Panasonic VT50

What I don't like about Panasonic TV is that digital audio output is automatically set to 2 channel with NTSC (no longer broadcasted) and 5.1 Dolby with HDTV. My DAC does not work with 5.1 Dolby and there is no way to change it on Panasonic TV (no menu item). I bought Samsung 55" since it has menu selection of audio output format.

Panasonics are disposable TVs that go bad very fast. Replacement components such as digital control board will probably match the price of new.

Marakanetz- I've been very happy w my Panny 42" plasma. However, most consumer products these days that are under $500 are difficult if not impossible to get repaired economically. No excuse for it, its just the way it is.

Panasonics overall are not "disposable TVs that go bad very fast." Quite the opposite. That statement is simply not substantiated by any significant amount of feedback/information I've ever read over the years or by my own personal experience. There may be a few people out there who have had problems -- there always are no matter how good the product -- but the vast majority of people who provide feedback on Panasonic TVs (feel free to browse the boards) are very happy long-term customers and would happily purchase one again (Samsung plasmas generally in this category too). I've had mine for seven years under very heavy use and never had a problem despite living in an area with lots of power outages and brown-outs on top of the heavy use. Several friends of mine also have them and are extremely happy as well. Don't let your decision be over-influenced by one person's negative experience. They're great TVs.

Got one 42" in 2007 in 2010 diagnosed with control
board failure $350 for the board + remaining value of TV =
disposable unit for near kilobuck when new. Managed to
'band-aid' the bad one and quickly dump it to Pawn America
for $250 Whew! Switched to Sony 34 1080i KDS tube HDTV and
happy camper again. I like electronics built good.