I wonder why you did not see any difference between the EDTV and HDTV, I see a huge difference. HDTV is a smooth picture but EDTV has very visible scan lines. I wonder if you were seeing a proper HD image.

Also, Sharp has an excellent new 45" LCD HDTV that is 1080p. it retails for $9000, but I have seen it for sale for around $6000. To me, that is the way to go if you can afford it.