With HDTV, there are many factors affecting your viewing experience of the TV.
One factor is viewing distance. Generally, your viewing distance should be between two to five times your screen width.
Personally, I think plasma do a better at displaying free-to-air channels, or standard definition TV.
http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/ is a good place to do some reading up.
If you want to save yourself a headache, just enjoy what you have lor.