[Maarten]

I had a bare TV with a blanket thrown over it, transported by a specialised courier (he sometimes crosses the channel with a single can of industrial grade paint strapped down on a euro pallet in the back - so not someone who throws customers stuff around), but if I would have actually had to pay him the full rate for the trip, it would probably only be appropriate for the more expensive sets. I'd rather not have a TV transported by a general postal service but if it's small enough to double box with enough padding, it will probably be okay.

I think correctly wadded up newspaper is better at absorbing shocks than bubble wrap, but both have their place in packing. Bubble wrap would definitely make a good first few layers around the set itself in the inner box. Instead of newspaper, air filled bags or sturdy foam could be used between the boxes. Air bags could also be used to fill up the space inside the TV set to provide some support to heavy components.

I agree that a largish package that is inconvenient to handle is less likely to be thrown around or dropped from significant height, but it can still be damaged from stuff falling on it and/or penetrating. Or it could be dropped from the back of the van by accident, because it's inconvenient to handle.