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30-34" HDTVs as Video Source

Posted by townsend on January 8, 2003 at 17:36:20:
Trying to set up home theater in upstairs bedroom. The video source will sit on a Bell'ogetti stand against one wall--it is 11 feet to the other wall. I primarily plan to watch widescreen anamorphic DVDs, and some nonanamorphic ones. Other gear: NAD T751, Marantz DV-8300, Monitor Audio silver speakers in a stereo set up.
I'm not concerned about rear surround sound speakers--I'll either use L&R fronts only (synthesize surround sound), or add a center and have L/center/R.
Since I only have 11 feet, I must optimally use space. A plasma screen is ideal in several respects: thin, large video source (32", 42"), but there are several drawbacks (cost prohibitive being #1, screen burn in, poor black levels). I don't want to spend 5,000 on a plasma now, b/c I think the prices will continue to drop (not fast enough for me!), and plasma technology is advancing enough that 3 years ago, I would want a new one. Also, the plasma pictures I like most are on the more expensive plasma sets--Pioneer Elite.
I've considered LCD technologies (30" Sharp), but off-axis viewing poses a problem, and I'm not ready to cast my lot w/ Samsung or Panasonic DLP RPTVs yet (I do think this technology holds promise and I eagerly await the 2nd generation sets).
I therefore incline to direct view HDTVs. A 34" is a nice size screen, but since they are all ~2 feet deep (Sony, Panasonic, Phillips), it seriously cuts into my 11-foot area. Also, these sets are so large (in addition to being 2 feet deep, they are about 2 feet high and over 3 feet wide)they overpower the room somewhat.
So I am left with a 30" HDTV set. They are slightly smaller and fit well on my stand. I like the Phillips best, Samsung's Tantus next, though Panasonic and Samsung (the black one) are also out there.
My question: has anyone set up a similar home theater? I concerned that the viewable screen on certain DVDs will produce a picture so small that it's simple not enjoyable to watch. I know this is a different set, but on my 27" Panasonic TV, Blackhawk Down--with an aspect ratio of 2:40:1--is almost unwatchable. It's just too narrow. I don't want to spend 2,000 for a 30" and end up feeling that DVDs on the screen are so small that there isn't a smidgeon of the "theater" experience. E.g., I have a 19" Dell monitor, but I don't enjoy watching movies on my computer.
I know that w/ the Phillips set, one can expand the picture to "fit" the screen, but I don't want to do that if the resulting picture is "distorted".
P.S. I know there are rules that one needs to sit from 2 to 2 1/2 screen heights from the video source, etc.
I know it might not be possible to set up a decent system in such a "narrow" width (11 feet), but if someone has wrestled w/ this problem, I would appreciate your insights, & any comments on the 34" Phillips are welcome (I think the newer one has addressed the HD source hook up problem found on last year's model). Thank you.