Sony KDL-46EX500
I have the 40" version and love it for its sharpness and bright colors.
We bought a 52 inch Samsung 3 years ago, and it has been terrific!
You totally can’t go wrong with a higher end Samsung. While you are at it, pick yourself up a PS3. Great Bluray player, and gaming console.
I wouldn’t buy an LCD TV. I would buy an LED TV, the clarity and sharpness is MUCH better in the LED TVs.
I’m an audio/video/gadget freak, used to be in the consumer electronics business myself, etc., and I research everything like crazy before making a decision. If you’re not set on a flat panel style, you might take a look at the DLPs, the new generation of “big screen,” ie. rear projection sets. They’re MUCH MUCH thinner than the old style, more streamlined, and they deliver unmatched quality/size for the buck. I bought my son a 65” Mitsubishi Diamond Series last Christmas and it’s simply fantastic. Picture quality is impeccable and if you’re a gamer or big sports watcher, the cool thing about DLP is that it doesn’t burn in, period. $1200ish.
If you are indeed set on the flat panel format, my personal preference right now is probably Samsung.
MM