As a CRT HDTV(Sony 34XBR2 and 61HS10)and Plasma owner )Fujitsu 5001 and 6101). Let me say, there just ain't no comparison. With this caveat; it depends what source you are using. Egrady is correct about the limitations with contrast and burn in, though the Panasonic based (Fujitsu 50" being one of these) really have tremendously good contrast. The limitations here arise mostly because of the size. Detail really shows up on these babies. So if you are using SD signals or VHS, and are even a little critical, you might want to think again. I chose the Fujitsu's because they have the best on board scalers. (I also have a Faroudja NRS which doesn't actually improve much in relation to the AVM onboard). Even so with OTA or some Directv programming, it looks pretty bad. The picture just screams out at you because of the brightness and detail, thus good signals look awesome and poor signals look terrible. It's fun to go between rooms and check out the difference with the same programming. When folks come over and first see the CRT's with the HiDef signal they go "wow that's really clear" (being that few have seen a HD picture). But if they go into the room with the HD signal on the plasma, most are just speechless. Enough of this rambling. The bottom line is plasma is just untouchable for wow factor. Whether that wow stimulates you into spending the extra cash depends on your eyes. Don't take anyone else's words, definitely go to a vendor that has both. One very concrete thing I must say is don't buy that Sony. It's a piece of crap! That is the general consensus of those in the know (I belong to a plasma forum). In the 42 inch range, stick with the NEC42MP3 or one of the many 42" versions of the 4th generation Panasonic. They can generally be had for less money.......If you're getting a CRT go with the Loewe, or Princeton. The Loewe is actually the only truly flat CRT made. All others are actually just using flat fronted glass, with curved internals, which makes them extremely heavy and not as optically correct. In my opinion, the only tube that can rival the gas in glass.