Originally posted by some guy on Amazon

Most have said the detail improvement by bumping up to the XX65/6 over the XX61 is subtle. The 4661 has more of a matte finish around the edge whereas the XX65 has a shinier edge -- which most have said is not bothersome when watching a show (some were concerned at first because they could see themselves while watching TV but have said overall it doesn't bother them).

DO NOT get wrapped up in the whole "15000:1 versus 10000:1 contrast ratio" marketing difference. The differences are again much more subtle than manufacturers would have you believe. There are whole articles about how anything over 500:1 in anything but a _completely dark_ room is not noticeable to the naked eye.

Probably the main reason to perhaps go with the XX65 series is due to the apparently "lacking" speakers on the XX61 series. If you do NOT plan to hook this TV to an external sound system, then it may be worth considering the XX65 for the improved built-in speakers. The 65 has them on the sides, the XX61 has them underneath facing downwards and apparently the sound isn't ideal. Although one might say for the 300 price difference between the two, buy the 61 series and apply that 300 towards a nice stereo receiver like a Yamaha.