@ Troncoso
I see what you mean, but OP is using a tv, not a monitor. While its true that the tv isnt made specifically with pc resolutions in mind, most graphics drivers these days have addition options available for optimizing quality on this type of display as it is becoming a more familiar practice. I use my tv for my monitor as well, I found that ATI has some great software for tweaking the video.
The next hurdle if OP were to use VGA is the audio.
I figure even if they use a lower, closer-to-vga-quality resolution through the hdmi cable, the ability to send the audio out, and through just one cable as well, is definitely worth it.
As for the burn-in issue, this is something that is most common on plasma tvs, not lcd. After leaving my computer on for long periods of time over the years I have not noticed any burn in at all in my lcd tv.