Tom (and all) -

I was just recently in the same dilemma as you were. Here are some thoughts:

Big screen NTSC = $2500 that becomes "disposable" once HDTV and hi-res comes of age.

HDTV "ready" sets = $5000+, but no signals yet, therefore have limited utility until broadcasters begin transmitting, or you use a lot of DVD.

My solution: Video Projector connected to my PC, usable for HUGE gaming, NTSC, DVD (also through the PC using Creative Lab's DXR3 board), and with inputs for Svideo, Composite and 2 PC's.

Price for above in the $5500 range for an InFocus LP750 (XGA resolution), but the size, flexibility, and great opportunities that this kind of setup presents were hard to resist. I got everything covered on both video fronts (NTSC and HDTV "ready") with the added benefit of having the world's largest Nintendo!!!