Fall Flat Panel Lineup

You've received some terrific advice! As mentioned the source and calibration of these panels is the key. Use the best sources you can..just like audio. And calibrate the TV once you receive it. That's the tough part about judging any of these TVs in a store. Most likely none of them are calibrated.
So you'll get mixed reviews on what's the best.

The wrong calibrations and sources will make any panel look terrible. I would not spend 5 grand on a panel. The prices come down so quickly ...you'd be upset 6 months later with the price of the same panel. I would go for a close out model..which ever unit you purchase.

You can get a great new TV for nearly half of what it originally sold for.

You may want to check out www.avsforum for mucho discussion on all formats, sources, displays etc.

Thanks for all the good information.

Black levels: When folks say plasma has better blacks, does that mean good shadow details or that blacks are just more black, which can block out shadow details?

Source: I live in an apartment with Comcast feed. Is there a better alternative for a source for me?

DVD: Right now I've got a Sony 9000es and imagine I'll move up to Blue Ray and/or the Oppo, of which I've read many good things.

Magnolia: I stopped by yesterday and saw the 2008 Sony against the 2009 Pioneer Elite. Both looked really good. I thought the Sony showed a little grain in continuous tone images, but had a little better shadow detail than the Elite. Both were fed a 720 image according to the salesperson. At the size range (about 50") and with their source I would not say that artifacting was an issue with either of these models. The salesperson said the new Sony XBR comes out in Septmeber or October. I may wait until then, so I can compare it to the other two. Has anybody viewed the new Sony XBR, such as at CES?

Thanks again for all the good input. Jeff

I agree with most of the prior posts. Both LCD and Plasma provide wonderful viewing experiences with a good source. I think the biggest consideration should be your viewing environment. If the TV will be in a well lit room with lots of lights/windows, etc., then a matte screen LCD is the best choice IMHO. If you have a dark room where you can control the light and/or block off windows, etc. then plasma comes into play. Plasma still offers deeper blacks, but LCD typically offers better whites as they intend to be brighter (another reason they're good in a bright room). Both can offer good low level detail with proper calibration.

I was hoping somebody would offer what Cruz noted........remember even if Plasma is in darker room that lamps will show up in reflection and canbe annoying, I still feel Plasma is the way to go quality wise but the lines are getting increasingly blurred, if you get an LCD with a very high contrast ratio and a 120hz platform should be great for most viewers, calibrate with a professional and your all set.