Very happy with my Panny 50" plasma. Four years of very heavy use and never a problem and picture still looks fantastic. Never go by how a TV looks in a store -- they're never optimally calibrated so it's always an apples to oranges comparison. Once set up properly I'd think most of the Panny, Samsung, and LG sets will look very good. Read reviews here and there are lots on CNET that will give you some comparisons and other info. on features, function, etc. that may be helpful.
I think some of the Panny models offer an auto-calibration mode that approximates ISF standards, and in the one review I read it seemed to get pretty close and the reviewer was impressed. If so, that largely takes the calibration issue out of the equation and saves you upwards of $500 on getting an ISF certified guy to do it (unless you want to take it to that level). You can also get "recommended" settings for lots of TVs from "experts" from some of the TV sites (can't remember which anymore), so those at least can get you in the ballpark.
Last thing I'll mention, I sprung for an APC power conditioner that offers voltage regulation (compensates for dips/surges in power coming from the wall) along with filtering and surge protection. We have lots of power issues in our area (who doesn't these days), and it's nice knowing the TVs power supply isn't being subjected to all the strain and abuse. Not sure how much this has helped, but as I mentioned I've got several years of heavy use on mine with lots of brownouts, blackouts, etc. and never a problem. At the very least it's a nice peace of mind.
Best of luck
I think some of the Panny models offer an auto-calibration mode that approximates ISF standards, and in the one review I read it seemed to get pretty close and the reviewer was impressed. If so, that largely takes the calibration issue out of the equation and saves you upwards of $500 on getting an ISF certified guy to do it (unless you want to take it to that level). You can also get "recommended" settings for lots of TVs from "experts" from some of the TV sites (can't remember which anymore), so those at least can get you in the ballpark.
Last thing I'll mention, I sprung for an APC power conditioner that offers voltage regulation (compensates for dips/surges in power coming from the wall) along with filtering and surge protection. We have lots of power issues in our area (who doesn't these days), and it's nice knowing the TVs power supply isn't being subjected to all the strain and abuse. Not sure how much this has helped, but as I mentioned I've got several years of heavy use on mine with lots of brownouts, blackouts, etc. and never a problem. At the very least it's a nice peace of mind.
Best of luck