Plasma vs LCD help, which is better?


Getting a new TV.
Right now am torn between a 50" phillips plasma, 50 samsung plasma and a 46" samsung LCD. All about $3000. All are cable ready with digital inputs. I probably won't be using HDMI any time soon. Will the LCD hold up better to a lot of use? Will all of the extras on the phillips just cause more problems?
Thanks for any input.
By the way, prefer to buy local/new in pittsburgh.
elevick
Plasma has better "blacks" than LCD. Think of blacks as in bass for music. It sets the foundation for everything else.
(I own a 42" NEC plasma)
FWIW I just bought the Panasonic TH-42PX60U for $2179 local dealer (Sound Advice/ Tweeter). I could only get it for <$180 less on line.... Nice set, as Tweak says, way better black level than LCD, and cheaper.... I liked the Pioneer PRo, but for 2x the price, not worth it.
I bought the Panasonic 42" plasma hdtv (th-42phd8uk) - industrial model - no tuner, no speakers - picture is by far the best i've seen anywhere (especially the black levels - when watching hi def live sports it is like looking thru a window into the scene (heard this comment from everyone thats seen the tv)I use cable box and HT for sound. I beleive there is a consumer model of this TV also.
I have gotta agree with all the Pro-Plasma comments. Plasma also has a superior off-axis viewing. I think it is as close to the Direct View tube as one can get without all the weight. If Toshiba and Canon ever get their SED out on the shelves that may be the only thing that can beat the Plasma in flat panel.
Go to avsforum and go to the NEC thread. Seach: 50XM5 or 50XR5. Either way, you will find 109 pages of well let's just call it 'Do The Hand Jive...'