LCD, DLP, Plasma, and catho-ray.  It's enough to make the average buyer quit and go live with the old tv they've had for years.

I'll make this VERY SIMPLE for you.

Plasma - It's the best picture you'll buy. 

LCD - second to plasma

DLP - 3rd best picture

Rear Projection- 4th best

Catho-Ray - Great picture but limited in size.  Can not get above a 25'' TV.

With TV's, you basically get what you pay for.  Don't expect to purchase a plasma tv for the price of a DLP tv.

Here are the goods and bads-

Plasma -

Good:great picture from anywhere in the room no matter day or night. Can hang it on a wall (looks great!)  Bad:  Limited life, essentially it's based on hours, all plasma tv's will last you 16 years if you watch tv up to 6 hours a day.  Most of you are going to replace your tv before 16 years anyway, so who cares about the time span.  Plasma is the best picture you'll get. 

LCD- Good - bright picture, but not as nice as plasma.    Better if the room is dark.    Bad:  Not as bright as plasma and loss of quality the more you are to the side of the picture.

DLP- Good - cheaper than LCD, nice picture.  Better if the room is dark.    Bad:  Not as bright as LCD and loss of quality the more you are to the side of the picture.

Projection- Good - cheaper than DLP, room needs to be fairly dark to get a decent picture.  Bad:  Not as bright as LCD and loss of quality the more you are to the side of the picture.

Advice:  get what you can afford.  Even spend a little more than you can afford.  Why?  You'll keep the TV for a minimum of 6 years, it's your source of relaxation, it's a show piece in most homes, and it makes every movie and event more fun to watch.

Hope this guide helps you.  Good luck on your purchase.