I'm looking for a big new LCD or projection type

I would wait and do a bit more research on the LED backlit LCD. You want a high contrast ratio? How's about 500,00.00:1 ?. DLP will eventually go away except a few big size like 72" or 73". The retail price of these dinosaurs has dropped drastically and so is the retail price of the Plasma. Some company as Toshiba has stopped making the DLP. Mits still have some 65" to 73" DLPs untill their Laser tvs debut.

We have the Aquos LC52D62U and are delighted with it. There are some better spec numbers out there but the 'D62U looked better than anything we saw at a large Best Buy store with the exception of a couple of super big Pioneers in the $7500 - $12,000 range which impressed me as "equal" picture quality as the Aquos. Our in home experience with this TV has been as impressive as was our showroom experience...Ultimately, I suspect the individual preference factor for these devices is quite similar to that with higher end loudspeakers - what impresses one may not be as impressive to another. I'd have a look at each of these units you're considering in person and up next to one another if possible. As with audio, what's visually most "musical" to you may or may not depend upon spec. numbers so much as what the experience provided in real time is like.

Samsung is best banmg for buck (you pay bit of premium for Sony's nice styling).I'd go for any of fist 3.See the reviews at CNET and PC World.
Chazz

I would go with the Sony because it has a great picture and it's bigger. 52" to 60" is a pretty large jump and I think having a larger picture adds a lot to the enjoyment. Of course you don't say what your distance is, or if you need a flat panel (I don't). Someone else mentioned the new Mits DLP units which are also worth considering (again not flat but up to 73".)

Best bang for the buck - Sony KDS-60A3000. Lists at $2200 - 60" and should be viewed before you purchase anything. It rivals and surpasses a number of LCDs and plasmas in picture quality at 1/2 to 1/3 the price. One of the best-kept secrets in video that I recently got turned onto.