I'll give you the same advice I gave to my friend earlier this year. LCD TVs have a couple key features to consider. One is contrast ratio. You should see a number that says 700:1 or 1000:1. Higher numbers are better. 1000:1 was a minimum number for me. The other feature is the pixel response time. That is the time it takes for a pixel to go from full dark to full bright and back to full dark. This will let you play those fast-action movies without a lot of problems with the picture. You should see a number like 16ms or lower. Lower numbers are better. 12ms is a starting point. So, a LCD TV from any manufacturer with 1000:1 contrast and 12ms response is a good place to start and great for every day TV viewing. If you want to play fast action movies flawlessly with the ultimate home theater rig, you're gonna spend more.

The number of HDMI ports and interfaces is basically fluff unless you plan to hook up your cable, aerial antenna, satellite dish, Xbox and PC all into the same screen. Just get one that has the right connector for whatever you use to get the signal into your place.

Also, if the place delivers, have them do it. Some stores will not let you return a TV if you take it home yourself because they say you broke it when you transported it. If they deliver, it's covered until they install it. This is especially important for large TVs.

Good Luck.