I spend a lot of time on the HT forums, mainly audioholics.com and avsforums.com. (And Axiom.com too, they have great speakers and have a very active forum).
Here are some of my thoughts and opinions, but please, do your own research, and draw your own conclusions!
The best value, both in price and in Pict Quality, seems to be the old technology RP CRT (Rear Projection Cathod Ray Tube). Heavier, Thicker, and higher voltage than the newer technology DLP and RP LCD, but if you have the room for it, it offers great PQ, superior black levels, brighter brights, etc.
Helped my dad buy a HDTV in Jan, and we choose a Hitachi RP CRT and MAN, it is incredible!
But, rumor has it that RP CRT production will stop sometime soon, as it is cheaper to produce RP LCD and DLP and LCD Plasma. Cheaper to produce, weighs less, takes up less shipping space.
Expect to see better quality and cheaper prices on DLP and RP LCD in the near future.
Plants are gearing up to produce Large (50 inches and up) thin LCD, and should be out in the near future. Look for BenQ to produce good quality at good prices for panel LCD HDTV's soon.
If it is in your price range, consider EDTV plasma and LCD instead of HDTV. From a couple of feet away, you cannot tell the difference, save thousands, and it WILL play HDTV signals. Even DVD does not send a HDTV signal.
Make sure that you get a TV that has DVI or an HDMI input.
While I would rather have Plasma or thin panel LCD, I will probably get a DLP in the next 8-12 months because of price, quality, size and I do not want built in speakers.
A great value in a HT Receiver is the Pioneer VSX 1014, that is what I have.
Check out Axiom.com for really nice speakers.
It is a fun time to buy a new TV!