I've decided against going for a 480p 42" plasma in favor of a 720p 72" projected image. :D
72" image at an 8' viewing distance is above the 1.3 distance recommendation for 720p.
While I'm a couple/few months away from purchasing a projector (have to get one more sub first), I've started doing my research. Pretty soon I'll be finding some places to audition as well. I'm also purchasing knowing that HD-DVD and 1080p will hopefully be mainstream within 2 years, so I'm keeping my spending capped at around $2500 for the PJ.
I want 720p resolution, but haven't decided on a technology yet. Both DLP and LCD PJs both have their issues. Obviously LCDs have poor blacks, darker images, larger SDE, and a rumored blue-chip degradation. DLPs have the rainbow effect, dithering (a lagging/smearing during fast pans), and relative higher cost.
For LCD projectors I'm considering...
Sanyo PLV-Z3 ~$1800
Panasonic AE700U ~$1900 w/Rebate
InFocus SP5000 ~$1800
On the short DLP list are...
Toshiba TDP-MT700 ~$2500
BenQ PE7700 ~$2800
(Note: BenQ produces both of these HD2+ 720p DLP PJs, but the Toshiba ironically has Faroudja processing at a lesser price)
I currently plan on purchasing a 72" Carada screen.
Here is a mock-up of what a 72" screen will look like made to scale out of posterboard (minus the black border). I'll have another SVS 16-46 PC+ next to my FL speaker, the mini-TV will be going, and my stack of equipment will also be relocated. The photo is kind of skewed as I'm standing slightly to the side at the rooms entrance.
http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/tempscreen.JPG
Just for reference, my room layout again...
http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/newroom.jpg
I read the whole Toshiba TDP-MT700 thread at AVS last night. First off, here are a couple screenshots I stole showing a comparison between the Toshiba and the older Sanyo Z2. The difference in black levels between the HD2+ equipped Toshiba and 3xLCD setup of the Sanyo is quite obvious.
http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/z2vs700a.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/vs700b.jpg
I'm definetly going to have to check out how singlechip DLP affects me though. Anyhoo, thats my progress in this endeavor thus far. ;)