Home audio & video: Sony XBR vs. Panasonic TH-42PHD8

Sony XBR vs. Panasonic TH-42PHD8

Ok, after months and months of research, reading and fence-sitting the decision is down to two sets. One LCD (Sony XBR-KDL-V40XBR1) and one Plasma (Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK).

I have seen both the consumer version of the Pansonic and the industrial version all over town-virtually every restaurant and sports bar use it). I just saw the Sony in Best Buy two days ago.

I am impressed by both. I'm sure both will do the job. However, like everyone else, I'd like to purchase the one that will fit me needs the best.

The set will be in a very open living room/den. There is a lot of glass and pretty significant glare during the day--alhtough most of it can be handled by closing the blinds. It is an odd-sahped room..with some viewing positions within 4-6 feet and others 7-10 feet. I do have good sound system-Onkyo Amp, Aperion speaker set.

Currently using DirecTV (Non-HD) with TiVo. We get all of our programming through DirecTV, including local channels.

Our viewing habits are primarily network TV, sports, some per-per-view movies/HBO movies and probably watch a DVD movie once every other week.

When we purchase the TV we will be upgrading to DirecTV-HD--but not immediately.

So..the questions.. considering the room, equipment, viewing choices, etc.. which is best? (subjectively of course!) Is it absolutely necessary to upgrade to DirecTV-HD right away? Is and LCD screen better in a bright room--is the Sony worth the price difference?

Thanks very much in advance for helping me--finally make a decision..!

-William