LCD TV - Are they reliable ?

I've got a 1080p 50" Panasonic plasma that looks incredible (and I've got it in a very bright room), has black levels that LCD probably can't touch, and cost me less than $1500. To back up what Ttowntony said I've had the set for 6 months under heavy use and haven't had problem one despite power outages, brownouts, etc., and this with the TV plugged directly into the wall. Plus I don't have to worry about burnt out bulbs. With all this, I can't imagine why I'd choose LCD at this point.

Best of luck.

Trust me Soix if you used your display for other than watching television. As a PC monitor or game display...you'd quickly realize why some use LCD. You'd have image retention all over the screen. Don't get me wrong ..I still love my plasma, but the LCDs do have their advantages as well.

If I stuck a good LCD in that bright room..you'd also realize how dim a plasma can be in certain areas.

The other advantage is noise. I've never heard one LCD buzz...I've heard many plasmas do it.

Good points Gmood -- wasn't thinking about PC/gaming. As with most things audio/video there are always trade-offs.

A related point, it's amazing that almost every non-videophile's house I go to has their HDTV's contrast/brightness/color levels cranked up to eye-piercing levels. And they think their pictures look "great" because they're so bright. When I make a few adjustments to make the picture look somewhat natural and give it some depth they think it looks horrible. Given that, it's probably good that many people are opting for LCD rather than cutting the useful life of a plasma in half. Much cheaper to change a bulb in the long run I would guess.

I believe in 'infant mortality'....that electronics are far more likely to break during 'break in' than later.
Most stuff has a very hi MTBF and is reliable. I therefore NEVER buy an extended warranty, knowing that it is likely to break during warranty and be good for a good while if it survives.
I had a hi-end CD player purchased new...DOA and no extended warranty.
Need an Example? Bryston uses premium parts and build, have a 20 year (gasp!) warranty and do an extensive factory burn-in....weeding out all the defects B4 shipping

I normally don't buy them either. I did for my Hitachi 60" LCD rear projection and it has paid for itself with a new light engine and a bulb replacement. I plan to get another bulb replaced before the warranty expires.