Which hdtv would you recommend and why?

Ask yourself what features and benefits that you need and make an intelligent based on your own.

If you just need a 55" flat panel LCD with 120 Hz, I would recommend the Samsung LN55C630 that you can catch it on sale between $1,299.00 to $1,499.00. The Samsung LN series use the old CCF light so it's heavy and a bit thicker than the LCD/LED. It does not matter much if you will not hang them on the wall.

If you need a LCD/LED that provides you 1.5" thick and can be hanged ( not wall bracket-mount) on the wall with Samsung cable mount then go with the UN55 series. The benefits are 40% more effiency ( less electric bill), higher contrast ratio, can be hanged flat against the wall without any bulky wall-mount. Of course, you will have to pay some more $$$ for these attractive benefits.

Panasonics make some awesome Plasma with THX certified and wifi ready....Do you need Internet Apps or do you not ?

Mits has some nice flat panel with blu tooth capacity and nice array of internal speakers. Will you be using the internal speakers at all or will you not?

3D Tv is here to stay that why the price on these LCDs and LCD/LEDs price drops like fly. You do not want 3D, this is the time to catch some of the good sell.

Happy shopping.

LG and Samsung LCD/LEDs have the best picture and functionality wo a doubt but they cost more. I bought a 240 hz LG 55" last week for $1500 free ship on Amazon. It was easy to set up, $700 less than I could find a 240 HZ model locally. Fully internet enabled which is slick. The Panasonics are cheaper but in an exhaustive side by side comparison the picture was a step down. The Sony's are pretty close but still a step below. I did not find the Sharps to be as good. IMO the LG and Samsung are in a class by themselves. I did not look for 3D. I had a hard time finding a Plasma option as they are being phased out and the reflective screens will be problematic unless they are in a dark home theater.

I am very happy with my Panasonic 50" plasma, have had it a year and a half now. I would also highly recommend that you have it professionally calibrated after the 200 hour break-in, this made a huge difference, and now I know how to mess with it myself if I ever feel the need to.

I have Panasonic Plasma and Sony LCD (XBR). I perfer plasma. Beware, most make several quality levels. I was in a Sony store last week. They display the models side by side. The more you pay, the better the picture.