If 4x3 tv is a concern of yours, as _Man_ said, they do make 4x3 hdtv's. I have seen some direct view sets for very resonable prices. But the main reason I have a 16x9 hdtv is for watching dvd's. And they look spectacular on a widescreen tv. I don't mind stretching out 4x3 material to fit my...
Sorry to hear you had such bad luck with you hdtv's. I have had one for 3 years now and have enjoyed it to it's fullest. My tv viewing experience has NEVER been better. I know there is no a lot of hdtv on DirectTv yet but the progressive scan images of an anamorphic dvd are worth having hdtv...