i beg to differ. most of sony's high end hdtv only have a ratio of 1500:1.

Wait, are we talking dynamic contrast ratio or image contrast ratio?

My XBR4 has a dynamic contrast ratio of 18,000:1 and an image contrast ratio of 2000:1.  The DCR is the one usually advertised. 

Oh sorry I didn't know there were two, I was talking about dynamic contrast ratio, so I apogize to mr. fabregas...

i wasnt referring to dynamic contrast ratio lol. my bad!

resolution and price...

I would love to find one qith HDMI WITHOUT HDCP, I'll never buy something with that shit inside... PS3 included.

I'd buy this one :
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-LC42D64U-1080p-HDTV/dp/B000UN3VT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1195781913&sr=1-1

It's 1080p, 4ms response time, 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 3 HDMI ports, 2 component and a PC input. Doesn't seem to have 120hz but I've heard that is very expensive.

EDIT: AND IT'S ONLY $1300 AND 42"!!

1080p-it will become even more important in the next generation(PS4 etc.);if you want a plasma tv: response time is nearly not existant;the problem with contrast ratio figures is that every company runs their own methods to get them(mostly procedures that give them higher numbers so people are more impressed)

I would like, in no particular order:

1) At least 42 inches, preferably 47
2) 1080p
3) DVI dual-link that supports 1080p
4) 120 Hz (or 72 Hz, I like a steady 24 fps in my movies)
5) Good upscaling
6) Game mode to eliminate lag

I don't pay attention to response time and contrast ratio for the reasons Schwarz mentioned -- they just aren't comparable between brands, so it's meaningless. I try to see the display in person and see if it looks good qualitatively (and I always check the settings to make sure they aren't messed up). I also don't care about sound; I have a Klipsch 5.1 system, so for all I care, the TV can come with no speakers at all.