[The G Man]

"If you want HDTV, you will want the 16:9 screen."

But why?

[JmyBryan]

HDTV is natively broadcast in the widescreen format.

[expatpat]

Because, when an HD program comes on, it has the 16:9 aspect ratio. If you have the old (4:3?) ratio screen, there will be dark areas above and below the picture, and much of your expensive screen is not being used. Right now, most of the broadcasting is not HD, and the 16:9 screen then gives dark areas at either side, but more and more HD programs are coming (the Superbowl was in HD -- great).