Price Paid:  $2519.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
9/30: I am not a videophile, but I have been researching HDTVs for months and have a reasonable understanding of it for an amateur. I was going to buy a Samsung when I noticed this set at the store. I went home and downloaded a copy of the specs and had them reviewed by a co-worker who is a videophile. His comment was "Buy it". I did and brought it home on 9/26. I was going to wait until after the weekend to write a review, but after last night I decided to go ahead now.

I have watched football and network shows in HD, and satellite programs in SD. All were excellent - Monday night football was superb - but the capper occurred when we watched an HD movie via satellite last night. Used the "movie" video setting. The picture quality was spectacular. Sound was better than I expected from a television (we don't have full surround sound - yet). All-in all, I highly recommend this set, but bear in mind that this is my first HDTV.

10/4 update: We placed this TV in a room that is fairly bright during the day. We normally sit about 8 feet away, but may be as far as 11 to 12 feet. After more time watching programs on this TV, I offer the following update:

1. I was a little concerned that a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 might be a little light - plasma goes as high as 5,000:1 and Samsung LCD achieves 3,000:1. I read at CNET that a contrast ratio of 400:1 is considered good. After playing with the LG set at a variety of contrast settings, we have settled on a 50% setting (CNET recommends a 30 to 50% setting). A 100% setting is so intense that, for me, it is hard to watch - it might be fine if you are viewing from a distance. We do use some of the standard settings occasionally (e. g., movie) as for some programs they are better. From my perspective, the 1,000:1 ratio is plenty.

2. The different sound settings do make a difference (as I guess they should). We like the theater and TRS trusurround settings.

3. Glare is not a problem with an LCD screen.

4. We have the set connected to DirecTv and an off air antenna. We also have DirecTv, cable, and the off air antenna connected to other standard TVs. We have noticed that the video for the same non-HDTV program on this LG set is much better than on any of our standard TVs. For example, if I watch a program via cable on one of our standard TVs and watch the same program on the LG set either via satellite or off air antenna, the picture is much better on the LG set. I think this means that there is something to the XD engine.

5. We connected the LG TV using a Monster power center - it makes a significant diefference in the number and quality of signals we get from the off air antenna. I cannot tell if it helps with the satellite signals.

6. We are spending too much time watching TV now - HDTV is great.

7. My wife thinks that the LG set is "wonderous"

Strengths:
Excellent picture, multiple connections, many features, easy set-up.

Weaknesses:
No HDMI (DVI + digital optical audio just as good?), no cable card slot.