I would not buy a TV from a store right now unless they're having a crazy deal. Check out newegg.com before you buy anything or you might get ripped off.
A lot of their TVs are offering free shipping, some even free in home installs. We're all suggesting TVs but we don't really know what you'll be using them for, so help us out?
Are you going to be watching lots of sports?
Gonna be playing lots of video games?
Lots of DVDs or Blu-Rays?
Lots of HD Cable/Satellite?
Though LCD has caught up to Plasma in many ways, if you're looking for a 50" a plasma may be your best option. They do use more energy and tend to have a shorter life span, but if you're planning on stepping up soon a plasma may be for you. They're better at sports and with contrast/clearer blacks, though like I said many high quality LCDs have caught up. Keep this in mind when thinking about dishing out a grand for your TV
EDIT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2102640385+1389727627&Configurator=&Subcategory=385&description=&Ntk=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=
50" LG Plasma 720p for $900, Free shipping. I don't know about Samsung, but I can tell you that both newegg's and LG's customer service departments are unrivaled in my experience. LG owns Zenith and when our TV had the Y+Z boards + power supply go out, they fixed it for FREE after we'd bought it through a recertifier.