This is a post I put in the Home theater forum. Help? =)

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I'm in the market for a new big-screen (projection or tube) TV, and I thought maybe HDTV-ready was the way to go. I've read the horror stories about the Wega, and I'm not so interested in those anymore! =)

But, awhile ago, there was a small consensus that HDTV wasn't ready yet. Has this changed? Should I be looking for a $5000+ HDTV? Or can I save a bunch of dough for a nice, non-ready screen?

What are the penalties, too? When all the TV networks upgarde to digital by 2006, I assume there will be converters available for those without HDTV-ready sets?

Basically, I'd like to hear you experts talk with me about this. I'm looking for a new set, and I'm wondering if HDTV-ready is important, or if it is still imperfect. Besides, I'd REALLY like to go for the 16:9 aspect, but I ain't got a lot of $$$.

If it isn't ready yet, then who out there loves their bigscreen? It would be really easy to convince my wife of $2000, but any more is pushing it.

Thanks for any/all the help!!

*Phil