FWIW, SD on HDTV can be real good if it is in 4x3. It should be no worse than a SD crt. Stretching the picture can make it worse.

How is the folks eyesight. The bigger screen is easier on the eyestrain.

A 50 inch EDTV should be pretty reasonable.

A 36 inch 300# 4 x 3 crt should be cheap!