In the market for a plasma.........suggestions?

Soundsmith1
I was not trying to get confusing and criticle, basically people would see the sets as LCD from sony.. excuse the exact term.. But I kinda was stating 2 seprate by Saying the "3 Panel LCD " from sony and the SXRD from sony, I just blended the statements together... As far as the picture being worse or better is gonna be tuff to prove one way or the other and money is a factor.. Mostly the new LCD's cost more than Plasma as well, and I have seen them tweeked with just as good of picture and not the downfalls of Burnt images, and Simple Bulb changes can save the LCD a plasma fails and its panel is done from my understanding. Sorry for the confusing post.

Whether or not LCD bulb changes are truely possible by a consumer or not is a matter of debate. Know anyone who has actually changed one?

Burn in in plasma is basically a myth as far as current residential displays. LCds form of "burn in" is MUCH more common, which is an uneveness in image light/contrast due to bulbs malfunctioning. Extremely common.

Sorry, Undertow, but the technologies are very different in operation which is why I drew the distinction. The Three-Chip LCD rear-projection and LCOS both indeed do produce great pictures and resolution, but I have yet to see an LCD flat panel over about 25" that I'd buy or recommend. The larger they get, the grainier, and they all seem to have that "cartoonish" look to the colors. Reproduction of blacks continues to be a problem. For flat panels, I'll stick with plasma. And yes, I am critical.
TVAD, I appreciate the fact that you've had direct experience in the "pros;" more insight into the topic always helps. Good info.

I see Panasonic just dropped the MSRP of the 60U to $1800. The price of even good branded plasma is crashing through the floor.

Thanks to all who have given suggestions/advice. I'm awaiting delivery of the Oppo 970 dvd and will making the plasma decision soon. The HD dvd player looked nice at first, but have received mixed reviews and still needs to mature IMO. Have been out of town and while visiting my father, noticed that he now has a Hitachi plasma monitor in his office which looked great while watching the Colts game. I'm torn between Panasonic and Hitachi plasma. Which brand would you all go with and why? Thanks.