So I made the jump last week and "purchased" a Samsung 46 inch TV, the LNT4661F. However, long story short, a clerical error at good old Circuit City (whom I will likely never shop with again) prevented me from getting my television and created a lengthy refund process. Now, it APPEARS this TV is being discontinued. It's nearly impossible to get in my area.

I could order it online from Amazon, but I've been debating this purchase for well over 8 months, and am really ready for some instant gratification. Between my CC debacle, and Amazon delivery I'll be looking at almost a month from initial purchase to the time it's in my home.

I'm now down to the Philips Ambilight 2 42inch (8000:1. 1080p 3 HDMI) and The Sharp Aquos LC-42D64U (10000:1 1080p 3 HDMI)

I don't want to go Plasma because the room, during the day, is prone to a lot of natural light, so LCD is a better option for me.

Any experiences with the TV? How's the Ambilight feature?

I'm LEANING that way because I like to watch TV with the lights out to minimize distraction, but my wife says it hurts her eyes, so I'm thinking the ambient lighting might help, but ultimately, I think picture quality is key, and since so much of our television watching is for the time being in Standard Def, whichever one makes that less atrocious to watch will be a factor.

Any thoughts on these two sets?

I think the Sharp should be a lot better than the Phillips. That's what I've read in most of the reviews.

LCDs with the lights out will make you notice how much more bright than they need to be, their backlight will cause the bright spots to stand out more, and be a little more fatigueing to stare at for viewing in long stretches.

Well I'd got with the Samsung but unfortunately you can't snag one. Sharp Aquos are really top notch as well. I'd take a Sharp over the Phillips.

As you can see I just picked up a 4661f, and so far really like it. I'd stick to that personally. If you really have trouble finding it, the 4665 (slightly better contrast and speakers on the side) can be had for only $70 more at Amazon, or about $150 locally.

And I went thru the same hell with Conn's B&M. I wanted the tv quickly because I have to go back out of town in 10 days my wife wanted it hooked up before I left. The only place I could find it at a decent price was Conn's. And they were the total sux. I truly believe we are seeing the death of the general B&M store. They are offering nothing for their added cost, and worse make things MORE difficult. I would not hesitate from buying on line. Call them first if it helps with your comfort level.

I went tonight and got the Aquos. It's the newer model without the banding issues some are reported to have, and a higher contrast ratio. I got out the door for 1500 for the TV, a nice surge protector. Not bad. I certainly could have gotten it cheaper at Amazon, but the price was okay for wanting some instant gratification.

Cable guys can't get here until the 3rd, but I should be up and running in time for the NFL playoffs.

Until then, I'm lacking a real HD source outside of my 360. I sense an HD-DVD player in my very near future.

Watch the prices on the Toshiba A3 they are bouncing around a lot. I have my second one on the way from Amazon. The first one is loving life in my theater room and the second one will be for my new 4661 in the living room.