Grrr . . . my TV broke

[boykster]

You should sure try to find a good retailer who has a new Pioneer Kuro on display that you can view.  Not a big box type store, but a good mid to high end retailer who will have the display setup properly (not on VIVID mode with a crappy connection/feed) and give it a critical look.

I'll openly admit that I'm a plasma guy, but am aware of plasma's limitations.  I went from an HD tube (sony WEGA 36XBR400) to panasonic plasma so I'm well aware of the deeper blacks and contrast ratio of a good CRT.  But, I'm also well aware that even on really high end CRT's, there are other intrinsic faults - ghosting, trailing, burn in, etc. 

The Kuro is pretty amazing, the black level floor on it rivals the best CRT's I've ever seen.  It's spendy though....