Ok here is how you decide on what technology of TV to buy, from a professional (I now work at BBY in the home theater department and I formerly worked at CC doing the same thing.)
First decide where you are going to be putting the TV. If it is on the wall then you need to go either flat panel LCD or Plasma. If not go LCD rear projection or DLP rear projection.
Here is why: sure you may get a slightly better picture on a 1080p plasma or LCD flat panel over a DLP or LCD projection BUT it will cost you a few thousand dollars more for the same size. Is the cost of entry really worth that if you do not take advantage of the main selling point of a LCD or Plasma, that being that you can hang it on a wall?
For most people who want a good size TV for their main room a DLP or LCD projection will work more than well enough. There are both 720p and 1080p DLP and LCD projection sets out there, as well as LCD flat panel and Plasma units.
If you are going to buy a flat panel TV here are a few general things that people notice when they look at LCD vs Plasma TVs.
1. Plasmas have better blacks, and usually better contrast ratios. What you see is a greater difference between the black to white level on most Plasma units than on LCD flat panels.
2. LCDs typically have just as good if not better colors than Plasmas. Most people remark when comparing similar size/equipped LCDs vs Plasmas that the LCDs colors seem more natural.
3. What size do you want may determine which technology you go with. Plasmas are easier/less expensive to make in large sizes, above 40 inches. Whereas Flat panel LCDs are more expensive to make in larger sizes, why the majority of the "inexpensive" 40 inch plus TVs are plasma.
If you are looking between LCD rear projection and DLP rear projection here are some things you will notice:
1. DLPs have better black levels than LCD projection sets. This is because the DLPs aren't reflecting light into the black space whereas in the LCD units some light will pass through the panels in the black areas.
2. Once again LCD projections, like LCD flat panels, are said to have better colors than DLPs (by most people).
3. Rainbow effects are seen by a small percentage of the population on some DLP sets, I don't see it so I don't know what it looks like. If you see it when you look at the sets in the stores then don't buy a DLP because you may see it on the one you get at your house.
Reg for your situation I would suggest a 1080p, over a 720p unit because picture crispness seems very important to you, DLP rear projection set. The DLP units typically look better in high ambient light areas than LCD projection units and with the better black levels you will see greater contrast than most LCD projection units. JVC makes some great models that come with a stand, so you don't have to buy one of those also. With them being a V backed design it should fit into your corner with little problem. Remember that the light element will go out after a few years and factor that into your cost of ownership, I will not say weather or not a particular service plan is a good idea but both CC's and BBY's service plans will cover replacing it at least once. If you don't like the JVC you can look into Samsung (one of the first DLP TV makers) Toshiba, or Mitsubishi (always makes good looking sets).
If you have anymore questions I will be happy to answer them.
