been seeing it, 80% of all HDTV-compatible TV owners don't even subscribe to HDTV. Why? Because it isn't available in enough places yet (yes, just like the sketchy availability of high-speed internet access in certain areas). Plus, you need to add a ludricrously overpriced $500 converter box just to receive the signal. But, people still buy them because any HDTV-compatible monitor is also capable of progressive scan, which makes worlds of difference when you're watching DVDs from a player with progressive output.
The WEGA XBR series by Sony are the only 16:9 tube TVs they make, until you step up to WEGA projection screens. My advice is to shop around and compare brands, because in many cases, you can actually get a small (like 43"😉 Toshiba or Hitachi 16:9 projection screen for a similar price to the Sony WEGA XBR400 (36" CRT).