I too have been in the HDTV game for some 3+ years.
First with DirecTV...then VOOM...now Comcast Cable.
My advice for newbies looking to jump in is to go with your local cable offering. With cable there is no threat of buying a box that will be obsolete in 6 months. Just pay the $10 monthly rental fee and swap out boxes whenever there is a glitch or a new and better box becomes available.
Plus you can cancel at any time.
Try that with DirecTV or Dish.
As for TV's...I think the best picture for the buck right now (considering size)is LCD rear projection.
Picture Quality approaches that of a top notch CRT and is available up to 50" +.
I am currently looking at the Sony 50" LCD RPT.
Great picture for under $2k
Just my 2 cents...
;-)
God I miss VOOM.