dengor, I own a Mistsubishi 48" widescreen rear projection CRT TV that has a removable screen protector, (that glassy finish you see in the stores). With the screen protector removed the screen gives a filmlike look without the reflections and glare. The protector is there to reduce the risk of damage to the screen by sources such as pets, children, wives... . It is not required to be on, though some companies might not have designed their sets to have the owner remove it. Some Panasonics we were looking at had the screen protectors as an optional purchase.