What is your time frame for the purchase? Reason is, alot of interesting news from the recent CES show in Vegas regarding flat panel (big plasma improvements, plus watch for Samsung--that's right, Samsung--new FLCD set, supposedly it looks superb). However, for now, to answer your question...in the $8-10K range, direct view CRT wins, hands-down. For more detail as to why, refer to my earlier response to similar questions you posted a week or two ago. Good luck!
Flat Plasma: Worth the W.A.F. Premium?
Having just completed all of my homework to purchase a 34" direct view 16:9 HD TV, my girlfriend has declared that the flat plasma screen is the only thing she really wants in the bedroom. My first impression is that a) flat plasmas are way overpriced and b) the picture isn't really that great. Please correct me where I am wrong. Maybe the pictures are quite good? Especially as we are replacing a 13 year old NEC TV? Also, if I do succumb to her flat panel wishes, is there any consensus regarding the best value in the < $25,000 flat plasma screens? Thank you very much.