off topic: HD flat screen television

[FZNIDARSIC]

I been looking at flat screen HD TVs for a while.  The prices are coming down.  Perhaps they will come down to the point where I can afford one in the next few years.  I am perplexed.  I have a first class FCC license and am thoroughly versed on standard TV. 

I see flat screen TV with 1040 and 480 resolution and 620 x 480 resolution.  What is the difference?  I see liquid crystal projection TV's.  I know of the older ones with the three over driven tubes.  They did not last long.  What do we know about liquid crystal projection?  Is it any good?  I see expensive plasma TVs.  Are they worth the extra cost?  Do they last? I see liquid crystal flat screens.  Is this technology better or worse?

Finally I see flat screens with built in standard NSTV tuners.  I see them with built in DVD drives.  I see none with built in HD tuners.  Why not?  If I were to pay $1,000 for a TV I want the HD tuner built in.  It reminds me of the day when we had to install FM converter boxes in our autos.  Any reason for this?

Perplexed.

Frank Z