I have 20-plus-year-old, 19", Sony 'Pro-Feel' component tv, that has a steel monitor housing and a better picture than most of the new sets. It weighs more than a 32" I have. I've never needed to service it once.
A lot of the new stuff is just cheap junk without much in the way of performance enhancement.
I'm eyeing the bigger screen HDTV and plasma sets. If the prices come down now that the holidays are past, I may jump, but the Pro-Feel will stay in one of the guest rooms for at least another 20 years. ;^)
I just bought a Pioneer Elite HDTV 53" for $3400. It's the best rear projection on the market, IMO and from what others on FR have mentioned. Try your neighborhood Home Theatre store. You might be able to get it for less in January. It's FABULOUS!!!!! Hey, you only live once. Enjoy