Which hdtv would you recommend and why?

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.

I have two Vizio's, a 32" LCD and a 50" plasma...very happy with both.

I have an older Vizio 50" (3-4 yrs old) and it is nice but quirky. On occasion it will loose the picture or sound and I will have to turn it off and on again to restore whichever one stopped working. This makes me nervous, I do not recommend Vizio for that reason.