I recently bought a 54" Panasonic Viera Plasma G10 from the US (much cheaper!). The picture is mind blowing. It blew my old 42" LCd out of the water.

The new generation of Plasmas are very light, energy efficient (only use a few % more power than equally sized LCDs), and have no permanent burn in problems. I play lots of video games, and watch bluray movies and it's just incredible.

LCDs are good these days, but they cost more than equally good plasmas due to consumer perception. Get the plasma, much cheaper. For plasmas yu want either Panasonic or Samsung, both are good, avoid LG.

More info here: http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/index.html

My experience with Plasma is I suffer from what may be referred to as the "Rainbow Effect" or "image tracing" with Plasma TV's. I believe Plasmas are a better viewing tv in a dark room with better contrast most definitely, but due to the effect it gives me I cant watch it. My last purchase was a LCD due to its ablility to perform in a well lit room, as well they are burn resistant for video games. LED is the future but not yet  $$$$$$$$$$

The blacks are much better with plasma, even with the newer led ldc. And the viewing angle too. Go to any big store that has a lot on demo, and watch and compare, you will see.

Quoted from sorcerer

My experience with Plasma is I suffer from what may be referred to as the "Rainbow Effect" or "image tracing" with Plasma TV's.

I thought this issue was only present on DLP LCD's???

D

Quoted from Menace

I thought this issue was only present on DLP LCD's???

D

You will never get the mentioned effect with a liquid crystal display...digital light processing is another story all together. When I bought my projector I almost got sick on 106 inches of "rainbow effect" so I went with an LCD and tolerating a little screen door effect its perfect. My tv is over 50 " its an LCD and I tried a Plasma first cause I really wanted one but the effect was there for me again. So I guess I am LCD until I get LED LCD... But es this effect is still noticable to some..not all..viewrs on a Plasma..

Not wanting to confuse DlP with Plasma...I am not sure why the effect is still there for me but it does effect certain people..It might very well be because the contrast ratio is so very good ...that when your eyes go from one side of the screen to the other on a large Plasma you may see what I talking about, if not enjoy you new Plasma

Quoted from sorcerer

Not wanting to confuse DlP with Plasma...I am not sure why the effect is still there for me but it does effect certain people..It might very well be because the contrast ratio is so very good ...that when your eyes go from one side of the screen to the other on a large Plasma you may see what I talking about, if not enjoy you new Plasma

Ya, I think it's a bit of a mystery. I googled it and someone said that 1 in a million experience it. If you know you have it, then ya. Otherwise, get a plasma.

Quoted from muligan

Wow thats alot of TV.  I figured on maybe replacing the bulb every 2 years and prolly upgrading every three After watching movies and sports on the big screen I don't think I could go back down to a 50"

Yeah, like i said I got a lot of life out of bulbs, but if you are a TV fiend, your mileage may vary!

I do really really miss having a massive screen.  I still have a projector, though it was getting some blue-ing in a corner of the screen... but i have an open wall in the "Manitarium"...so i am still thinking of setting it up with a Wii for gun games.

The WII   is pretty cool on the big screen not quit as good as playstation 3  

Quoted from axe

Yeah, like i said I got a lot of life out of bulbs, but if you are a TV fiend, your mileage may vary!

I do really really miss having a massive screen.  I still have a projector, though it was getting some blue-ing in a corner of the screen... but i have an open wall in the "Manitarium"...so i am still thinking of setting it up with a Wii for gun games.

Now that you have a lot of info go out there and look at a lot of TVs.  Check them out and ask questions in different stores.  This will give you a good idea.  Now is the time to buy, many companies are stuck with huge stock piles of high end TVs that they need to unload.  The US market is so bad right now that many companies are trying to sell their stock in Canada that is why you can get some awesome deals.

My best advise...........look at many.

take care

Lets face it.. It doesn't matter what you buy cause it'll be 'wrong' and/or obsolete in 6months.
As far as Plasma VS. LCD; there have been lots of advancements in both technoligies and many of the past comparisions regarding refresh rates, viewing angles, screen burn, contrast levels are no longer true.
Just be sure if you're using the internet to make your decision that it's recent information & reviews that you are using.

Trying to find the one perfect HDTV will only drive you insane and in the end I'm sure 90% of people would be happy with either Plasma or LCD. LED are nice also if you have the cash.
Still can't decide? some manufactures websites have applications to help you choose depending on your budget, room size & viewing habits.
I used the one on Samsung's website to help me decide...

Good luck
Adam