@kcmurphy88 I read somewhere that excessive display of letterboxing could cause "uneven wear" on the plasma cells, resulting in what I guess would look like "burn in," when actually some cells are just brighter than others. I'm just not sure what to believe anymore. I just don't want my Kuro looking like shit in just a few years.

I didn't have a problem with this game until I started playing the DLC. Now it locks up and freezes and often the video is anything but smooth. I feel like I'm playing a game on an underpowered system. It is a real disappointment because this was one of my favorite games ever. Unfortunately I haven't heard a single thing from Bethesda about addressing this issue. Like Darwin below, I will be hesitant about buying another Bethesda game.

And notice they don't say anything about audio. So it will probably sound like shit, too.

Tough. It is the director's choice, not yours. If you don't like it, don't watch it. If it is really that bothersome to you, zoom it in. If you are watching an HD source, it won't look that bad.

Most films these days, even if they are shot and released in theaters with a 2.35 aspect ratio, are actually framed for 16.9 so the yahoos who complain about the black bars at the top and bottom can watch it full screen without missing anything in the shot. However, there are many, many, many films that are shot utilizing the full 2.35 frame. Zoom that in and you can end up missing crucial parts of the image. Or watch a conversation between two people with only half their heads in the frame. Again, it is your choice how you want to watch it, but it isn't your choice how it is shot. So deal with it and don't ruin the experience for others.

I know it is "market uber alles," but I am sick and tired of whiny consumers ruining my ability to enjoy a film as it was intentionally shot. Back in the early days of VHS, finding widescreen copies of films was hard. So I had to go to Laserdisk, where the masses stayed away and let me enjoy films how the directors intended them to be seen and heard (as close as could be done in a home theater environment at least). I was relieved when DVD caught on as strongly and quickly as it did. Now the duncehead masses want to screw up HD? Thanks. Why don't you all stick to downloads/streaming crap and leave the high end products to those who will appreciate it.

As for Bay's plans for Transformers 2, I will say the same thing as I did about the Dark Knight: Give me the option to enable or disable the aspect ratio switching and I won't care. This fancy new technology should make that effortless for the disk authors.

That would be awesome.

Yep. I did a bunch of research online before buying my Kuro. But I just HAD to see one in action before pulling the trigger, so went to my local Best Buy. Predictably the sales rep came walking up to me, but I was surprised. After talking for a little bit he asked me why I was looking at plasma. I explained it to him (contrast ratio, viewing angle, etc.). Realizing I knew what I was talking about, he backed off right away, telling me to let him know if I had any questions.

At that point I didn't mind talking to him and we chatted about the technology. I don't know if it is a mean thing to say or not, but he surprised me with how much he knew about the various technologies. I'm not saying that the guy doesn't do his part to push people toward one purchase over another, but still, the guy knew his shit.

Yes, RENT. *wink, wink, nudge, nudge"

Would like it. Thanks!

I have that same Sony TV, bought it in 2001, too, and I completely agree with you on it. But I upgraded to a 50" Pioneer Kuro last month, moved my Sony into the bedroom. And let me tell you, this Kuro gives CRT a good run for its money. Amazing viewing angles, contrast is GREAT (blacks are black!). Couldn't be happier with my purchase.

As for what's next, like others have said here, I've got at least 6 or 7 years before I'll need anything else. Though, depending on how it ages, this Kuro may be for life.

Dude, it's 2009.