There are several alternate technologies to plasma and all are rear projection. While they do not have the 4 inch thickness of plasma monitors, they come closer to that mark than CRT based TV and CRT based RPTVs. Thickness might not be a factor unless your friend is going to hang it on a wall. But generally yes, thin is definitely in.
The technologies are for RPTVs: LCD, DLP, and LCoS.
LCD based RPTVs are usually Sony Grand Wegas (Currently II but III is coming up) and it has been reported that some BestBuys have started receiving Panasonic 50LC13s, Panasonic's latest LCD offering. No burn in. Some disadvantages to consider in IMO are:
1) Screendoor effect
2) Possible dead pixels
3) Black levels aren't that great
DLP based RPTVs are usually Samsung HLN series. RCA has released their Scenium (sp?) line based on DLP as well with an integrated HDTV OTA tuner I think sor perhaps the prices will come down. Lightweight at around 80-120 pounds and 17-20 inches in depth and attractive to boot. No burn in. Some disadvantages:
1) Rainbows - some people notice them, most don't unless they try to
2) Possible "dead" mirrors - I've read some reports of these but they are few and far in between
3) Black levels are still not BLACK but better than LCD
Price ranges from 2800-4500
LCoS based RPTVs are usually Toshibas though they are coming out with a new line. Not to familiar with them them nor have I seen them but there seems to be a favorable response on AVS. No burn in. Seemed pricer than Samsung DLP sets for the same screen size.
Sorry, I'm mostly familiar with DLP. Saw it once and knew that was the one. Still waiting for the 43" set to become widely available again, prices have gone higher since.
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