If you and/or kids ever plan on playing any kind of console games on it, I'd stick to an LCD. I personally don't care what manufacturers say about plasma not burning in on today's models. There will always be a chance that they will burn in, period. And if I'm dropping $800 on a TV, I won't mind spending another $200 for the peace of mind that I or my kids can never hurt it playing games on it. By the way, you can easily get BD players as well as other things bundled with sets today. HHgregg will just about bend over to get you where you need to be price wise so do not be afraid to push any sales guy to the limit. Now, for TV's I have owned Sharps, Toshibas, and LGs. The best pictures I've seen were on the LG and it's more than likely because of the 240Hz refresh rate when watching sports. The Sharp is a close second but not as good as the LG because it's only a 120Hz. Lastly the Toshiba was okay but I don't know that I'd buy one again. RVT has a pretty much top of the line Sharp Quattron 3D 60". Beautiful TV and it's 240Hz as well. When shopping in the store keep the features in mind more than the picture you're seeing. The feeds to the sets are split dozens of times and you WILL NEVER get the full effect of the sets picture quality until you get it home. Just do your homework, find a couple models you like then start your shopping for a good deal.