A new TV (plasma or lcd??) plz help

[DougBob]

Here's my 2 cents.
I recently purchase a 52" Samsung LCD 1080P LN-T5265F for 2,499. I wouldn't trade it for anything. My previous was a 52" Rear projection Samsung the LCD replaced and there is absolutely, no matter what anyone tells you, no comparison between a rear projection and LCD. LCD in the 1080 resolution are so much clearer due to the fact there is no such thing as focusing on a LCD TV.
The LCD in 1080P while watching HD channels just knocks your socks off. The Samsung like other good 1080P LCD has a 10000:1 contrast ration, which is what you should look for. Most like that should have the specs around it. The 10000:1 is a dynamic contrast ration, which means it has some behind the flat panel assistance usually to brighten the picture up, but compared to a lower ratio TV the high contrast makes the picture stand out so much more.
Good luck on you search and if I were to recommend one, I would suggest the Sharp Aquos 1080P line of LCDs. Great flat panels, there a little higher on the price, but quality is excellent. Recently purchase my mom the 32" Aquos, great TV.

[Hammy]

there is absolutely, no matter what anyone tells you, no comparison between a rear projection and LCD.

I agree up to the point where a person may consider the square footage requirements or the power consumption between the two objects in comparison.

Dougbob is on the money though otherwise.

Televisions are at the Hubble Telescope level now, where change over time is smaller and smaller and quality becomes noticable only in generational comparison. Generational comparison being a television from 3 years ago versus another today.

Even that level of comparison is unfair because we all know that all electronics in the television class degrade like a boathull or engine- hours in use effect the output over time.