The person I referred to was speaking of high def on a Sony.
My dealer does have the latest models in. In fact, manufacturers sometimes use them to unveil new models. See the following article.
Electronics superstore
This dealer currently has approximately 110 different LCDs and Plasmas 36 inch or available.
Also, there was mention here about a new TV in September with a better picture. Have you seen that new TV? Specifications do not tell the whole story. Again, to use the car analogy, most people do not buy a car based on specifications alone, they actually look at and test drive them. The same is true of TVs. New technology does not always equal better.
Bottom line is to truly decide, one must view the various options and then decide. If one defines the best picture by specifications alone, one will always want a different TV as specifications change so rapidly.
Again comparing any other LCD to a BV7 is like comparing apples and oranges, no Samsung, Sharp, Sony etc LCD has the picture processing capabilities, the sound processing capabilities, the ability to run a projector. Look at this way, here in the US a BS 3 is about $7,800, a BL7-4 is about $3800, the stand $1000 for a total of about $12,600. Total price for the ensemble is $14,250 so it can be argued that the basic panel/TV really only costs about $1650, less than competitors. This does not include the DVD player that would have to be purchased with any other TV. Sure, buy a Sony, Krell amps, B and W speakers and you will get basically the same performance, and spend the same, or more. It is all a matter of preferences obviously.
Beovision 7-55 with Beolab 7-4, 9s and 4000s
Beovision 10-40 with Beolab 1s and 6000s
Beosound 1, 5, 2000, and 3000
Beotime, Beotalk, Beocoms