[savedbygrace]

If you decide only based on picture quality, go with the Panny plasmas. They cannot be beat.

But whatever you do, stay away from Toshiba.

If the Panny plasmas are out of the running, then consider this: I’ve been in the video business as a shooter and editor or many years, and my eyes are well trained for noticing tiny differences in the video image. To get an idea of the monitors most people choose between, I went to WalMart recently.

I examined each very carefully, realizing the ‘room’ lighting was lousy and worked against seeing the images as they would appear at home.

Of all the 1080p monitors lined up on the back wall, I chose the Sony Bravia 46” Class 1080p LCD HDTV, KDL-46S504. It’s not as good as the Panasonic plasmas, but it’s better than anything else WalMart sells. IMO.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-46-KDL46S504/12460936

Note: WalMart sells a 50” Panasonic 720p plasma, but I was only looking for 1080p, so I ignored it. If that’s not a limiting factor for you, WM is selling it cheap right now:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Panasonic-50-TC-P50C1/12565692

[RayChuang88]

Thanks for the suggestion but 46" is out of the question due to fitment issues in the family room.

I'm still leaning towards the Sony KDL-40EX500, unless someone can talk me into a better 40" to 42" LCD 120 Hz flat panel....

[Eska]

I bought a 61 inch Rear project Samsung 5 years ago for 2300 bucks; still cookin at least 8 hours a day. Only 720, but I'm happy. I've replaced 2 bulbs, one color wheel, and 2 fans myself; easy to do, online details. I'm buying a mitsub diamond 82 inch this summer, waiting on price drop before football starts. Should be around 2500 by then.

I really like the bigger tvs, especially for football, hockey, and nascar.

[ElectionInspector]

go with the Panny plasmas. They cannot be beat.

+1 ... have the 50” plasma and its great for my #1 use, sports viewing via Dish...

ymmv

[KYGrandma]

We bought a 50” inch Panasonic plasma. We really like it. I like the fact you can get a good view from anywhere in the room.