I'd rather have a popcorn dispenser built into a TV than any more internet jiggery pokery.

Dan, I have no idea what your dad's budget is, nor what size screen, nor if you guys are considering a specific display tech, but I can wholeheartedly recommend my LCD (local-dimmable) backlit Vizio 551XVT. The price was definitely right too. After a nice price drop at Costco it was $1700 Canadian early last year. They've since released a few models with more internet stuff baked in to try and keep the price point static, but they still tend to be lower priced than the competition. I wouldn't trade my TV for anything from Samsung, LG or Sony.