seeking 55 inch LED TV matte Screen, 2011 model

I've been to a video specialty store that carries 2D, 3D, LCD and plasma. While arguments can be made for LCD or plasma in 2D, if you're going for 3D, the plasma beats LCD categorically, hands down. I think it has something to do with plasma's much higher refresh rate. A fast LCD TV has a 240 Hz refresh rate. Plasmas are typically 600 or 660 Hz. Panasonic's top-of-the-line 55" 3D plasma is $2500 tops, and is pretty amazing.

The LG models are superb. The LW5600 has everything including 3D in a 120hz model and the LW6500 adds the 240hz processing. The best feature on these is the localized dimming from the back lit LED panels (opposed to edge lit panels). All plasmas have glare from their glass screens and have never lasted as long as the LCDs I have sold over the years. (average 4 to 7 years) The Sharps go from 52" to 60" screens and are also very nice. The discontinued Sharp 835 series has glare but the 830 series does not. Costco recently had the 833 series Sharp 60" LED with 240hz for $1350. That series does not utilize Sharp's quad pixel technology but rather Red, Green, Blue only.

If you go with the LG, be certain to obtain an extended warranty. We have installed several dozen LGs (of all types) in an academic setting, and the reliability has been mediocre at best. To my eyes, the Aquos is the way to go.