I know you're considering these two brands, but I have to say, our Samsung is awesome, and I've heard nothing but praise for them in every size.

That out of the way - you need to read reviews. Just put the model numbers into search engines and read, read, read.

To get you started -

CNet reviews the Toshiba
CNet reviews the Sharp (diff size but same set really)

I read the CNet reciews. The Sharp was like a 9.3 and the Toshiba got a 7. The sharp IS prettier........

NO!

And, one of these will be our DVD player. (We need an up-converter and an all-region model.)

OMG, I'm so green with TV envy

and this for the people who do not watch TV, yes, yes, I understand though, you do do media. It will be awesome. I have no intelligent suggestion, however.

It's not really for TV watching. However, movies will soon be a joy.

A fine choice!

I voted for the Sharp...but fair warning my decision was based not on any understanding or experience with either one of these TV's but only with the fact that Sharp supported Manchester United during its' Golden Years whereas Toshiba did great things for the Soviet Navy during the waning years of the Cold War:)

I'd go with the Sharp, and one of these to make sure things are lookin' as good as possible

My final vote will be for the Sharp. It is prettier. And I suppose you don't need a geeked out back end.

Those both look like great tvs. I wonder why the toshiba is approx 50% heavier (75 lbs vs 48 lbs).

I have the big brother to the Toshiba. I went with the Regza line because they are optimized for Hi-Def movies. For example, they have a 120Hhz refresh rate and a 24fps mode. Blu Ray and HD movies are encoded at 24fps and playback in that mode is smoother (less jaggies) than at the standard 60fps. In MI:III there is a scene where they walk down a flight of marble stairs. In 60fps mode you see jaggies but in 24 it's smooth as silk. That's just one example. If you like movies make sure the sharp can match the detailed specs of the Toshiba (and that the 42" version you are looking at has these features....).

I will note that out of the box the Toshiba had some color issues (a noticeable green push) but with a bit of tweaking it's now spot on. Plan to spend some time with a utility like Avia no matter which set you purchase.



With blu ray players going for under $300 I would STRONGLY suggest AGNIST the Oppo at this point. They have has their day. A blu ray player will upscale as good or better than the Oppp and give you all that Disney hi def goodness. Pirates is simply stunning in Blu! Of course you will still have the multi-region issues.

Oh and don't be freaked when movies (standard or Hi-Def) still have the black bars at the top and bottom. Unfortunately that's normal on these sets (both the Toshiba and the Sharp).

If you do go HD I would also reccomend Blue Jeans Cables for all your cable needs.

And if you REALLY want to obsess over this decision visit here and here.